Should I Convince My Mom To Homeschool Me?

Question

Okay well I have a couple of questions about homeschooling:
1. How can I socialize? I have gone to school for about 11 years now and I have a couple of friends. I don't do that well socially in the first place anyway so I don't know if having no social interaction would be a good thing.
2. Can you get in a good ivy league college if you are homeschooled? I know this sounds like a longshot but I want to go to either Yale, Harvard, Princeton, Tulane, UCLA, Rhodes, Columbia, or John Hopkins.
3. My mom works full time so I guess my grandmother (Who is a retired public school teacher.) would have to do it. Also I heard that you have to get some kind of permit and I don't think my mom would be willing to take all that time to do it.
4. I do horseback riding and I would have a lot more time to get practice and get very competitive. Plus, I would have an extra $7,000 a year. (My private school tuition cost $7k a year.)
So what do you think? Thanks for your answers!!

Answer 1

1. I don't think homeschooling means no socialization. When I was in high school I had several good friends that went to other high schools or private school and we were still best friends. Homeschooling doesn't mean you can't be friends anymore with people that go to a different school or type of school. Also nowadays homeschooling is pretty widespread so if you google your town, and live in a decent sized town or near one, they often have homeschooling groups you can join that also have proms, dances, graduations, etc.

2. Yes, I know at least some (if not all) Ivy League colleges accept home schoolers. The first homeschooler I ever met was taking a college class with me and had gotten accepted into an Ivy League college. My thought would be that if you, for example, get into competive horseback riding, and compare that to your classmates where you would be one of out 300 or whatever (however many are in your class), you would be more of a standout to an admissions committee as a champion horseback rider compared to 300 good students.

I would contact the Admissions Department or Registrar office for the Ivy League colleges that you most want to attend and ask them what they are looking for, what you need on your transcript, and what you can do to maximize your chances for getting accepted.

3. Your parent is always ultimately responsible for the paperwork and requirements for whatever your state demands, so your mom will have to sign off or whatever. However, there is no reason, in my opinion, if your grandmother wanted to help her maintain a portfolio (if your state requires one) or help to supervise/teach you your subjects as a retired teacher that she could not do so. It seems like she would be a great resource for that. You can find out your state laws for homeschooling at: http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp

5. You would have extra tuition money if you homeschooled, but if you start competitive horseback riding I am pretty sure that is an expensive sport. You will probably want to have field trips as part of your curriculum. If your grandmother teaches you, I think you might want to think about reimbursing her for her costs and teaching. And books/textbooks/supplies can add up, too. And if you are going to apply to college you will soon have to pay for SAT costs and admission fees to colleges!

Answer 2

1. You might find that by homeschooling you will have a better social life. Naysayers complain about it and homeschooling parents rejoice in it: homeschoolers tend to be different. My experience here has been that homeschooled teens are very welcoming of new teens to their circle. Just start finding out about homeschooling support groups where you live. Even if you don't have a homeschool support group in place, you can still do things with your friends and you'll have time to volunteer or socialize in some other way.

2. Yes, you can get into ivy league colleges. Yale and Harvard accept homeschoolers regularly. I'm not sure about the others, bu I imagine so.

3. At your age, you probably don't need an actual teacher, other than perhaps to look over written work. You could sign up with an online school (some are free depending on where you live) or could just do stuff yourself with textbooks. If you put together your own program of study for next year, it'd probably be a plus on your side for convincing your mom.

4. Yes, homeschooling would definitely give you the chance to spend more time horseback riding! However, do keep in mind that to purchase materials or to sign up with some online schools does cost money--but not $7000!

I would suggest that instead of looking at it in terms of convincing your mom to let you be homeschooled, look at it instead in terms of exploring the idea further with your mom. The slight shift in focus will change, for the better, the ensuing discussion.

Answer 3

1) You can join a homeschooling group for socialization, they're usually very warm and friendly.

2) Yes, they even look for homeschoolers because of their high test scores!

3) Check out hslda.com to see all the details about switching to homeschooling. It has all the laws and such that you'll need.

4) My friend horseback rides too, and you're right, she has a LOT more time to do that and she's become EXCELLENT!

I think that homeschooling is a good idea, I've been home schooled since 4th grade and I love it. I've been able to focus a lot more on my work now, because I'm not worried about fitting in and such. If you really want to home school, go for it! It's a fun experience.

Answer 4

1. Find other homeschoolers and form a group, go to community activities, and/or discipline yourself to be friendlier (or not shy anyway) and don't worry about ppl's ages when making friends
2. Yes, just as long as you get good grades and know how to get into one of those colleges anyway. In fact, some colleges/universities are more likely to accept homeschool students because of the work ethic and honesty of most homeschool students.
3. Permit? What state are you in? You'll have to check the homeschooling laws in your area. look up the homeschool legal defense assosciation
4. I love horseback riding too! When I was in highschool, I was allowed to count some of my riding for PE (not all, but some) Being homeschooled will give you a lot of time to practice your horsemanship skills, because you can do school when you're not riding, and ride when you're not doing school. Just as long as you get your work done and get good grades ;)
So if you can work out all the logistics, it sounds like homeschooling would be a good option for you.

Answer 5

From what you say you are in 10th grade. Most people start homeschooling much earlier because it takes a lot of dicipline to homeschool in High school.

How much paperwork is involved depends on what state you are in. States like Georgia it is easy to homeschool and only involves one paper a month. But states like California it is very difficult to homeschool because of the amount of paperwork.

As far as getting into an Ivy league school. Homeschooling can actually improve your chances of getting in.

Homeschooling is pretty flexible, and most people study in more of an independant study style of learning. Your mother or grandmother would have to buy the books and track that you are doing the work correctly and answer your questions. The thing that makes homeschool work is that students have to take responsibility for their own education. This teaches a huge amont of responsibility and mimics the real world.

Answer 6

It really depends on your situation. This is a decision that you and your family need to make together, taking in a whole lot of different factors.

But for the record:
I have been homeschooled all my life, and I love it. I'm now in 10th grade. It's been a challenge at times, having my mom as my sole teacher for my whole life, and there's been some struggles, but we've made it through and it's been a huge blessing. There's much more good then bad.

Don't worry about socialization. Everyone always makes a big stink about it, but don't worry. Being homeschooled gives you the opportunity to really get involved in your passions and meet people who enjoy the same things as you - like you said with horseback riding. I'm also very involved in my church, and Girl Scouts, and other activities, like volunteering around my community.

As for college, if anything, many colleges are looking FOR homeschoolers, because we've built up quite a reputation! I'm not trying to sound concieted, I'm really not, but this is a fact I've discovered. I've been inundated with mail from colleges. Just take your PSATs and SATs or ACT like usual, and college will be the same for you as everyone else.

I don't know what state you're in, or what your homeschool laws are like, so you'd have to research it (I'd suggest your states Dept. of Education site for starters, or the HSLDA - HomeSchool Legal Defense Assoc. - website) and find out about permits and laws and what would be required of you to "register" and what records to keep, etc.

In a nutshell, I strongly recommend homeschooling!

Hope this helps! Good luck with your decision!

Answer 7

Well, I think that Nemo's response is extremely elitist, for reasons I'll mention.

I go to a very nice, elite college-prep school. I would not trade it for homeschooling any day. I am currently a sophomore, so we are around the same age. However, it would help if you could tell us more about your school ( Do you like it? Are you a good student?).

Homeschooling is misconstrued as a wonderful thing that is much more free and better than any other school. I have no doubt that it is indeed wonderful, but there are opportunities that are not present in homeschooling. Many clubs, mock trials/debate teams, math teams, etc. are all easy to get from school. I still have enough time to pursue my various interests, I'm just very busy. Before you decide to go homeschooling, first try and make more time to go horseback riding. Now we can go on to the actual answer...

1) Yes, you can socialize. If you are part of a church or something, the youth group there is a great place to meet people. Book/library clubs, riding clubs, etc. are all available to you. There are many service organization that young people can participate in. I'm not the most social person, but I'm fine. But you will have a more social life if you attend a school, so be prepared for that.

2) Yes. Nemo, you are wrong in stating that homeschoolers are smarter. It is not true. In Washington state, there are very few extremely intelligent homeschoolers because of the availability of accelerated programs and good private schools. Many home-schoolers make that choice because they can move above and beyond the curriculum, but for some (such as myself) that is not an issue. The gifted program in my area had AP level high-school classes (notably in math) - for seventh graders. So the myth that home-schoolers are smarter is not true. If you are looking into colleges, you have to work harder to maintain a good portfolio. Being homeschooled does not guarantee you an entry.

3) You need to be fair to them. If you are just doing this because you might like it, it's not right for you to change their lives for this. This is your biggest obstacle, I would say. But putting undue pressure on them if not fair, so you should not do it.

4) Money isn't an issue when it comes to getting a good education. I'm sure that your parents don't mind spending money if you are getting your money's worth. Also, you should have enough time for horseback riding. I get 3 hours of homework a night, and still have time for Boy Scouts, piano, Science Oympiad, Orienteering, Math Team, the school newspaper, community service, etc. If you want to devote more time to riding, then drop something else or cut back on time you spend with friends or watching TV or something.

I can't tell you what to do, but I can tell you that neither homeschooling nor traditional schooling is perfect. Being taught at home won't magically solve your problems. If you go to a good private school, try and make the most of that before you insist on being taught at home.

Answer 8

I also went to public school for 11 years before I was homeschooled.
You get socialization through everyday life. You can join a group (hslda.org lists groups according to the area your are at in your state). You will still have your friends from school also.
Many colleges seek out homeschoolers. Most of those colleges have their own internet courses even.
You don't have to even have your grandmother teach you. I went through the American School of Correspondence. I loved them. You have teachers that you can get ahold of if you need help. The curriculum is wonderful. All your mom has to do is sign a paper if you are under 16. If you go through the American School, they will provide the details. It isn't anything time consuming.
I think you sound very determined, so you would do quite well homeschooling. I loved it.
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at [e-mail].

Answer 9

Hi there! I am a 15 year old homeschooler.

Definitely, ask your Mom to homeschool you.

1. There are tons of homeschool groups that have teen clubs, activities, weekly meetings, fieldtrips, and dances. Just do a search on "(insert your city) homeschool" adn you will see. You will do much better with homeschooling, socially, and have most likely many more, truer friends. Homeschoolers are inclusive and friendly and there is no peer-pressure or rudeness. They'll never make fun of you.
2. Heck yes! Colleges love Homeschoolers for the simple reason that we are smarter! Look at this graph. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Homeschool_academic_scores.jpg Here's the whole article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeschool Plenty of homeschoolers I know have gone to those colleges. In general, homeschoolers can get into any college they want to, the same as any other schooler.
3. It depends on the state you are in. In Texas, it's super easy. But in any state, it is very possible. Here is the link to the homeschool legal association. http://www.myownthoughts.com/2006/12/14/homeschool-legally/
4. Many people that want to concentrate on something specific, like dance, riding, skating, or acting are homeschooled. Basically all the kid and teen movie stars are. If you are homeschooled probably in a year or two we'll be seeing your name in the headlines!

Definitely homeschool! If you have ANY questions whatsoever, feel free to just email me. Click on "nemo" then on "email nemo" and I'll give you as much advice as you want, no names or questions or locations asked.

Just for kicks- sing to the tune of "the 12 days of Christmas". http://www.myownthoughts.com/2006/12/14/homeschool-legally/

Answer 10

Your question isn't really about whether you should convince your mom to home school you (because she doesn't have the time) and it doesn't sound as though you have checked with your grandmother either. Someone who is retired might not want to take on the daily routine of homeschooling.
You have one more year. Why not use it, work on socializing (home schooling isn't a good way to learn social skills) and get yourself qualified for a good college. At one time, dressage was an accepted sport at ivy league schools, and it may still be. You could check that out.
If the extra $7,000 isn't a financial problem for your parents, it doesn't really enter into the picture when you are making your decision.
Best suggestion? Have a serious discussion with your mom and your grandmother about what you are considering and get their take on it before you go any further with it.