Help! I'm trying to convince my parents about homeschooling.?

Question

Hello.
I'm Mairy, and the question just about covers it.

I REALLY want to be homeschooled REALLY badly.
I know like 3 or 4 people that are homeschooled and they all said that they like it (minus the social skills- but I really could care less)

I'm a freshman in High School on my 1st semester(second semester starts late January, early February) and I would like this to apply either by next semester or MAYBE my second year in High School.

I asked my parents already and they said that they couldn't stay home. I offered tutoring, but they said it was pretty expensive and we honestly don't have the money =/

So I was wondering if MAYBE the state could fund me or something? I'm not sure...

In school I am honestly failing everything and I have just about lost my science credit which means I have to redo it sometime next year since it's a full year course.... math is horrible too.

Please help!
Any proposals on how to persuade them would be nice!,
Mairy

I have many reasons why I want to get out of public school.
I just don't want to sound whiney here, but I've honestly had ENOUGH of the public schools- my town's system is horrible.
I've tried to actually study and all, but I honestly just can't stand it anymore and am considering home schooling.
Don't shoot me down for it.
I'm sure other people have felt the same way as I am and they made it work.

Answer 1

Given the details you've provided for the situation, it sounds like an online program or independent study would be your best options to try to convince them.

So first, check with your school about an independent study options. Because you're failing, though, they might not go for it--independent study is often reserved for those who show they are motivated, and failing grades don't usually indicate that (not that you can't still end up failing if you are motivated, but it doesn't look like you're motivated).

Second, check and see if there are free online programs where you live. http://www.k12.com might be available, or Connections Academy or try doing a search for:

yourstate virtual public school

or

yourstate virtual charter school


I don't know that you would be able to switch to an online program this year, but that shouldn't stop you from finding out what's available and when you'd be allowed to start.

Answer 2

I would never shoot you down so to speak for wanting an education, and get it in an environment that will actually work for you.

There are many alternatives to conventional schooling child, many parents are just no aware of these because they have all been part of the traditional schools, and think this is the only way to get a diploma, or make "friends"...

To best present your argument you will have to do some research, there is home schooling, and this can be done with an independent program that you order, and sometimes do on line; although those are not the ones I would ever recommend, but that is a personal opinion.
Do look into those and include them in your proposal to your parents.
Then there are alternative schools, adult education classes that will qualify for credits as well.

Depending on your age, you may also ask them if they would be open to let you get your GED, and start community college classes, many home school students do this starting at age 16, and have their AA before starting a traditional college.

These are all viable options to explore, and a home school diploma, or GED is just as valid as a traditional high school diploma, and it makes much more sense to me to get a head start in a community college, so you can get college credits instead of sitting in a high school for the last two years.

Book suggestion:
Check the library, or use the inter-library loan program:
http://www.lowryhousepublishers.com/TeenageLiberationHandbook.htm

http://www.nheri.org/
http://www.hslda.org/
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/

Answer 3

I went to public school and I was miserable but back then home schooling was really not thought too well of and hardly done at all. So I had to do the best I could, I had no choice. I was a good student but I had nothing but problems in school. To me it was boring and it was hard to stay interested. But there are times in your life that you have to do things and just get through them the best you can. Even thought at the time I didn't think I could make it, I did! It was difficult but I made the best of it by studying even harder.

There are pros and cons about public schools and home schooling. A parent has to choose which is better for their family. In this day and time when both parents usually work, its really hard to find the time to school at home. I have been fortunate in that I have always been able to remain at home so I could teach.

My kids have never been to public school. Why? Well to be honest, I thought and still think I can do a better job. I can spend the time with them explaining things in better detail and create an environment without any distractions. Being with my kids everyday is the most rewarding experience of my life. My oldest 2 have graduated and I am still schooling my 15 year old. Home schooling is not for everyone though. I do believe that even high schoolers need instruction and should not be left to take this on alone. Your parents have to be totally supportive if you want to be schooled at home.

I have never heard of any funding for home schooling. I do not know the laws in your state but where I am your kids must be tested at least once a year to make sure that they are learning on the level that they should be. The testing is not cheap. Then you also have to consider the cost of books and other items that you will need. All of this must come out of the parents pockets. I have heard that some states do provide books for home schoolers, not sure if this is true or not.

You say that you know several people who are schooled at home. If possible, get their moms in touch with your mom and let them tell her what is involved. The pros and cons of it all. Then maybe she will see things in a different light. If she doesn't then try to make the best of your situation.

Answer 4

You have several different options.

You may very well live in a state that offers a free charter school, such as K12 or FLVS. These are good options, but bear in mind that it is still public school. You are required to take their courses, on their timetable, and according to their assignments. The upside is, it's often free, and they will keep your records for you. (Many homeschool families don't want the state telling them what courses they have to take, others are fine with it. It's completely up to you and your family.)

There is also the route of getting your books and being responsible for your own coursework. With this route, you sit down with your parents and figure out what courses you will take and what materials you will use. You set a schedule for the courses, and then you just go for it. You are responsible for getting your work done each day, but are ultimately accountable to your parents. This is every bit as legitimate as any other schooling option. *You do need to keep records as to your time spent, what you did for each course, grades, etc.*

You can also take co op courses, concurrent enrollment through a local college, or be taught by people in your town/city who are knowledgeable in a subject. The possibilities are really pretty endless, and all are completely legit. They will take motivation on your part, but all are doable and really don't have to incur much financial damage or take a lot of your parents' time. If you are old enough to legally stay home by yourself (and at 14/15 you should be), they don't need to stay home and watch you.

If you can clarify as to which state you live in, we can give you more specific info :-) Hope that helps!

Answer 5

I graduated from a program called "Independent Study." That is where you go to a teacher once a week or month (depending on the contract you agree on) and the teacher assigns work for you to have done by the next meeting. Most of the programs like that offer some courses or activities you can join for social purposes. It's usually free. Our school even had field trips and things like that. Set up a meeting with your school district and bring your parents to it so they can discuss costs, transportation, requirements and any other question you and your parents might have.

Answer 6

If they can't, they can't. I home schooled my eldest last year. Of course he was a third grader and required more my time than you would. I home schooled mine through a state sponsored on line school (basically it's a public school - free of charge - held on line) FLVA - Florida virtual academy. (Florida virtual *school* handles high schoolers) There are several other states that have state sanctioned virtual schools - so do some checking, a lot of them provide all the materials you will need (books, programs, etc). There is work that you could do on line on your own during the day (if they are willing to trust you at home alone). When they get home later they can see to teaching the things you couldn't cover on your own. Plus, being a public school -= you don't have the hassle of grade equivalency and such when you try to go to college.

Good Luck

~J.M.

Answer 7

Homeschooling sound fun you get to stay home in your pajamas all day! lol well im also in the process of convincing my mom to let me get homeschooled i told her if she let me become home schooled that i could take those classes during summer and skip a grade soo of course she loves that and i also mentioned that there wouldnt be distractions like there are in regular schools so i would be more foucused and devoted on doing well in school so i REALLY hope this will help you:) good luck asking her
[[ by the way make sure she is in a good mood when you ask!]] lol :)

-Amanda-
xoxoxo

Answer 8

I understand your reasons and so those of your parents: they can't stay at home to take care of your homeschooling or pay a tutor.
Because you don't tell us where exactly you live, I can't help with the funding question. But I know they may be alternatives for you and your family.
I suggest you go to your local library and ask about the options of homeschooling. If that does not work, you can try and post another question in this area, but make clear where do you live, so people can help with links or more first hand information.
About your failing in school: it may be related to the structure and method of the school system, but it may also be related to you: your own strategies to learn and study, your approach to learning, your own psychology and your goals.
I tell you this because homeschooling can be difficult: if the parents and the child don't choose the correct approach, or if they are too anxious, or too relaxed, it may not work at all.
Homeschooling is not for all the parents and definitely is not for all kids. You have to commit yourself to study and learn, you have to concentrate in subjects that you may not like at all, but if you have goals and you know you need them to reach your goals (a job, a career, a profession, etc.), you have to do it well.
Good luck with your project

Answer 9

I don't really understand the US system, but I guess a freshman in high school means you're about 14, is that right? So you're old enough to be home on your own.

If so, get hold of the book 'Teenage liberation handbook' by Grace Llewellyn (available new or second-hand at Amazon) and read that, then show it to your parents. It's a little out of date now, but it has loads of great ideas for teenagers who want to educate themselves at home.

Answer 10

I would just write out the pros and cons of homeschooling and make your pros higher than the cons and present the list to your parents. They might take you seriously.

If that doesnt work though, just try to think of the good things about public school. If you are only focused on getting home schooled then a whole bunch of good things may pass you by, trust me , i know. i did the same thing and i wish that i could go back. good luck.