Among parents, schooling is a topic of converstaion that comes around again and again. We all know that the choice of school is an important one and that there is no one right answer. For our family, the right answer is homeschooling. Our two daughters, Camille (almost 9) and Chloe (just 5) have been homeschooled from the beginning. While I admit that there are times when it is not easy and times when I feel like I need a break, overall it has been a wonderful experience.
For us, the benefits include the flexibility and a way to counteract the “loss of family time”. By homeschooling, we have the ability to travel and to tailor our studies to what is occurring in our lives and to our interests. We
also don’t have to deal with the bureaucratic issues involved in the schools (testing, lack of individuality, Channel One, admission to gifted programs, etc). Since we also do not have broadcast or cable tv, the amount of “commercialism” that the girls are exposed to is minimized. They don’t have the peer and social pressures that are inherent in being in groups of similarly aged kids. They do get plenty of socialization in various settings, but are not overwhelmed by it.
Academically, the kids get what they want and need, and in many fewer hours that their peers. Camille’s time is not filled with worksheets and required readings that are not appropriate for her level. We do participate in classes and activities with LEAD (Learners and Educators of Atalnta and Decatur, LEAD), an inclusive, secular group that meets twice a week in Oakhurst. The girls both have made many friends within the group and enjoy taking classes on subjects ranging from Latin to art.
When I mention that we are homeschoolers, many parents are intriuged but respond that it isn’t possible for them. Financially, it can be tough for many. I do work part time from home, both for financial reasons and for personal satisfaction reasons. Many parents that are the “primary homeschool parent” work either in or out of the home. In terms of personal relationships with my children, homeschooling is not the same as getting kids to do homework after they have been in school all day. Since the work that my girls do is tailored to their needs, the struggles to get work done are not so great, and the interactions are often rewarding to both the kids and parents. We also do activities year-round and on weekends, not confining ourselves to a Monday-Friday school day August-June.
As for the requirements to homeschool in Georgia, homeschoolers must submit to the school district a “Declaration of Intent to Homeschool” by September 1 each year and also monthly attendance reports. Homeschoolers are required to take a “nationally standardized” test each three years, but the results go only to the parents.
