Agreeing to public school? Independant studies? Ahh!?

Question

I'm going into 8th grade, and I despise school. I have nasty anxiety problems, and depression. School really flares that all up, so I'm reaaally wanting to escape. I get high grades, if that matters.

Do you think I qualify for something like homeschooling?

Is homeschooling expensive? Alternatives...?

I heard something about "unschooling".

My friend who has some of the same problems as I do is unschooling. That sounds weird to me.

Yeah.

Any information is helpful.

Answer 1

I just wanted to add that alternative schools are basically set up for "troubled" kids with no other options to finish school.  This is just MY opinion...I've known 3 people who attended alt schools:  1 failing every class in 10th grade (she dropped out of alt sch anyway), 2 were "ADHD" (which I personally do NOT believes exists, it's just another term for lazy parenting) and would have outbursts.

Listen to Rebecca M, she sounds like she knows what she's talking about.

Answer 2

Most states now have "Internet Academies" that allow you to be home schooled in a situation where your folks may not be entirely qualified to teach you.

You still need to test out to graduate. And they test you every year. If you don't meet the same benchmarks as stated in NCLB, they can force you to return to public school.

My concern for you is losing the social aspect. It is so important for someone your age. My sister-in-law was home schooled and although she is absolutely brilliant and book smart...she is socially retarded and that has led her to make some VERY poor decisions. Have you considered speaking to a school counselor about attending an "alternative" school?

Answer 3

If you are in the US or Canada, you don't need to 'qualify'. The fact that you are underage and you have parents is the only qualification you need.

Homeschooling can be expensive depending on how you go about it and what you deicde to purchase. Some online or pre-packaged programs cost quite a bit, some are cheaper, some online programs are free (online public or charter school).

Unschooling just means your parents aren't telling you what to do all the time; your education is in your hands.

Check into the laws where you live, locate some homeschool support groups and find out more information from them, check into some online programs (start with looking at http://www.k12.com to see if they have a program where you live, search for _virtual public school yourstate_ or _virtual charter school yourstate_ . This will give you a bit more information on how it works and if it's feasible. Of course, you also need to talk to your parents!

Answer 4

PLEASE be aware that "Internet Academies" that are public schools (tax funded) do not qualify as homeschooling, but specifically is public school at home.  There is a distinct difference.  

Stating that, each state has different laws when it comes to homeschool education, so your best option is to do the research first and find out what YOUR state requires. Your friend and her family might be able to help.  

Unschooling is just a style of education that says that you choose the direction of your learning and it is not dictated by a teacher and a set curriculum. Goals are established and you work toward those goals. This may not be something your parents would like for you, but that is only one option for a style of homeschooling.  Remember that both you and your parents have to choose to educate you at home.  Homeschooling can be inexpensive to very expensive..  I think first you need to let them know that you would like them to consider it and what they would have to do to start.  Good Luck!

Answer 5

Homeschooling just isn't for some people..but I think it might be for you. I'm kind of like you..I don't really like being around tons of people all the time. I love hanging out with friends and stuff like that...but I'm also happy just hanging out at home.

I'm not so sure about "unschooling". I don't even really know what that is but from what I've heard you don't have any real studies. I don't think that's a good way to go...if you're going to be homeschooled you need structure and a schedule.

I love being homeschooled. I have so much time to do whatever I want..it's great! I get to go places, do things I love, try new things--all because I'm not wasting 8 hrs. a day at school.

I think you would like homeschooling. But you shouldn't do it to "escape". Everyone needs friends and social interaction and if you're homeschooled it becomes a challenge. My suggestion would be to leave your school and start over as a homeschooler. Find homeschooled friends, take classes, join groups, etc.