How many of you are home schooled?

Question

Do you have a teacher come in twice a week or do you teach your self or have your parent(s) teach you?

Do you have friends and if so about how many?

Did you ever go to school?

If so do you think your grades were better in or out of school?

Do you think you have good social skills?

How would you feel going back to school?

Answer 1

I'm 15 and, along with my siblings, am home-educated.

No. We've had govies (governess') in the past but not since I was about 10. We're unschoolers so I guess you can say I teach myself.

Friends? I don't really know how many. Friends my own age? Probably about 50.

I once spent five weeks at a private primary school when I was about 7. I was so bored that it took me about 3 days before I announced to the school principal that she (and her school) were wasting my time.

We don't "do" grades.

Yes, I reckon my social skills are pretty good.

The day that schools return to teaching a curriculum as rigorous and challenging and in-depth as the old grammar schools taught in the 1850s, I will be the first person to have my bags packed and be on the very next 'plane to Sydney. Until then...no.

Anyway my dad reckons he isn't paying a bunch of strangers $30,000 a year** to teach me bad habits when he can do it himself for free.

**for me to go to school

Answer 2

I used to be. I liked it.

Answer 3

Lots of people are homeschooled!

"Do you have a teacher come in twice a week?"

That's not really homeschooling. I've heard of some school districts or something having something like that set up for an at-home program, or parents who are rich enough, but that's not really what's meant by homeschooling most of the time. Most of the time it's parents, at the very least helping the kids, even if they aren't really "teaching"--there's a lot to be said about learning independently from books.

"Do you have friends?"

Yes, my kids have friends. My son's not at a point where he has any real need to have regular friends--his sister and cousins and some kids we know whom we see often are enough. My daughter is a bit older (10) and has more people she considers actual friends. I'd say 5 close friends, but then other kids she is friend-like with. Which is kind of how it was for me in school--there were 5 girls in my elementary class I considered friends. Actually, by gr. 6, we might have only been 6, so there you go. ;)

My kids have never been to school. They aren't graded, so they wouldn't be able to compare if they had gone to school. They are too young to judge their social skills. I'd say they're fine. Neither one has any desire to go to school and would be unhappy at us telling them they had to go.

Answer 4

I'm home schooled!

my mom teaches my little sisters, I take my work up to my room.

Yeah, I have five or six friends. None of them are home schooled, but two of them wish they were, so it's cool.

Yes, I went to public school until i finished seventh grade and started home school.

I think I've been doing better in home school because it's at home, where I feel comfortable.

Well, I'm naturally shy, but ever since we started home school, my social skills have surprisingly improved.

I will never go back to public school. Ever.

If you're thinking about home schooling, it is awesome. Try it out.

Answer 5

Do you have a teacher come in twice a week or do you teach your self or have your parent(s) teach you?

No I didn't have a teacher come to teach me, I taught myself mostly.  

Do you have friends and if so about how many?

Of course I have friends!  Too many to count, but friends I consider "best" friends, I have 5 of those.

Did you ever go to school?

Yeah I went to public school through 6th grade

If so do you think your grades were better in or out of school?

My grades were the same in both but I learned more in homeschool.

Do you think you have good social skills?

I wouldn't have so many friends if I didn't!

How would you feel going back to school?

I am back in a public school for college.  It sucks, I don't like dealing with most of the teachers.  Most of them have a liberal agenda, which skews a lot of their material.

Answer 6

I did online classes teaching myself

I have lots of friends I hang in a group of 20 If small groups thing going on then about 10 both male and female.

I went to school for 2 years in Middle school grade 6 an 7, it just wasnt for me.

My grades are a lot better now then when I was in school with other students talking instead of paying attention.

I have very good social skills, and a lot more free time.

I would really dislike if I had to go back to a school for learning.

Hope I Answered all your questions :-)

Answer 7

My son, an only child, does this silly thing  while we are doing school... "Pick me, oooo  oooo, pick me".  

Anyway, just thought I would give you that tidbit.

I'm going to answer for him.  He's watching the ball game.

His answers:

Yes.  I am homeschooled.

My mom teaches me.  I watch online video lectures and do assignments that mom gives me to go along with lectures and lessons.   I do my reading and studying of assignments from used text books while she works in the public school.  I like to experiment with music with guitar and voice.  

I have friends.   Close friends who I hang out with and talked to daily  : 5     Sportsfriends:  10  (basketball team)

Online friends : about 25  who live in our area

    Steady girlfriend  : 1

I went to public school until 8th grade

Mom does not give grades.  If I learn it, she knows I've learned it.  I learn more at home.   I work harder at home than I did at school.

Mom says my social skills make me a good candidate for political office or a used car salesman.  

Mom has threatened to send me back to school.   I don't want to go.   I like learning  in casual atmosphere where I can eat when I want to eat and take breaks whenever I need to take a break.   Classrooms are not the best way for me to learn.

Answer 8

My dad taught my brother and I.

I was homeschooled since the 3rd grade, now I am in college. I went to school until the 3rd garde.

I had many friends growing up, the "good" kind, not the kind that offered drugs or helped me get into trouble kind of friends.

When I was in a class with 27 other students and I was not the bright star of the class, my grades were horrible in public school however that changed when I got one-one attention and instruction by someone who really knew me and how my mind/brain worked rather than someone who just passed the buck onto the next teacher.

I have pretty good social skills as long you have some type of "outing" for your kid(s) it will be find.

When I have kids I will never put them in public schools, like what is happening in them.

Answer 9

I graduated several years ago already, but I was homeschooled k-12 except for grade 12 and grade 6.

My Mom taught me and guided me a lot up until highschool. From grade 9 on, my Mom made the lesson plans, but I pretty much taught myself (she was there if I had any question though).

As for how many friends I have, well LOTS! I'm not saying this to sound arrogant, but I probably have more friends than most people because I got to travel a lot all over North America (a benefit of homeschooling is a flexible schedule!). I also had (and still do) lots of friends growing up. Homeschoolers are actually known for being quite mature and able to get along with anyone because we're with people of all ages (siblings, parents, homeschool groups, etc.) all day, whereas in school you're with only people your age.

And yes, I did go to school for 2 years. I went in grade 6 just because I wanted to know what it was like. And I went back in grade 12 so I would have an actual diploma.

My grades were good in and out of school, either way I think it's good to have motivation so that you WANT to get good grades.

And yes, I think I have good social skills. :) But I guess my friends, coworkers and family would be the judge of that.

I am actually going to College soon and I am completely fine with it. I don't feel awkward at all about the social settings, grades or anything. I think being homeschooled definately helped prepare me for a college setting in many ways.

Hope that helped. :)

Answer 10

I was home schooled.  I'm in University now.  I had NO teachers come to me, my mom did it all the way (my dad taught electives, he worked a lot).  When it came time for 9th grade, I decided that I wanted to take correspondence courses in high school, as with the college I wanted to go to (an EU school) wasn't very familiar with the hard core home school degree.  I took courses from Nebraska University, Oak Meadows, and Laurel Springs Schools.  I  think that transition was the hardest, though- it took about a year to get used to it.  

I had tons and tons of friends, although I only admitted one or two as "close friends" (the rest were social buddies).  

I was the star of my swim team.  I went to Junior Olympics.  I was national champion 4 times in the country I competed in  And my school work didn't suffer- I still managed a 4.0 on graduation (at the age of 16).

I think I have fantastic social skills- I remember talking to my parents' friends at an adult level from the age of 9 or 10.  I've always been at ease with all ages- I'm as comfortable playing with or talking to a 2-year-old, a 12-year-old, a 20-year-old, or an 80-year-old!  I don't think that's something your average school kid gets.

My home ec class included throwing parties, and proper hostessing skills. :)  I can make proper seating arrangements, killer hors d'oeuvres (heck, I can SPELL hors d'oeuvres), and generally make small-talk with that guy over there that I've never met, but I know works for my dad somehow. :)

Now that I'm "back in school"  so-to-speak, I feel great.  It was time for me to go back.  I wouldn't trade my home school days for the world (although I did throw a few hissy-fits in high school- it was a rebellion stage).  My grades are good for first semester: I have a 3.5GPA (although  instead of A through F grading here, we have 5 down to 1).

My best friend is 17 and already working on her associates degree (we've been friends for almost 10 years, which is another count for lasting friendships)!

So... was it good for me? Is it good for others?  I really do think so, on both counts.  Home school lets parents teach children WHAT they think is important, HOW they think it's important, and at the SPEED that makes it STICK.  It may have its drawbacks like any other form of education, but I think the pros outweigh the cons here, especially if one parent can afford to stay home and teach.

Hope I helped. :)

Answer 11

For my 12 yo

"No teachers, I learn what I want"

"I have about six really good friends, and more acquaintances"

"I went to school from kindergarden through most of fourth grade"

"Grades are arbitrary definitions of standards"

"My social skills are better now than they were in school"

"I'd hate going back to school, it sucks to be bossed around all day, and I don't get to learn what I want."

For my 8yo

"No teacher, my mom helps me"

"I have four girls that are my bff, my sister is my bestest bff, but I probably have dozens of kids I talk to every week"

"I went for preK and kindergarden"

"there aren't grades for kindergarden silly!"

"well, people seem to like me so I guess I'm not totally repulsive"

"Going back to school would suck...my friends who are in school hate learning anything, and I love it. Plus, if I was in school, I wouldn't have time for all the great stuff I do every day"

The rest of the kids don't want to answer.

Answer 12

i have some friends who their parents pay  for a teacher .

they have really good social skills

and everything.

bye

Answer 13

I was homeschooled K-12 and never had a teacher come to our house.  When I was in high school I took classes at the community college and was tutored in math, but that's it.  Everything else was done by me/my parents.  Obviously when I was little my parents did most of the actual teaching and I would do the work myself.  As I grew older I began doing most of the teaching and the work, although my parents always had the final say in what my assingments were.  

Are you seriously asking me how many friends I have/had?  I had about forty different girls in my ballet classes and yes, i knew them all, I was in a ninety-person orchestra for six years as concertmaster so again, I knew everybody, I have friends that I've known since age three, and our church has about two hundred people and I know everyone, I have a best friend, I have my family, I have my fiance and his family, people in our neighborhood, I have friends from campaigns, friends from violin groups lessons, I have never been lacking in the friends department.  Also, friends are not only people that are the same age as you, they can be all different ages.

My first day of 'going' to school was my first day of college.  Which was a very boring day.

I think I would have been a straight 'A' student in school.  I was in homeschooling and I am in college.  Maybe not math, but even then I might have done better in public school because I was always a grade or two ahead, so who knows?

I have amazing social skills.  No, really.  I am not bragging, I am just very outgoing.   I can talk to anyone, I speak up in classes, I make friends very easily.

Um, well, pertaining to my current situation, I am very glad the holiday break is over because it means I am that much closer to finally graduating!

Answer 14

I'm homeschooled and in the 11th grade (graduating this year).

No, I do not have a teacher come to my house twice a week or once a week or any ammount of time durring the week.

My mother is my primary administrator and guide. She oversees things, helps select and purchase curriculum, answers questions if I need her to, gives me gentle pushes in the right direction if I need them (whether that means checking up on progress, pointing out good community service opportunities, helping with college planning, or just teaching me the ins and outs of appartment hunting/bill paying/budgeting/checkbook balancing/taxes/etc) But as far as studies go, I mostly work independently, making appropriate use of the honor system and doing real research and exploration (including labs) when the textbook just isn't enough.

Of course I have friends. I can tell you that I have an inner circle of really close friends whose company I enjoy the most, but in total I have more friends than I can count on my fingers and toes as well as yours. There are my friends from the homeschool group, my friends from fencing, friends I made while working at the library, friends I met at the park/in the neighborhood when I was very young whom I am still close with today, friends at the Transition Program (group for blind teens entering college), my fellow musicians whom I consider friends, friends from the music school, friends I still keep in touch with from public school, friends I met through friends, and of course, the best for last, my wonderful boyfriend (who happens to be in public school, but fortunately his schooling didn't interfere with his education.)

I did go to public school, and while it wasn't so bad when I was too young to really know better, the older I got, the more I realized what a horribly broken system it is.

I had honor roll grades when I was in public school, but I rarely LEARNED anything. Public school only teaches you how to memorize, regurgitate, and march to the tune of No Child Left Behind like a good little lemming. Since mom pulled me out and we started homeschooling (a mutual decision of course), my "grades" remained streight A's. This is because I NEVER EVER move ahead in a subject until I feel I've mastered the previous topic or concept and can demonstrate the new knowledge/understanding to someone else. As a homeschooler, I've learned so much more than I ever would have had an opportunity to learn in public school. My level of understanding is higher than it ever was, and so is my confidence, and so is my interest in learning and my self-motivation. I've also had so much more time to explore subjects in depth and to delve into areas of interest, and not merely what's going to be on a test, or what the state requires. If we define "grades" as the things you take away from a class and that follow you for the rest of you life, then yes, my grades are MUCH better now that I'm homeschooled.

Compared to the immature misfits and rigidly programmed social drones I've seen come out of public schools, considering that I am well-liked by the majority of the people I encounter from day to day, considering I've found and made friends on my own (of ALL ages, mind you) without having to have 20 or so kids all the same age and academic level forced upon me day in and day out, and that I know how to behave appropriately in most adult situations, I am pretty sure my socail skills are up to snuff.

How would I feel going back to school? Bored out of my mind is one thought that came into my head. Frustrated by the broken system that no one seems to know how to fix, disgusted by the immature drama and overwhelming need to "blend in' and "be cool" that highschooler is known for, and just unhappy in general. I can do so much more as a homeschooler. Why am I wasting my time just so the school can get the extra cash for having a blind student on campus regularly. I'd hate it. However, I am looking forward to starting college next year. And i think if I did go back to school now, I would definitely be more confident, more aware of things, and better able to advocate for myself when it's needed.

Answer 15

I was homeschooled for ten years and it was a great experience.  At the time it seemed like my parents were being mean to me and "depriving" me of something but as I got older I realized the things I missed out on were the things I didn't need to live a happy successful life.  I am now a public school teacher, almost finished with my master's degree.  I have never had trouble in college or in social settings contrary to popular beliefs about homeschooled individuals.  My siblings were all homeschooled and are also all college graduates with successful careers and families of their own.  I think social skills are learned at home because as a teacher, I see children coming in from terrible home settings where they lack social skills and rarely ever learn it in school.  Other children have parents who invest time and attention in their children and they come to school with great social skills.  Most of what a child is and will become has to do with home and not school, so whether or not they go to school doesn't really affect this area of their lives as much as you would think.  Grades might be better because the student/teacher ratio is 1:1.  Exposure to a variety of resources can be limited if you let it be, but take advantage of community college workshops for kids and museum programs that serve particular age groups.  These can enhance what your doing in homeschooling.  If you keep your kid at the kitchen table all day every day with a couple of books it probably won't work out.  I don't know of any school districts in my area that have teachers come to the house but you can certainly hire a teacher to privately tutor your child for an hour or two a day or  week in a subject area.  If your in the Northeastern U.S. then you know there are many unemployed college graduates who would love extra money to tutor kids in math or science if you can't handle teaching your kids this on your own.  Good luck with homeschooling if you are starting out!

Answer 16

Ok im in the k12.com highschool and i teach my self mostly just keep my parents up to date and have them work out some kinks that i have my brother has a teacher that comes to our house every 4 weeks or so to check up she even comes if he needs help in an area. I have friends not many at the moment tho i only have like 15, and yes i have been to a realish school. My grades were better in both schools but now they have been way better. My social skills arent at their best but its working to get better. and i will go back to school maybe its depends.

Answer 17

I have a relative who home schools her three children and a few friends who were homeschooled... I will answer your questions based on the experiences I have had with them...

None of them had a teacher come in, my relative does all the teaching and I personally think she needs to get a teacher in there.

My friends, I met in my adult years through work... they did not have many friends growing up.  My relatives children do not know or even know how to interact with children that they aren't related to... they are very under socialized and are nervous around people that they don't know

One of my friends when to public school until 2nd grade.  The others had and have never been in school

I can't answer your question about their grades, but I do know that my relatives son should be a grade ahead of my younger son and her son can't read, spell without help, form sentences, write paragraphs, has poor reading comprehension even when he is read to (he should be in 4th grade and isn't disabled in any way), for the testing she gives him the answers.

As far as social skills... my relatives children cannot socialize.  They don't know how to... they don't even know how to introduce themselves to children that they don't know.  Also, they are so used to it being the three of them that they almost "pack or herd" together and are very unsociable.

My friends both regret not going to public school and feel like they missed out on so many important parts of life.  My relatives children are mixed... her son doesn't want to go to school, but her daughters (who would be in K and 1st) do want to go but she won't allow it.  The girls do have a resentment and do question me about what my kids do at school all the time.

Of course I have received only "thumbs down" on my answer...  This is not intended toward you (the asker) as your question is a legit and honorable question.  However, I do find that if I express my opinion on homeschooling on here that everyone gets their panties in a bunch...  it seems as though the home schooling supporters do not feel that my opinions matter or that someone who has a different perspective on homeschooling should be allowed to answer here.  My answer was a true, honest answer based on my experience.  I do not go and give people a thumbs down based on a lack of agreement... I read the answer and determine if it answers the askers question fully as my answers do....

Answer 18

I teach myself and my mom helps me when I need help.

If you go through Seton Home school, they give you EVERYTHING you'll need to home school.

I have tons of friends and 3/4 of them aren't even home schooled. I went to a catholic school for K. I am an A+ student and I am a lot smarter than my friends who go to private school. I have great social skills and I can have conversations w/ adults with no problems. I wouldn't want to go back to school at all!!!! I love homeschooling!!!