Has anyone home schooled their kids in high school?

[Spidey]

Just looking for some feedback on people's experiences home schooling their kids in grade 11 and 12 in the academic stream.

Pros/Cons? Were the kids still involved with the school in any way? (eg. drama, sports, etc.) Both parents have B.Ed's

The kid is gifted (scored 100% on both the English and Math Gr. 9 provincial achievement tests) but is very under-stimulated in her school and they aren't able to manage the challenges that come with that when there's 30 kids in a classroom.

[Okotokian]

I've not done it, but I know some people that work in the distance education/support for home schooling field. They do promote some school gym, inter-school athletics, and other activities.
Have you thought of schools that offer the international baccalaureate program, or other accelerated or individual programs, or a charter school? If you live near a community of any size, that might be an option.

[avb3]

Originally Posted by Spidey

Just looking for some feedback on people's experiences home schooling their kids in grade 11 and 12 in the academic stream.

Pros/Cons? Were the kids still involved with the school in any way? (eg. drama, sports, etc.) Both parents have B.Ed's

The kid is gifted (scored 100% on both the English and Math Gr. 9 provincial achievement tests) but is very under-stimulated in her school and they aren't able to manage the challenges that come with that when there's 30 kids in a classroom.

How well versed are you or your wife in all the subjects? High schools have teachers specializing in the maths, sciences and other subjects for a reason.

[Okotokian]

Originally Posted by avb3

How well versed are you or your wife in all the subjects? High schools have teachers specializing in the maths, sciences and other subjects for a reason.

True, but there are also schools online with real Alberta certified teachers working with kids that are being home schooled on Alberta curriculum.
http://albertahomeeducation.ca/

I think regular schools are the best option for most kids, but not necessarily for every kid. And there is support for other options.

[riden]

FWIW
My school division does not allow home schooled students to participate in school extra curr clubs or sports.

May not apply where you live.

[canadiantdi]

Originally Posted by riden

FWIW
My school division does not allow home schooled students to participate in school extra curr clubs or sports.

May not apply where you live.

Why is this?

[nube]

I have known at least a dozen people of all ages that have been home schooled. In every single case except one it has worked out well for the person involved. Not sure if it was lack of teaching, improper methods or lack of growing up around children of the same age but it has not ended well. Higher education was not obtained or couldn't be and a lot of them seemed anti social and had some sort of issues that did not seem " normal".
That is my experience with the kids and people I know

[thirty-30]

www.kes.ns.ca

I turned out OK, and I went there.

It's a bit expensive but it's well worth looking into, the facilities these days there are amazing compared to what I had when I went.

[bessiedog]

If your kid scored 100% on the math and Lang PATs.....

Your kid will do just fine homeschooling.

I'd just about guarentee it.
That kids got an amazing mind..... Let it go and get stimulated.

[Spidey]

Originally Posted by bessiedog

If your kid scored 100% on the math and Lang PATs.....

Your kid will do just fine homeschooling.

I'd just about guarentee it.
That kids got an amazing mind..... Let it go and get stimulated.

Yes, she was tested and came in the top .5% in three of four domains. As a former teacher I've never heard of anyone receiving a 100% in an LA PAT (due to marking subjectivity). To receive that mark, three extra teachers had to grade the writing component. That said, it's a blessing and a curse for sure.... Just got to get her through high school...she is not motivated in some of the basic courses.

We're not too worried about socialization, etc. She has a good group of friends and is actively involved in drama and other outside school activities (which is why we're hoping the school lets her remain involved if we home school her. I'll find out at our meeting in a couple weeks.)

Thanks everyone for your input - much appreciated.

[rem338win]

Originally Posted by avb3

How well versed are you or your wife in all the subjects? High schools have teachers specializing in the maths, sciences and other subjects for a reason.

That's why my social teacher was a phys. ed. specialist and my physics teacher was a biology specialist. My best math teacher had a doctorate in languages. Public school has anything but specialized instructors.

Keep close to the teet though, you'd hate to miss your next update.

I know lots of people that home schooled from k-12. Many finished early, and like my wife, started University young.

Managers at Telus and Ledcor, successful small business owners, doctors, engineers are what many came into in life. Only a small handful had the parents with education experience.

The resources for these avenues are fantastic and only getting better.

Use community sports for athletics, local arts programs and music instructors. These are specialists and you get what you pay for.

[uncle buck]

Check out some other high schools. I know of some students that take their core courses online at their regular high school and are enrolled in options the other portion of the day. Some kids are able to complete three five credit core courses in the time they would only complete two in the classroom. The students that do best are highly driven. There are many others who try it and get far behind schedule and never complete the course.

[avb3]

Originally Posted by rem338win

That's why my social teacher was a phys. ed. specialist and my physics teacher was a biology specialist. My best math teacher had a doctorate in languages. Public school has anything but specialized instructors.

Keep close to the teet though, you'd hate to miss your next update.

I know lots of people that home schooled from k-12. Many finished early, and like my wife, started University young.

Managers at Telus and Ledcor, successful small business owners, doctors, engineers are what many came into in life. Only a small handful had the parents with education experience.

The resources for these avenues are fantastic and only getting better.

Use community sports for athletics, local arts programs and music instructors. These are specialists and you get what you pay for.

I prefer to work the the odds. My daughter and my sister are both teachers, so at least I get a bit of an insight, with no pretense of expertise in the matter. Most larger high schools have teachers with specialty education in the subject matter. That certainly is not the case for smaller ones.

[rem338win]

Originally Posted by avb3

I prefer to work the the odds. My daughter and my sister are both teachers, so at least I get a bit of an insight, with no pretense of expertise in the matter. Most larger high schools have teachers with specialty education in the subject matter. That certainly is not the case for smaller ones.

I went to a large high school in Calgary. I know many educators as well and have no respect for our public system. Our society has degraded in large part due to its inefficiency and propaganda. Its run by a union for the benefit of its members and the system itself has always been flawed. I am not against a public system but I am against this public system.

Most of the parents I know that have chosen to educate at home have done it for the sake of their children's education and raising. I see an exceptional difference and hope that it continues to grow.

I actually feel some empathy for the teachers in this system that truly care. They are restricted and handcuffed by idiocy at every corner.

[rem338win]

Originally Posted by Spidey

Just looking for some feedback on people's experiences home schooling their kids in grade 11 and 12 in the academic stream.

Pros/Cons? Were the kids still involved with the school in any way? (eg. drama, sports, etc.) Both parents have B.Ed's

The kid is gifted (scored 100% on both the English and Math Gr. 9 provincial achievement tests) but is very under-stimulated in her school and they aren't able to manage the challenges that come with that when there's 30 kids in a classroom.

I had a similar issue and behavioral issues that stemmed from being bored frankly (the fact that I am a chit disturber as well...). They moved me mid year into the next grade and the only challenge I had then was social issues because I was already young in the earlier grade.

Here is my take; this child if instructed HOW to learn they will continue to excel at there rate if not chained to the droll of a class of 30 that's on a set schedule. There are a myriad of online resources for her to interact with, and depending on the school board you choose, they often have teaching resources to assist on extra-curricular activities.

Also check in with local homeschooling groups. They often setup courses of interest for multiple kids to participate in. I've seen everything from visits to DND bases, to trips to parliament for mock house sessions, to expeditions of the paleontology sort. There are Canada wide math clubs if problem solving is the love, etc.

Its a big old free world out there if you're willing to step out of the box.

[sns2]

A) Where do you live?

B) What do you mean when you say he/she is not able to manage the challenges of being in a class of 30?

C) Have you spoken with the teachers and/or principal to see if there were things she could do to be challenged?

[riden]

Originally Posted by canadiantdi

Why is this?

Liability is the claim....

[avb3]

Originally Posted by rem338win

I went to a large high school in Calgary. I know many educators as well and have no respect for our public system. Our society has degraded in large part due to its inefficiency and propaganda. Its run by a union for the benefit of its members and the system itself has always been flawed. I am not against a public system but I am against this public system.

Most of the parents I know that have chosen to educate at home have done it for the sake of their children's education and raising. I see an exceptional difference and hope that it continues to grow.

I actually feel some empathy for the teachers in this system that truly care. They are restricted and handcuffed by idiocy at every corner.

Looks like Canada is ranked 6th in the world, and Alberta ranks above Canada at 5.

We've got a pretty good system. Of course it is not perfect, none are, but it is better than most of others in the world. Not sure what you want to see or why be so down on it.

http://www.conferenceboard.ca/hcp/pr...education.aspx

Please tell me why this is not good? What exactly is your issue with our system that could provide a better outcome?

Our booming economy and highschool students who go directly into the workforce (that may change now), means we do not as well at the university level, especially graduates in the STEM subjects, but you are concerned about grade and high school, where we do well.

[rem338win]

Oh my. A link. I've been proven wrong again.......

The Canadian "think tank" with contributors that have interest in Canadian education looking good.

I've read quite a few objective comparisons and we are in a decline.

Let's start with the "one size fits all" style of education that if our optimistic critiques done by our own educators says leaves 3 on the top end and 4 on the bottom out of 10 in the dark. It slides from there.

This thread isn't about that though.

[Artist]

Ah yes, the good 'ol home-schooling debate. Whenever I see one of these threads, the first thing that usually becomes apparent is the totally for / totally against dichotomy, with some good points and misinformed points on both sides. I usually don't wade into the discussion, but, well, this time, ...why not?

First, some history...

My wife was home schooled - I was not. ...we both have our peculiarities, however, I wouldn't attribute any of them to our "schooling" history.

Looking back, I think I would have done much better academically had I been home schooled ... at least for grades 1-8. I was a bit of a slow learner, and, now know that I was always about 1 year behind where the system placed me.

My wife a I are now home schooling our kids - at least to begin. Our plan is to integrate them into high school come the time. From what we've seen, entering the work-force is easier when done through the opportunities that learning institutions provide.

So why do we home school?
Because we can - and because we want to. I enjoy having the kids around as does my wife. The time together with the kids through these developmental years is priceless. Our reasons for home schooling come more from the opportunities we see within it, not from a negative reaction to the public system.

Are our kids behind in terms of learning outcomes?
I'd say they're ahead of the game. Home schooling doesn't necessarily disconnect the kids from the learning-trajectory of other kids - that's a myth. When one enrols as home-schoolers, there is oversight and there are deadlines which must be met just like other kids. One of the nice things about doing their work at home is that they get it done much quicker, leaving them more time for other activities. In addition to this, we can tailor the learning pace to the developmental stage of the individual child - (that's what I could have used).

But aren't we religious nut-bars?
Not at all. In fact, the number of people who home school who have no religious affiliation is growing rapidly. Years ago, the home schooling movement had a particular stigma attached to it, which, in some cases, was probably with good reason. Times are different now however, and more and more families are seeing certain opportunities within the idea of home schooling, that they aren't seeing within the public system.

But aren't our kids socially disadvantaged and socially handicapped?
lol... that's always the assumption - and that is the farthest thing from the truth. I'd be willing to bet that our kids are involved in as much (if not more) social activities than many kids in the public system. The notion that home-schooled kids never get the opportunity to interact with other kids is just plain stupid. (That's not a schooling issue - that's a parenting issue).

We personally know a good number of home schooled kids who have done just fine both socially and academically. My niece [for example] just finished her RN education with very high marks. Are there failures within the home school system? - absolutely - no different than within the public system.

Home schooling is not for everyone, and, I'm not one who bashes the public system for every little thing either. There are awesome teachers and awesome opportunities within the public system as well. For us at this stage of life however, we've simply chosen to experience these first few years of learning as a family together. ...besides, come hunting season, guess where my boys will be (provided they've retained their work schedule)... TALK ABOUT INCENTIVE TO WORK AHEAD!

[CoUnTeRToP_CoMmAnDo]

Originally Posted by rem338win

I went to a large high school in Calgary. I know many educators as well and have no respect for our public system. Our society has degraded in large part due to its inefficiency and propaganda. Its run by a union for the benefit of its members and the system itself has always been flawed. I am not against a public system but I am against this public system.

Most of the parents I know that have chosen to educate at home have done it for the sake of their children's education and raising. I see an exceptional difference and hope that it continues to grow.

I actually feel some empathy for the teachers in this system that truly care. They are restricted and handcuffed by idiocy at every corner.

It goes both ways. My uncle in law home schooled his three daughters and he sheltered them so bad that they are incapable of living on their own. The oldest finally got a job at a dollar store down the street but struggles talking to the customers.

They finally tried sending the youngest to high school in grade 12 because they have realized that they have not prepared the other two for the world. She got lost the first day in the halls and wandered for hours because she was too afraid to ask anyone for assistance. Poor girl. Imagine your first day of school being grade 12!

[HeavyD111]

I knew one person who was home schooled and to say he was socially awkard was understatement of the decade. Simply bizarre behavior, although he was quite intelligent...but the fact he aced the classes didnt stop the spit and snot from flying at him. Par for the course, but that was back in the 80s

It can work as one on one instruction in theory cant be beat, but watch the socialization aspect, as at some point everyone has to learn to be around others for extended periods of time whether it be a classroom or work setting.

[Artist]

Originally Posted by CoUnTeRToP_CoMmAnDo

It goes both ways. My uncle in law home schooled his three daughters and he sheltered them so bad that they are incapable of living on their own. The oldest finally got a job at a dollar store down the street but struggles talking to the customers.

They finally tried sending the youngest to high school in grade 12 because they have realized that they have not prepared the other two for the world. She got lost the first day in the halls and wandered for hours because she was too afraid to ask anyone for assistance. Poor girl. Imagine your first day of school being grade 12!

That's unfortunate.
However [and not to argue - just to point out], that there are a good number of kids who came through the public system who are also "incapable of living on their own." These unfortunate circumstances are usually rooted in many more factors than just 'where' the child was educated (or wasn't). Parent/child relationship, the influence of peers, economic and financial situation, physical health, and disposition are just some additional factors that can influence a child's life much more than a classroom can. But yea - I see your point. The poor girl should have been much more prepared for her 1st day of grade 12.... again however, I'd place the blame on the parent - not on the general concept of home schooling.

[CoUnTeRToP_CoMmAnDo]

Originally Posted by Artist

That's unfortunate.
However [and not to argue - just to point out], that there are a good number of kids who came through the public system who are also "incapable of living on their own." These unfortunate circumstances are usually rooted in many more factors than just 'where' the child was educated (or wasn't). Parent/child relationship, the influence of peers, economic and financial situation, physical health, and disposition are just some additional factors that can influence a child's life much more than a classroom can. But yea - I see your point. The poor girl should have been much more prepared for her 1st day of grade 12.... again however, I'd place the blame on the parent - not on the general concept of home schooling.

The issue was socialization. If you shelter your child to the point of cutting off the outside world, they will not be able to cope with that world when you are released into it.

I don't blame either method as I've seen people that have been let down by parents from both belief systems. You can still shelter a public schooled child too much as well. My wife was home schooled as well by an emotional abusive stepmother and despite every attempt by her to stop my wife, she somehow managed to turn out alright, so there's that too.

There is also a big religion issue involved in my anecdotal example as well. Not the religion itself, but people using it to guilt, shame, and manipulate.

[Artist]

Originally Posted by CoUnTeRToP_CoMmAnDo

There is also a big religion issue involved in my anecdotal example as well. Not the religion itself, but people using it to guilt, shame, and manipulate.

Yea, these kinds of cases are often what give home schooling a bad rap. For some, home schooling is indeed an extension of an extreme or twisted religious view, and when such cases get exposure in the media, or when kids are damaged or abused in these scenarios, it creates a false public perception that all who home school are religious wierdos.

[Elkaholic338]

Originally Posted by CoUnTeRToP_CoMmAnDo

The issue was socialization. If you shelter your child to the point of cutting off the outside world, they will not be able to cope with that world when you are released into it.

I don't blame either method as I've seen people that have been let down by parents from both belief systems. You can still shelter a public schooled child too much as well. My wife was home schooled as well by an emotional abusive stepmother and despite every attempt by her to stop my wife, she somehow managed to turn out alright, so there's that too.

There is also a big religion issue involved in my anecdotal example as well. Not the religion itself, but people using it to guilt, shame, and manipulate.

I find that often people see the home schooling as making people weird, when in fact it is often the other way around, and they have chosen to home school because they are weird, and would be weird whether they went to public school or not.
Those that choose to home school because of the educational opportunities that it allows, and not to shelter their children from the "big scary world" often do quite well, and I know in my case it was great as I could continue my schooling in the summer and then hunt from September to December. I was able to graduate at 16, and then tested in the top 1 % when doing college entrance exams.
As far as being socially adjusted, I really think that is up to the parents to promote. For myself my folks were outgoing people, and I have become one as well, and have made a successful career in sales and working with the public on a daily basis.

My take from being home schooled from K-12 is that if the parents are good well adjusted people that are willing to dedicate the time to teach their children at home and stick with it, you can do very well. If on the other hand they are the wierdos and wackados that home school to save the kids from the bad world, those kids may be doomed from the start, but at least a public school education might give them a chance to make some friends and see how the rest of the world lives.