Happy Homeschoolers - The First Generation Speaks
By Mimi Rothschild
Since the beginning of the major homeschool movement in the United States, there have been debates about the merits of homeschooling. Opponents of homeschooling have cited a host of potential problems caused by a homeschool atmosphere; though homeschooling parents continued to insist that these projections would not be problems, those who have been against homeschooling want hard proof. Now, the first generation of entirely homeschooled students has grown up and entered the workforce, and for homeschooling parents who’ve stuck to their convictions all this time, the news is vindicating: homeschooling works.
One of the arguments against homeschooling has been the perceived lack of socialization. There were many who insisted that homeschooling a child would result in complete social isolation, and produce adults who were unequipped to handle the pressures and disappointments of the real world. However, adults who grew up in homeschool environments—along with the two million families that homeschool today—tell a different story. In truth, homeschoolers tend to be more socially active than their publicly educated peers. Homeschooling does not restrict a child’s education to four classroom walls, and often homeschoolers are active members of the community who interact with people of all age groups constantly. There are also many homeschooling organizations that coordinate and connect homeschooling families in the same area for group social activities.
Another concern for anti-homeschool parents and educators has been the ability, or perceived lack of ability, for homeschoolers to attend college or get a job upon completion of a homeschool curriculum. Again, this has proven to be misinformation. Even during the beginning of the homeschool movement, there were some colleges who were willing to accept parent transcripts, portfolios, or admissions essays in lieu of a high school diploma to meet acceptance criteria. Now, you would be hard pressed to find a college or university that will not accept homeschooled students for enrollment. In fact, some colleges seek out homeschoolers as a preference over traditionally educated students, since homeschooled children tend to be more independent.
Finally, the best news for the current generation of adults who were homeschooled is this: homeschoolers are happy. The vast majority of those who were homeschooled as children reported that they not only appreciated the homeschool experience, but intend to homeschool their own children. Also, most of the children that are homeschooled reported that their lives are happy, exciting, or both—thanks in part to a great homeschool education.
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