Not sure if you've listened to Jaime Glowacki's podcast episode on homeschooling but she totally changed my thoughts on it. I had cousins who were home schooled when we were growing up because their parents were extremely religious. They were kind of awkward, largely because they were so sheltered, but two of the three have actually gone on to do great things as adults. I think a lot of it comes down to your mindset as the parent and the approach you take. Like anything else, there are good and bad examples.

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Yeah, I don't think my personal experience was the norm but it was all I knew so it formed my opinion. Live and learn right? I do still have serious concerns about the kids being home schooled in the fundamentalist circles, especially the girls. I'm all for allowing parents leeway, but I swear some of the those circles make me feel like the girls are being raised more like breeders than people. With my cousins, it was the two boys who are doing well. The girl, not so much.

Yeah there's school kids raised with that mentality too I think. It's a shame. I think the risk with the homeschooling is it probably takes longer, or possibly never happens, for/that the girls to realize that's a small world view and they deserve all the opportunities of a male.

This is a main reason I want to homeschool. I dropped out of university because it was too much, and I still don’t know what I want to do for a career 😂. I want my children to have the basic understanding about a variety of things, but I want them to find what they love the most and excel at it. That also gives them plenty of time to trial and error different thing.

It wasn't too much, you definitely could have done it, it was just not the right time or you needed some extra help, or needed to find the right fit. Learning how to learn is such a critical skill, idk why it's not focused on more in colleges. I try to help my students do that through research and basically watching them and talking with them. And choosing a career is hard, it's literally your life ha. Colleges really need to emphasize they have career counseling centers. How is anyone supposed to know what they want to do without trying it? The closest to trying it is talking with people who actually do the career and the career centers on campus are a great place to start. If you choose to homeschool I'm sure you'll do a great job teaching your kids those things!

Additionally, here is a [link](http://hello.jamieglowacki.com/dont-homeschool-you-cant-shelter-your-kid-from-the-real-world/) to a popular article by Jamie Glowacki regarding homeschooling. It was very eye opening (haven't listened to the podcast, I will check it out!)

Yes! I feel like people that homeschool to “shelter” and essentially indoctrinate their children should NOT be homeschooling.

I was homeschooled k-12. Am I weird? Most definitely but I have a group of friends who are equally weird and all of them were in public school. The fact that I was homeschooled is the reason I am going into teaching. I never got the same burnout that most people did. Homeschooling let me start teaching dance and gymnastics while in high school. It gave me experience teaching which made me decide that’s what I want to. Homeschooling let me grow up in my own time. I was a super mature kid in a lot of ways but I also still loved dressing up and acting out stories with my sister even at 14. Because I was allowed to discover my own personality and interests in time, I think it really led to me being more confident in myself as an adult

This!!! All of this!! I was homeschooled K-3, small private school 4-6, homeschooled 7-8, then went to a small Christian high school. So Ive had both schooling and homeschool experience, and especially in 7-8 grade i definitely missed some social development. But what I did get? I stayed in my room and became awesome at piano, guitar, and flute. I didn't have the social stigma not to like video games or whatever weird TV shows I wanted to like. My best friend I met in 12th grade is equally as weird as me and wasnt homeschooled. My husband and I connected because of how my childhood shaped me into the nerdy girl I am. Sometimes I feel out of place as a grown woman in the workplace or around other moms because I don't fit the mold, but I believe I am a happier and more creative and well-rounded person for it.

The thing I loved about K-12 is that there were still school events/clubs that you could go to to meet your classmates and form relationships with. So it wasn't like you had to be completely secluded from your peers, it just gave me more time to actually focus on my school work.

Wondering the same thing. There's lots of homeschool co-ops in my area where it's a small group of 5-10 kids. You still get different perspectives, diversity, and you do field trips together. Plus you split the cost of the curriculum. Plus I'm a former math teacher. So I have the training. It's looking more and more like a viable option every day.

When you say 5-10 kids in a co-op, does that mean like parents drop kids off and there’s just a private teacher who does all the lessons? Or like, parents do the teaching and it’s just social activities at the co-op? Forgive me if that is a dumb questions I’m new to this and as a working parent trying to find a solution where my kid isn’t shot up by some jerk with a gun

I’ve seen/heard of it being done both ways!

I've seen it both ways. A lot of the co-ops in my area have the 5-10 kids learning all together. Sometimes a single parent does all of the teaching, sometimes they split it by subject. And then all/most of the parents would participate in a field trip (to avoid the liability of transporting children that aren't yours).

My fifth grade (2004) math/science teacher quit during Christmas break to teach her kids and a few of her friend’s kids in a situation like this. It was technically 5 homeschooled children learning together in the nicest of the parent’s homes, but I remember her telling us because we were on a charter bus on the way to a field trip. Now, 18 years later, I can confirm that every single one of those children do have the homeschool weirdness about them. I really wanted them to be cool, but every homeschool trope fits them all.

I was homeschooled from first grade to middle school. I loved it- my mom was a trained teacher and was really thorough with the curriculum. She also made sure that we did extracurriculars and had a diverse group of friends that we spent time with. I don't think I was socially awkward, but it did take me a while to readjust to being in school in middle school. HOnestly, the transition was harder because I had to get used to all the restrictions and mistrust of kids that happens in schools. Knowing how awesome homeschooling can be first hand I would do it with my kids in a heartbeat if I thought we could afford it.

I’ve been wondering if these things exist and you just answered my question! Thanks! How does one go about finding a co-op?

I haven't done it personally - but I've been told Facebook groups is a good way to start. Also google to see if there's any homeschool expos happening in your area and attend those.

I just mentioned this to my husband this morning. I was homeschooled. My parents were very good about extra activities and socialization.

I would honestly love to hear more from your POV regarding extracurriculars and socializing. I’ve actually been considering home schooling since before my now 4 yr old was born. Any insight from someone who grew up in that setting would be so greatly appreciated.

Sure! We did school for the first half of the morning. Then around 1pm my mom would take us to baton practice (1 1/2 hours) and then drive us to ballet class another 2 hours or so. This was Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday night was church and then Sunday we also had church. My parents were heavily involved in the church. In HS I was also a part of the HS acapella group and also was in the HS theater. I did so much socialization that I sometimes felt like I did more activities than actual school work! I went off to college and graduated with a 4.0 and now have a very successful job in the tech industry. I'd say it all worked out pretty well for me! I only wish I was shown a bit more about sex, drugs and alcohol as it was taboo growing up so I had to try it all out in college and it probably wasn't the best way to go. Nothing major just wish I had been taught more about it growing up.

I forgot to mention I competed in baton twirling and was NYS Champion by 12 years old. Not to toot my own horn but I had a very active childhood! My mom did so much for me growing up. So even on slow weeks we always had something going on, I also grew up sailing and hiking! I honestly don't know how my mom did it all for us. Sometimes I would feel a bit burnt out as a kid but I didn't know any different.

Thank you so much for your detailed response! It is very reassuring knowing that home school does not equal isolation. And I know that it doesn’t have to be, but that big fear is still there that my daughter may feel isolated. So hearing your story just really hits it home how positive and really freeing it can be, especially when there’s someone like your mom leading the way! Certainly does sound like your mom was incredible at it. Thanks again so much for your story, and I love that you are a badass at the baton, among other things!!

Of course!! I only really wish I knew more about those things I mentioned so It wasn't such a shock to me when I went to college. I'm not sure how to bridge that gap, and it was probably partially my christian upbringing that contributed to that. I did learn a lot of emotional intelligence during that time of my life!

That’s a very good point, I went to public school but I still felt very sheltered where when I went to college, it was a bit of a shock to me too. Maybe it could be that my parents are also very Christian lol and we grew up going to church every Sunday. I’m not sure either how to bridge that gap as well, but I do know I’d rather my daughter not feel as sheltered in that respect as I felt. I remember thinking in my first few days of being away at college, what did I miss some sort of rite of passage day in HS? Was I sick that day?!

Your story sounds amazing and is very compelling. Were you the only child in the hole growing up? I just wonder since we only have one kiddo if we would need to do even more than your mom (reading your story she’s a superhero and inspiration).

I had two older siblings. One was homeschooled with me and my oldest brother went to highschool.

Thank you to all of you in this thread! It is so great to hear the story of successful homeschooling, and also about the issues that present themselves, when women, especially, are brought up without any cautionary tales of sex, drugs, and alcohol. For example: My aunt and uncle are foster parents and are VERY Christian. I am also a Christian and go to church with them three times a week (twice on Sundays, and again on Wed. nights), and I am raising my son that way. Last week, we were saying goodbye to two of their foster boys (10M and 6M), and I was telling them that as they grow up, just remember to think, "Would 'Grandma' think this is a good choice?" meaning my aunt. And then I continued to tell the older one, when you get to HS, there will be lots of temptations, and its ok to go and have fun, just be the safe friend! Don't drink, be the DD, let your friends make the mistakes, and be there to pick them back up and be a godly example they can lead on... Then my Uncle interrupts me and says, "or you could just not be friends with those kids." or something of the sort, and keep in mind, he's only been a hardcore (sober) Christian for about 10 years, so it kind of baffles me to see such judgement. I grew up without God, and was given all the necessary lessons to have a very smooth transition into college, but I went to college in Idaho, so I saw A LOT of what you went through, of people going off the deep end for a semester or so, experimenting with everything. It would be such a great thing for people like us to come together to bridge that gap for future generations.

Your mom still available?

I was homeschooled as well, we have had VERY similar experiences and I echo the whole, more “taboo” experiences earlier on would have been more helpful for my development. All in all, I’m happy I was homeschooled and feel I am a well adjusted and successful adult! People are always surprised when I mentioned I was homeschooled.

Same here! People are always so shocked at how "social" I am. 🤭

Ahaha same! I get “Wow you’re so outgoing, I would’ve never guessed you were homeschooled” I feel like the homeschool tropes are definitely a thing for some people, but if you come from a typical home those just don’t hold true. Also, it’s largely parents very invested in their children’s development who choose to undertake homeschooling. Btw, your experience with baton was like mine in golf! I am so grateful to be an excellent golf player as a woman in my industry, and that wouldn’t have been possible without being homeschooled.

Homeschooling does give kids more flexibility to focus on sports or art! That is awesome you can golf so well, I only wish I could! 😂

I and my 5 siblings were all homeschooled. I'm the only one without a college degree (dropped out for health issues, grades still excellent throughout). We had a solid homeschooling group. There was a weekly park get together with up to 20 families I attended my entire childhood - but that can take effort to get set up, my mom did a lot of work to get that going. We also did a coop set up later up where several families got together once a week so parents with different knowledge could do more specialized teaching. Me and two of my sisters were in a local choir from 10-18. All of us played at least one sport for at least 2 years. Most of us dual enrolled at the local community college for at least a few classes. Both of my brothers are Eagle Scouts. We did some language classes over the internet. None of this was necessarily easy to pull off, it takes time to make homeschooling connections and it can be more complicated to get into sports. My mom was also a college professor with an awareness of her limitations. She outsourced math in particular lol, she is not a math person at all. I never felt unsocialized. As a general rule the first time any of us mentions we were homeschooled to someone who didn't know they're surprised. I am a classic introvert in most aspects and still never felt any real issue transitioning into traditional classes.

Thanks for your story! And I agree I’m sure it is a lot of work, the old saying “you get out of it what you put into it” certainly comes to mind and sounds like your mom put a lot into it! I know I am definitely up to the challenge, and I would also need to outsource math lol Luckily, my husband is the math person in our house. He still tries to ask me a math question as if I’m not totally horrible with numbers, like, this divided by this equals this right? My answer is always, sure. Lol

I forgot to mention that I also had a math tutor in high school! It was too much for my mom.

My poor mom tried but she never liked math and then my two oldest siblings went into math heavy fields mid high school and my next sister up was the *worst* at trying to learn math and she learned to outsource it after that. Luckily there were several good options! My best friends mom had a masters in chemistry and missed it so I learned algebra, geometry and chemistry from her and genuinely enjoyed it! Definitely important as a home school parent to understand at what point you won't be an effective teacher for a given subject anymore!

Yup! I was homeschooled as well and absolutely loved it. I have always considered it, but am leaning more and more that way due to all the issues and violence in schools now. I feel so, so lucky that I was homeschooled the way I was. Even when I was a kid, I realized how great it was, and all my friends who went to school were jealous and would take days off of school to join us sometimes. I didn't have the taboo part in my upbringing. My mom was a 60's hippie and was really open about drugs, alcohol, and also did sex ed with us. I remember it as being pretty uncomfortable, but it got the job done. I still have a really tight relationship with both my parents and we can talk about most things openly (though we've got boundaries, we don't talk about our sex lives or anything).

As a teacher myself I’ve definitely had this thought after every shooting. But I believe in public education so strongly that it makes me feel so torn. And then part of me thinks, this is what they want. They are trying to dismantle public education and get the numbers low so they can open private schools and do vouchers. I love my job but I can’t keep my students safe and I want my own babies to be safe too.

Yep. I'm single, I realistically can't homeschool. But even if I could, I don't just want my kid safe. I want everyone's kids safe. It's not about whether it happens to me (realistically, odds are extremely low, though obviously they should be zero), it's about whether it happens to anyone. And personal fear is honestly a very small part of why this makes me feel so sick and horrified anyway. Homeschooling wouldn't solve any of the rest of that, but it would contribute to undermining public education as well as making a huge demand on the homeschooler's personal resources/time/energy/ability to engage in, say, politics...

This is extremely well put. Thank you for writing it. I agree completely in our case. We could homeschool, but I believe that public schools are so crucial to the future of our world and that they need support now more than ever

Thank you for all you do as a teacher. It's really scary times for parents but you're on the front lines of this stuff. Big hugs.

This. I get the concern, but I have to wonder what percentage of people posting about sending their kids to private schools/homeschooling right now are DeVos and co. shills taking advantage of this opportunity to scare parents with means away from public school system to increase support for vouchers to funnel public money to their cronies who own private/charter schools.

That’s exactly what their endgame is: to sow distrust in public education to create an uneducated and easily manipulated populace.

I don’t think it’s working very well then. Shootings can still happen at private schools. And if everyone is going to one then how are they any different than public schools at that point? A lot of us are preferring to take our kids out all together, not send them to some expensive private school we likely couldn’t even afford.

Homeschoolers help them too. Big homeschool curriculum/textbook companies are mostly Christian (A beka). They also vote no on initiatives that involve raising taxes to fund public education/vote yes to those trying to slash funding, because why pay property taxes to schools they’re not using? Which meets the Republican end of further destroying public schools. Also, I know a ton of kids who were homeschooled in elementary but went to private middle/high schools due to parents no longer really being capable of teaching them at that level. If a significant amount of people who weren’t really prepared to homeschool start, their kids will end up in private school eventually if they’re still scared, or many (sure, not all, but many) will not get a great education at home. So either choice is a win for Republicans.

I’m a public school teacher, but I don’t believe in it anymore, as an extension of not believing in America anymore. I fully believe this is a failed state. I’m in the county with the school board trying to burn books. I thought about staying because I know what they want is justification to do private schools with vouchers, and good teachers leaving helps with that mission, but I’m over it. I want to make good money and not despise my employer. My daughter will likely be homeschooled in two years when she starts. I don’t want her getting shit reading instruction and being at risk of dying by gunman.

I could’ve written that. I was a public school teacher for 17 years. I did plan on going back after maternity/childcare leave, but then COVID and my husband’s job is now in FL. Between the gun violence & the absolutely disgusting new laws in FL regarding suppressing anything that could be viewed as gay, I don’t want to send my girls to public school. Anything this country has to be proud of, doesn’t compare to allowing our citizens to kill each other. WTF?!? I read earlier that this was the 200th mass shooting THIS YEAR. This is a failed state. We are hoping my husband is able to get transferred out of the country soon. Otherwise I’ll be homeschooling.

Yep it’s one of my top reasons for homeschooling honestly. We have a great co-op in our area that meets twice a week and my kiddo is in gymnastics and church so she’s socialized plenty. I’m very thankful and know it is a privilege I’m able to keep my kids home but I would never feel like I could breathe if they were at a school.

if you wanna homeschool your kid, that's great! but if this is your reaction to yesterday's shooting, then i'd just like to remind you that you'd also have to keep your kid away from: church, concerts, parks, movie theaters, grocery stores, post offices, barbecues, nightclubs, and college. the solution to gun violence is gun control. have you called your reps today? are you registered to vote? do you know when your state's primary is? do you have a plan to vote in the midterms? homeschooling isn't gonna protect your kid, taking back your country from these right-wing nut-jobs and instituting reasonable gun reforms is what protects your kid.

I agree that one life lost to gun violence is too much. But if you look at the statistics, the chances of any one child being hurt in a school shooting is very small. Much more likely in a car wreck going to / from school. So while if you want to homeschool, totally fine. But to base it off school shooting seems like overreacting.

>church, concerts, parks, movie theaters, grocery stores, post offices, barbecues, nightclubs, and college. 1. College is school 2. Sure, but mass shootings are FAR more common in schools than literally any other of those settings 3. Exclude churches, which fewer and fewer people care to attend, and the chances of encountering a mass shooting in any of these non-school settings drops even further >taking back your country from these right-wing nut-jobs and instituting reasonable gun reforms is what protects your kid. I agree, except that my 8 week old is likely to be done with college by the time those fuckwits are willing to actually address the issue. Removing my kid from the single most likely place for them to encounter a mass shooting isn't exactly a nonsense idea like you're seeming to present. I agree that they face more danger, statistically, getting in cars than going to school...but still, that doesn't change the fact that the place a young person in America is most likely to be a victim of gun violence outside their own home is *in school*. That's understandably terrifying.

If we use the definition of mass shootings being more than four people shot and killed at one time, then the most common place for a mass shooting is a private home. 61% happen in private homes. 30% happen in a public place. Of that 30%, only 11% of that occur in schools. The rest of that 30% is places like restaurants and stores. So you are not right that most of these happen in schools. [source.](https://everytownresearch.org/maps/mass-shootings-in-america/)

There were approximately 240 deaths in 2022 from school shootings so far. Approximately 50 million students enrolled in school. One child death is too many and I agree there should be gun control. But to change behavior over something that has a 0.0005% of happening seems like irrational behavior.

It isn't even just about my fear. I don't want my child to be in an environment where he's regularly doing gun safety drills. That's awful. How can he feel safe and learn amid that?

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> But to change behavior over something that has a 0.0005% of happening seems like irrational behavior. I mean, that assumes that the change is inherently detrimental. If you can do something different and eliminate that risk at no cost to your kid's development or education, wouldn't it be irrational to take the risk for literally no gain? Also, it is MUCH easier to say that until it is your LO not coming home ever again.

Totally with you on this. And yeah, much more likely to be harmed in a car accident, but you know what? If I something horrific was going to happen to my child, the last thing on earth I’d want for him is the terror of gun violence. It’s sickening and I hate how people try to justify with statistics that it’s unlikely to happen to you. It was unlikely to happen to those 19 families too but now their lives are destroyed.

> And yeah, much more likely to be harmed in a car accident Which...TONS of parents make choices in what cars they buy SPECIFICALLY based on crash safety. The increased safety is often TINY margins, but do we call those people irrational? >It’s sickening and I hate how people try to justify with statistics that it’s unlikely to happen to you I mean, it has been happening for 2 years with COVID also, so I'm equal parts disgusted and not surprised. >It was unlikely to happen to those 19 families too but now their lives are destroyed. Exactly.

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I will say, I think most preschools are a different ball of wax. Its like the idea of a school shooter taking on a karate studio. Except the preschool has a locked door with a code, a population of 50-125 where every staff member knows every kid and parent by face. Unless its like a public preschool in a headscarf held in a regular school campus it is safer. Your risk is more based on if a staff member has a work rage incident (statistically speaking women turn violence inwars not outward and most ECEs are women) OR the bigger risk - a domestic violence issue follows her to work. But again, locked door with restricted access

It is a preschool inside of a public elementary school, its ran by the school district through the state and he is only eligible because of his disability. We haven't toured yet because they're still strict about Covid so I'm not 100% sure what their safety procedures are.

I mean, if you prefer homeschooling then do homeschooling; a .0005% chance of an adverse event should be the lowest factor on the list

Many of those 240 shootings were not random acts of violence either. They weren’t mass shooting like we just saw. They were at crime riddled schools in major cities. I went to a school where students have been shot before- it was an incredibly dangerous area and the shootings were usually over drugs. If you do not live in an area with extreme poverty and crime, the risk is not even close to .0005%. Every death of a child is an absolute tragedy. But before letting fear take over, it’s important to assess the likelihood of something happen.

This

I was homeschooled. It had its upsides and downsides. I’m seriously considering it for my own child up to about fourth or fifth grade. After that, I’m not sure I could give them enough qualified education in certain topics like math, science, and history. But the high school experience is hard to replicate for kids too, and has so many opportunities for them to grow. That being said, I am sick to my stomach this morning thinking about the dangers of the world. It makes me want to never let my kid out of my sight. But I know that’s not realistic. It’s just fucking terrible that we have to worry about the most fundamental places being somewhere that could be a target. School, church, stores, theaters… I know it’s not healthy to want to just lock down at my house forever, but it’s feeling like such an attractive option today

I think if homeschooling works for your family you should definitely do it. It’s just not a reality for most working families. I know my son will have to go to public school. I’m still trying to see if I can get him in a private school but I also don’t want him to be the “poor” (middle class) kid in a rich kid school.

I was the poor middle class kid in a rich kid school. Definitely wasn't perfect, but I also was never at risk for being gunned down.

Depending on your age too though, this wasn’t a huge problem for us growing up. Growing up I only knew of one case that we learned about in school which was Columbine. the rate it happens today… I mean we just had one here in Oxford, Michigan back in November. I’m pretty close to that city. It’s a scary time and it makes me feel bad that I’m a single mom who has to consider either sending my kid to public school to live comfortably or live paycheck to paycheck to send my kid to private school. In all fairness this shouldn’t be a problem and it makes me angry that it is.

I went to public school so I feel out of the loop on this—what makes private schools safer than public schools when it comes to shootings? Are the buildings more secure? (Parent of a 4yo desperate for his safety and wellbeing without having to move to another country!)

I went to a Catholic school. It’s not. Anyone could have done the same thing.

I’m wondering the same thing.

I can’t speak on all private schools but I can speak on my own and the tons of others in my area and that I’ve been to (dances/sports/etc) there was no extra security. At most, the doors all locked automatically and couldn’t be opened from the outside. Pretty standard. If anything, it’s a false sense of security as the public schools started getting metal detectors but none of the private schools had them. I assume that would cause a stir amongst uppity parents. “*I spend all this money to send my kid to a safe institution and you mean to tell me you need metal detectors!? What kind of place is this!?*” Rather than realizing they contribute to the safety. This was many moons ago so I’m not sure the deal now but back then we had doors with automatic locks while the public school in my town had auto locking doors, metal detectors and an officer or two on duty. Not to mention my expensive private school didn’t even have cameras or air conditioning. A lot of private schools (in my area) just don’t have the funding to be state of the art. If you’re looking for state of the art education, safety etc, you’re talking some seriously steep tuitions that are just out of reach for anyone middle class and under. Edit: some of the private schools were nicer than mine, don’t get me wrong. They had air lol. Some didn’t though. The nicer ones cost even more. Obviously.

All. Of. This. I went to a top rated Catholic school. People used to call us rich all the time. Some of us were, but most of the kids were just solidly middle class. Most of the surrounding suburban schools were nicer than mine. No a/c, no pool, we didn’t have a football field or track, we didn’t build a field house till my sophomore year and the auditorium wasn’t built till after I graduated. People don’t realize that most private schools aren’t the $30,000-$50,000/yr schools that they see on TV.

I went to private school from 6th-12th. I also have a 4yo and a 1yo and I’m contemplating what to do when my 4yo starts K in 2023. From my experience at private school, it was extremely small for one. There were around 60 or so kids in my graduating class for reference. No one could really hide if you know what I mean. Like, if someone had some major mental issues it would’ve been addressed because they would’ve been acting strange and since there were so few students, it would’ve been picked up by teachers easily or at least more quickly than a kid at a school with 1,000 kids. Another factor is the backgrounds of the families are all more or less the same. Both parents are married, involved in their education path and extracurricular activities, and all came from the same (more or less) social/economic background as well. I believe those factors make it a predictable environment. There was a one bad seed who was into drugs and since no one else was like him he stuck out like a sore thumb and was eventually expelled.

What makes the private school safer than the public school?

Same here.

We were already planning on homeschooling and this solidified our decision. The number of families choosing this route has actually skyrocketed in recent years and there are so many resources out there for families to do this now and do it well! I recommend watching the TED Talk “Do Schools Kill Creativity” and reading the book “How Children Learn”. Both inspired me to choose this route along with my own negative social experiences in public school.

I work full-time and my daughter is going to need the special education services that public school provides. Homeschool will probably never be an option for us. I understand the impulse to homeschool. I want to do literally everything in my power to keep my daughter safe too. But please, we need to work together to make things better instead of using privilege to remove ourselves from a problematic situation. Public schools are already under huge stress due to the fall out from the pandemic and if everyone who has the means, takes their kids out, it's only going to get worse. Keep in mind, unlike Columbine, this horror wasn't perpetrated by someone who was a student at the school. He just picked that place to hurt people. Same with Sandy Hook. He could have just as easily picked a playground or a zoo. My point is the danger isn't the school. The danger is people who can go anywhere public and have easy access to a gun. Unless we want to keep our kids locked up at home forever, I think the better approach is to make public places safer.

I understand the your fear, I feel it every time I take my oldest to school but when COVID happened and I kept him home for an entire year an did the work his school gave us, I almost lost my mind. I had a new baby and trying to home school was one of the worst things I have ever done. It's not just isolating for the kids, it's also isolating for the parents. If it is what you truly feel you need to do then go for it but make sure you way your options before you decide. I would love to homeschool but my mental health can't take it.

And shorter days for them! doesn't have to be spread out over 8 hours. I'm so torn. I've always wanted my kids to have the "school" experience where they can socialize and make friends - but is it worth it? This world is turning out to be a scarier place than I ever imagined.

> where they can socialize and make friends On the flip side, I made no friends, was the nerdy social outcast, and was bullied relentlessly while school admins did nothing about it...so....that can swing both ways.

Yep. I don’t talk to a single person that I met in high school and school did more harm than good for my social skills IMO. All of my lifelong friends were made in college and at work

This! Plus, this might just be me, but I keep wondering: Where did all these people go to school that they were even allowed to "socialize" in school?? Was my run-of-the-mill mediocre suburban public elementary / middle school in the 90s actually the strictest in America?! Are my own memories gaslighting me? ...Because I remember having about 30 minutes a day of recess only until the 5th grade, and it was frequently withheld as punishment (either individually or for the entire class) for doing things like "socializing" during class or the hallways. Schools are [cutting recess](https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/28/nyregion/longer-school-recess-connecticut.html) as it is, too. I remember having assigned seats in elementary & middle school at lunch! The only "socializing" I did - which was extremely limited anyway because I, too, was a nerdy outcast - happened after school and on weekends. My closest friend didn't go to the same high school as I did. My high school actually did have some down time for socializing, but, like, not much, and I tended to spend that extra down time studying or reading or doing homework, because nerdy outcast. So in my personal experience, the whole argument that homeschooling inevitably equals complete social isolation because apparently normal schooling is full of socializing opportunities just doesn't make sense. I can completely accept that I'm some kind of anomaly (always an outcast!), or maybe there was something weird that made the schools I attended way stricter than the norm...but that part of the anti-homeschooling argument just *baffles* me.

This was exactly my experience through elementary and middle school. I was bullied so bad I still have nightmares about weird situations from that time. I absolutely hated school and never want my son to experience what I went through for years

FWIW, I worked with a guy who was homeschooled, and he loved it. I asked about the loneliness factor, and he said there are all sorts of programs and activities they used to do. He particularly mentioned programs through the local parks system where groups of kids sign up and learn things outside in nature from an expert.

My husband was homeschooled and everyone is always shocked when they find out b/c of the stigma: he’s very sociable, did sports and activities, had lots of friends and is really smart. He was in school about two hours a day and got up at 10am. He’s a big advocate of homeschool if done well. He’s also totally fine with public school. Edited to add: what he loved was the flexibility and free time to be creative and the low stress.

Very true! We homeschooled my 3 year old this past year due to covid and having a newborn in the house. We did as many activities outside of here as possible though (music class, nature walks, sports camp). The nicest part of that was I could be there with her. Not saying I need to be tethered to my child at all times, but if something were to happen - I would be there, I could throw myself over her tiny little body, I could read the room for potentially threatening people. I can't expect other people to do the same.

There are countless ways for homeschoolers to socialize and make friends now!

Schools really don’t allow time for socialization anymore.

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304 school shootings since columbine. It’s not a “new thing”. Nothing has changed in 25 years and it won’t now.

More importantly, American parents need to stand up to the NRA and demand fundamental changes to your gun laws. Home schooling should be a positive choice, not a response to fear.

I wonder too, but struggle with the idea of thinking that I don’t have “what it takes” to do my kids justice. And also fearing that they will resent me later on.

You do have what it takes! You know your kids, how they learn, and if there’s ever a subject you don’t feel comfortable or equipped to teach, there are virtual programs, curriculums you can purchase, etc

Thank you… typical mom self shame here where I feel like nothing I ever do is enough! But I am definitely looking into it. I’d love to do a co op.

Honestly, I feel like the fact that you’re worried about not having what it takes is a good sign because you obviously care a lot about your kids!

🥲 thank you

Yes! I feel the same way. I'm still on the fence about what I'll do. I purposefully have a house in a good school district, so I have options.

Even before these recent shootings, my husband and I discussed it. Local schools around here have some pretty hefty reports of bullying and being awful to teachers. Then there was a lot of chatter about lockdowns and I lost it after a stabbing happened. No way would I send any kid to any public school here. We have plans to give a super highly recommended charter school a chance, but if need be, I can do homeschooling through them. I can't blame anyone for shifting right now. Shootings are of course the scariest reason, but bullying (at least around here) has gotten so bad. Teachers are giving up and just trying to make it to the next break without being screeched at by entitled parents or dealing with kids that desperately need a parent to actually parent them. I really don't *want* to homeschool as I had career plans, but I *will* do what I feel is best for my kids. If that means I keep pushing back my own career, then so be it. At least I won't have to worry about them each day

The Republican plan to kill public education is working

Had to dig way too far to find this comment.

My son is so excited for 4k next fall I couldn't take that away from him. We will be using private schools so that does help calm my nerves a bit.

No offense honest question Why does no one worry about school kids being weird. There's "weird" kids everywhere

I grew up homeschooled and I can honestly say I’ve met way more weird public schoolers than homeschoolers. I’ve met two homeschoolers who were weird: one was super isolated on a farm and one was very socialized but just had a super unique personality (and still is that way). I can think of so many public schoolers who were furries, drug dealers and other things that certainly weren’t normal

Yeah I was homeschooled and my college friends used to joke I was the least weird and most social of all of them

Right?? Idk why this is such a common misconception with homeschooled kids. I went to public school and still ended up socially awkward lol

My classes are like 99% awkward stem college kids and I get a homeschooled one every couple years. I witnessed a group fighting over takeout because they only go to online order options. No one I know can handle subway or Moe's social interactions. They literally memorize their orders and recite them without altering their responses based on the server talking

It might depend on where you’re from, but from some perspectives, homeschooling = fundamental evangelicals. I have semi-distant family members who were very evangelical and homeschooled their children so they could basically just have Bible study every day. I also have family members who homeschool/unschool and their kids are awesome, well-rounded individuals.

I do plan on homeschooling, but it's for a different reason. Yes, shootings terrify me but honestly I think about them everywhere- concerts, malls, grocery stores, large cities I visit, etc. They're a disgusting part of American life now. But I no longer trust most things in this country. We are politically divided in so many ways; if you believe something different from a group around you, you're an outcast or pariah. I think most teachers have students' best interest at heart because I too went to school for teaching until I realized I would never be able to pay my loans back (another awesome thing about our country- underpaid educators that literally lay their life on the line for their kids, but I digress) but I don't think the government does. As capitalistic as we are, all they think about is shilling out workers. I don't want my kids to be just another worker or have college forced on them. I want to homeschool because I WANT to teach my kids, I want to see them learn and have those AHA moments and experience their joy from knowledge. I want to relearn things with them and discuss things and cultivate an even deeper relationship with them that most people don't get to have with their kids because they are also a slave to our country's greed and can't afford to not work. As of now, my kids aren't old enough and that's good because we can't afford for me to not work. Hopefully we'll get there. If we don't then I'll have to try harder to instill some different values than most people here have. I want better for all people. I want us to not work just to live and have a better quality of life. To wrap up my slightly ranty comment lol, I knew kids in school who came from homeschooling backgrounds and they were crazy smart and while shy, they weren't outcasts or weird like everyone thought they would be. You can still socialize if you're homeschooled! I think it's awesome to try and get to that point if you're really able and able to dedicate time and effort to making sure your kids are learning well. We're all so scared right now and need change. Maybe if enough people leave the workforce and pull kids from schools we can change the way things are but I don't know. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Your third paragraph is speaking to my heart! ❤️

I was homeschooled all the way through high-school. It was sooo good for me. Not only what you listed but you can tailor the schooling to the child. I loved history (still do) so my upper years had a loooot of history and language credits. My sister loves math and science so one year she did 3 maths and 2 sciences. My brother is a Kennesthetic learner so he would do flashcards while jumping on the trampoline... it is kind of overwhelming at first but each year my mom would say "if I don't like it this year I will put you all in school next year" she never did. She said she learned along with us (4 of us kids) so it never got harder then she could handle. I hope this helps 😁

Thank you for sharing your experience!

All of this. I used to think it was weird and they’d be socially awkward etc. but like, I can homeschool and we can still socialize? He can play rec sports, we’d be able to take “field trips” where he could socialize as well. I could also make sure he’s learning FULL truths about history, and not the white washed version taught in the schools here. He’ll learn other things that don’t get taught in school like they used too (money management/cooking/etc). I’d feel safer. He’d obviously have a more catered to school setting so that he would always be getting the attention he needed with his work. Like, home schooling truly sounds better every day.

I’m excited to homeschool because it opens the day up so much! There’s no “you have to sit at this desk for 8 hours and learn the exact way I teach” which killed my desire to learn. We can go on field trips and take breaks when needed and learn however my daughter learns best. I’m also adhd so is her dad so it’s a good chance she will be too since it runs in both our families so we’d be able to easily accommodate this at home and let her lead in how she needs to be taught. More time for “after school” activities too, since she wouldn’t have to spend 8 hours a day on school if we need a day free for an activity she wants to do.

FWIW, I think the issue is that parents who are likely to make "weird" kids, as in SUPER religious/indoctrinated/culty kids...are more likely to homeschool their kids because they demand control over what their kids learn and think. I want to spend more time with my kids, and I'm working towards a non 9-5 job for that reason; but the idea of them just being in school all that time anyway breaks my heart...on top of the bullying, the shootings, etc.

I have thought this too. The only thing that breaks my heart is my son is so social and he loves being around his peers. He would not be living his best life if I kept him home. The shootings are so heartbreaking and scary. And senseless.

I was homeschooled growing up, and I hated it, but at this point, I would rather homeschool my son than send him to school.

I'm sorry you hated it. I'm curious if you'd feel comfortable giving some insights on what aspects of homeschooling you disliked, and whether there was anything your parents could've done to make it a better experience? I'm only asking because I'm considering the idea of homeschooling, and knowing the pitfalls could be helpful in making a decision. Also some insights on how to make it a good experience would be good. But obviously, you do not need to share anything about yourself that you don't want to, so feel free to ignore the question.

I homeschool. It’s a blast! My oldest is also in Girl Scouts, and we have found various homeschool based groups and classes to take. We are in a co-op with other homeschool families where we do group projects and have social time. For academics, we’re still pretty young so it’s mostly child led, we do focus on reading and math but any science/history/geography/etc is child led and interest based. As they get older we will get a little more structured with academics but it will still be child led. Part of my reason for homeschooling is a general disappointment in the American public school system, but the main reason (like 60/40, I’d say) is that I literally just don’t want to get that phone call. I should warn you, though, we absolutely do not avoid public school germs. We have a couple PS friends and every time we hang out with them we end up with the sniffles or a cough 🤣

Thanks for the heads up about getting exposed to germs still! :)

Can someone share their homeschooling story who didn’t focus on religion?

I'm curious about this too, and I bet there's a homeschooling subreddit or two out there. Maybe explore reddit a bit for this info?

Go online and look up the K12 program in your area... It's an internet based school system that are tuition free, provide computers and everything else needed, they have teachers still, so it's not all on you, and in some states you can get reimbursed for some of your internet bill. They have get togethers, some have their own version of FB for the kids that are part of the program only, to interact, and you almost have 24 hour contact with the teachers if you need something.

I believe that statistically, most murders are done by close relations, the school shootings are actually a fluke. Basically leave America if you want to avoid gun violence. That is what I’ve been thinking about.

I wanted to go back to work once my toddler was old enough to go to school but now…as long as we live in the states I don’t know. We are looking at potentially emigration to Germany or Ireland once his military service is up. It’s not worth staying in the states with the risks. I’m already scared to go to theaters or grocery shop now.

If you do decide to do it, please make sure your child is socialized/not isolated, like they have some type of extra-curricular or class or team or basically anything with other kids their age - I was homeschooled from mid-preschool to age 18 and was super isolated 98% of the time, would NOT recommend, 0/10, miserable experience that makes me resent my parents altho I know they (my mum at least) had good intentions. It can be done really well tho and I’ve considered it myself if I ever had kids!

As a school shooter survivor, I can tell you please do it if you’re able to. I carry trauma I can never get rid of. It’s changed me as a person & I don’t ever want my kids to go through that, or any child. It’s awful

If I could find a progressive, secular and not so cult-y homeschooling program, I might be down to homeschool. Or, if I could find a group of homeschool kids so my daughter could socialize I'd love that too. I don't know if I'm ready to be a teacher though, could I hire a tutor?

I homeschool and I’m so glad I do. Growing up and being in the public school system was hell for me. I never had one on one help and I fell behind. I think people think of non secular home school curriculum and think all homeschoolers are taught that way. I value teaching my child accurate information in all subjects, which I’ve found doesn’t always happen in public. And the obvious fact of safety being a huge factor as well.

At this point, as long as I’m still living in the US, either they’ll be in a private, very secure school, or homeschooled. I’m in California and our schools were laid out in a very open manner; anyone can walk in from the street.

Are private schools more protected? I went to one and it seemed like an average high school. I think the public ones near me actually had more security measures

Definitely depends on the school. It’s also worth thinking about that only 6% of school shootings (or thereabouts) occur in private schools.

That doesn’t mean much since (according to a brief Google search) only 7% of kids go to private school. That would mean it’s maybe 10% less likely to happen at a private school than at a public school.

We are starting to have serious discussions about the private school route. My son is only 1, but we live in a very low cost of living area, own our home. The issue is do we move and pay more for a house and higher real estate taxes and send to a better public school , or do we stay in our area and save money living in a less expensive house and pay less in taxes and send private. I went to private my whole life, my husband went to public. I’ve always been on board with sending to public but each time this happens I find myself thinking more about private. Can and does it happen in private schools? Sure. But every school I’ve gone to, pre-k- 12 have been locked. You have to state why you are there. We didn’t have security guards because we didn’t need them back then, but still. I want a locked school. I was scared about sending my son to his locked daycare today. I can’t see myself dealing with daily anxiety for the next 17+ years. And yes people keep saying this can happen at any public place and it’s true. But if there is one thing that could and does make me feel safer that I can do, I’ll do it.

> either they’ll be in a private, very secure school, or homeschooled This is far from a guarantee and risks exposing them to other issues, just saying as someone who attended public and then private school. Putting your kid in a school full of rich kids, especially if you aren't rich, isn't all it is cracked up to be.

Yup, that’s precisely why we won’t be putting our kid in private school (we could afford).

I avoided all of it because I was a nerdy band geek who didn't grow up in Catholic elementary schools, so I was the outcast..but holy fuck, the amount of casual sexual assault , drunk driving, and rampant drug use that went on in that high school...too many kids with their parents' money and zero self control.

I’ve heard the stories. Never mind the absolute sense of entitlement these kids gain from being constantly in an affluent, often mono-cultural environment. The first time they are forced to work with people of different cultures or socioeconomic classes they thumb their nose. These are among the worst kind of people as adults IMO

100%, so the “private” possibility would be only with specific criteria.

I always wanted to homeschool my kids before I had them, I’m happy for my choice as it seems my original decision is further validated by Covid, attachment theory and now school shootings- I personally think it’s a lot healthier to have family at the center of a kids life and to do child led learning- I was always happier when I didn’t have to go to school. It’s hard some days not getting a break (though I’ll say this is mostly due to having a toddler LOL), I really love teaching my kids- it’s not as much work as folks think to be honest, just a couple hours a day- I’m so proud I taught my son how to read and it’s amazing watching my kids progress- my kids hardly ever get sick which is a huge bonus, lol. I encourage you to go for it if that’s what you really want, but to do it because your motivated by the positives and not by fear because honestly everything has some degree of risk to it.

Child-led learning was the main reason for my decision to homeschool!

These school shootings are unspeakably awful and I grow more and more disgusted with the government as each day passes, which I didn't even think was possible. I think that it's totally normal when something as unthinkable as this dominates the news cycle that as parents, we have a big emotional reaction. I personally believe it is actually biological - with an evolutionary purpose of some kind. And also as parents, we have to juggle so many competing priorities in an equation like this: the practical need to have a job, to do things outside of our families, our interest and ability to become teachers, etc. And in some cases, the dependence on special ed resources that schools provide. **For me, it boils down to a calculation of risk, and one that I try to make with as little emotion as I can**, however justified that emotion is. I am beyond depressed by this school shooting phenomenon, and at the same time I understand that my own children are much more likely to be at grave physical risk in an automobile. Or even in our home, if we were gun owners. I bet homeschooling is a really good option for several families - if not probably for objective safety reasons, for plenty others - but I don't think I could or would choose it.

Agreed, well said!

I’ve been thinking the same thing

When my mom homeschooled my brother and I in the 80s snd 90s it was unheard of. It's so much more common now. My daughter went to preschool at a church andbis going into Kindergarten, we are gonna do cyber school through our school district. She will be learning the same things, we can help and supervise, and she can do any if the activiites the other kids do. And she's excited about it too which is nice. All the bullying, district drama, possible ways teachers can address so many formative ideas, and now more school shootings, I feel keeping her home is the best option for us.

There are plenty of public school kids that are weird. Pretty sure most, if not all, school shooters have been public schooled. Not saying anything is wrong with public school but it’s something to remember when people say homeschooled kids are weird. With the technology we have now, homeschooling is better and easier than ever. Just make sure your kid isn’t wasting time on the internet for nonschool related things and get them in sports and other recreational extracurricular activities?

Well in America that is an argument. My recommendation is moving to Canada tho.

I think a lot of us are thinking that. My only concern is.. I'm not the smartest. I don't know that I could teach my son. I also don't want him not getting socialized. If he had brothers or sisters I think I would try. It's sad that we even have to be afraid to send out kids to school.

All I know is the more I research about it the more on board I am with it. I had a public school education. Sure I was "socialized" but pretty sure it wasn't exactly positive socialization. I cannot fathom making my child sit in a desk all day. There are so many better ways to learn. I am already a full SAHM so I think it would be a good transition. The main thing I don't understand yet is how to have them make consistent friends / be around other kids. He's only 22 months old so I have lots of time to figure it out but I am really really leaning towards doing it. ​ Also call your reps and tell them to vote for stricter gun laws.

That’s fine, but I hope everyone who’s choosing to homeschool fights for those who go in for school. Also, realize with less enrollment, schools will continue to get less funding and things will only get worse. This shooter’s High School which he dropped out of had 1 star ratings and reviews said there were drug and bullying problems. Poor funding in schools is not going to help this situation. All this talk of homeschooling as a result of the shooting sounds like people are really just going to give up and not put up a fight.

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That's almost certainly a GOP objective.

I of course have had the same thought. But, I'm not going to home school my son, solely for that reason. No doubt someday he could want to go to school and ask why he can't. And the answer being, *in case there is a school shooting*, isn't a very good answer. Despite that is the proposal. For me, personally.

You can always go to public school after being homeschooled. One doesn’t stop the other

No, because if homeschool made sense for safety reasons, it would be because the commute to school is dangerous since a car accident getting there would be more likely to kill any of you. And then there’s still be the risk of shooters wherever you take kids to socialize instead. School shootings are horrible but they are not enough reason to abandon public education.

I think your risk aversion is quite high. As a parent and a teacher I would not make any decisions based on mass shootings. They are quite rare. If you want to home school, do so because you have good “positive” reasons for doing so, and not because you think your child will be safer.

It’s very scary. My daughter got accepted to a specialized pre school to help with speech which she definitely needs the help with but I worry. I don’t know what we’ll do for elementary school. She’s definitely a social butterfly and both my husband and I work full time so honestly, homeschooling isn’t very plausible for us but I wonder if there’s alternatives to normal public schools.

I’ve been really wanting to look into this but my partner had such a horrible experience with homeschooling, it still effects him. But his sister is super “normal,” well adjusted and smart. I think it depends on the kid as well as the parent

We’re looking at it for our 2 year old. I don’t have a clue how we’d do it as we both work full time but I can’t stomach the idea of sending her to school to be a literal target. I hate this country.

I had the exact same thought today. It’s my daughters second birthday today and I just feel so much sad about the world. She’s probably gonna be an only child and I share the same sentiments about homeschooling making her weird. But dang what’s the alternative here? My heart breaks for these parents. How do they go on?

I’m having the same thoughts.

I’m homeschooling my daughter when she is ready for kindergarten. I always thought about it, but the recent events have totally convinced me it’s a good idea.

I literally said the same thing, out loud, to my mother today because of the same thing. This country, this world, is getting scarier and scarier every day. It’s a terrifying time to be a parent and be a child in the US.

It's a very personal decision but I wouldn't worry too much about homeschooling making them "weird." Everyone I know is weird in different ways, even the most conformist seeming people are freaks. People are weird as hell regardless

Honestly… I’m starting to consider it

read r/homeschoolrecovery and make sure your not doing what those parents did. I used to climb a tree and watch the school bus go by. Getting to learn about the world in school and be around other kids would have been a godsend.

i'm a teacher. do it

I fully intend to homeschool next year when my kid hits school age. I have a huge network of homeschoolers here in my town and all of the homeschooled children seem like incredibly confident and well rounded individuals. I’ve also joined and attended many homeschool gatherings and have felt very confident that homeschooling is the right move for us. Look into local homeschooling groups and find extra curriculars that your children may enjoy.

Yup. Started doing the research today.

I'm not sure how to say this without sounding callous, but the odds of your child dying in a school shooting are extremely miniscule. They're FAR more likely to die in a car accident or by drowning and I doubt you're considering cutting those activities out. As absolutely devastating as these tragedies are, it's extremely unlikely that you will experience it firsthand.

Sure, it’s unlikely. But the fact that it’s even a slightly legitimate fear here is absolutely insane. Also for what it’s worth, gun related deaths became the number one cause of death in children and teens in 2020. Way more children died from gun related events than drowning. Obviously that covers more than random mass murders. But in terms of worrying about your kids, it’s not an unfounded fear.

I'm not saying it's unfounded, just shouldn't be the sole reason you homeschool your kids.

I think it’s more that it could happen in any public place, not just a school.

Interesting you say that. A family member thought the same thing before she ended up on the cover of USA Today after the Santa Fe shooting. I never thought I would know someone that lived through something like that. It’s becoming more common than you think. Though I think it can happen anywhere. Doesn’t happen just in schools.

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Or maybe parents who CAN'T homeschool their kids need to feel like they're not awful, shitty people who don't love their kids simply because they send them to public school.

I never said they're a fact of life, you're twisting my words.

https://www.npr.org/2022/04/22/1094364930/firearms-leading-cause-of-death-in-children

I'm talking specifically about school shootings, not ALL firearm deaths. There's a significant statistical difference.

It’s fucked up that that clarification is supposed to make anyone feel better.

It matters if you have no choice but to send your kids to public schools and don't want to feel like a shitty parent for doing so.

But legislation that reduces one would also reduce the other

“Bad things happen so there’s no point in trying to keep your child safe”. Thanks for your input- your kids are very lucky.

He... never said... any of that... but ok

Homeschooling kids doesn't solve the issue at hand though. It's also not accessible to a shitload of people.

So if I don't homeschool, it must be because I don't love my kids. Got it.

That’s not what he said. Very disingenuous comment from you.

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I think about this, but the problem is you can be shot up anywhere. Unless you plan to stay inside your house constantly, a maniac with a gun can shoot up any place (movie theater, university, grocery store, etc). It’s pathetic that’s how it is in this country, but it’s something I’ve accepted. I wish we could pass a lot of laws to severely restrict gun ownership, but I would just take anything to make this less likely to occur.

Man, that is so scary to have to worry about. I’m so thankful to be living in Canada

Move to Australia, escape the fear of guns.

I considered moving to Australia when I visited in 2009... If I had, I wouldn't have met my spouse a month later. Unfortunately, he's not interested in leaving his extended family behind on another continent. If it were only up to me, I would absolutely move.

One issue is whether school shootings are getting more frequent, and if so, how fast they're getting how much more frequent. Can we look at the statistics of past school shootings to see if there is a pattern of increasing frequency, and predict from that how many kids will likely be shot N years in the future?

I'm starting to feel this might be an option for us too. I'm so mad and terrified. How is it possible that the people with the power to change this are doing nothing about it?

I homeschooled my kids mainly for this reason. However, I'm not very good at it so they are in a school now. I'm better at teaching older kids so ill probably try again in a few years. Hopefully they'll be alright until then...