Should I home school my 8th grader?

If you choose to homeschool (i homeschool for a very similar reason and it has been great), remember that a "school" day is very different at home.

You don't have bus rides, announcements, waiting in line, or waiting for others to get ready or ask questions. Even doing more work per subject per day passes much more quickly. So, your working and homeschooling is completely feasible.

If you can't afford an online curriculum or purchasing a complete, new curriculum; the library and educational shows are a great resource. Be sure to check out yahoo groups for a homeschool group in your local area because people already homeschooling will be a GREAT resource for helping you to understand your state laws and giving advice.

Good luck :)

Although I am a stay at home mom and have the time to homeschool my son on MY time, The answers to this question have prompted me to answer this question as well. My son is now in 2nd grade. Last year he was sexually molested in school and it has gone down hill since then. This year he was only in school until the end of January. The person who molested my son was a TEACHERS son who also attended this school. After I was so kindly threatened with a lawsuit by the administration my son has been "pegged" by the administration. This year he was kicked in the groin 3 times, punched in the face, punched in the head, punched in the back, stabbed in the face with a pencil, harrassed on a consistant basis on the bus by a 6th grader, and has come home with huge bruises on him from students. Upon contacting the principal numerous times and actually being told that I was "over reacting" I decided to pull my son from public school and homeschool. I will continue to do so until I (and only I) feel my child is safe.

One of the "good points" to homeschooling is that you can do it WHEN YOU CAN. It does NOT have to be 8-3. You can also have homeschooling on weekends. As long as your hours of homeschooling comply with the regulations of your state.

I have been addresses by my ex husband and the PRINCIPAL of the school about the "socialzation" that my child would be receiving. IT IS A WELL KNOWN FACT that homeschooled children interact better with adults and out in the "real world" THERE HAVE BEEN TESTS done on this. I would consider having your child join something (scouts, the Y, sports- which he CAN do being homeschooled) Feild trips also let him interact with other homeschooled children.

I think any "negatives" anyone can come up with about homeschooling can be researched. I know that I am breathing A LOT easier KNOWING 100% that my child is safe.

well girl you are not alone the same is happening to my son he is in 7 grade and not doing that great to school people didn't do anything about the bullie part from another kids and he is a good kid...But if it doesn't stop I will sue the school because they should do something and Yes i was thinking the same thing too about home schooling my son but like you I work a full time job...So is just a matter of money because you can get someone to teach him at home or doit yourself if you are able to do it. Try it...

Home schooling is definately the best way to go! I know several home schoolers and they not only excelled, they went beyond what regular schooling can give a student! Two of the people I know who home schooled were put into public school in high school and hated it and wanted to be back in home schooling. Now there are the best of both worlds combined. There are public schools that are online. It is kinda like home schooling, but there is the assistance from teachers and accredidation and a regular high school diploma. And being public schooling, they are free. Dont worry about social.....Home schooling provides tons of time for social acitvities with other homeschoolers. There is even prom!! Dont let others discourage you. I am enrolling two of my children right now. If you need assistance with anything, feel free to contact me.

To the person that thinks HSing because of a bully issue is teaching your child to run away from problems is just silly. I am sure that person would just sit there and let other people attack her/him.

You can certainly HS your child while working, I am sure it will be difficult. It can be difficult when one parent can stay home and do the schooling. My praises go out to you. While you are working who will be with your child, will he be home alone? There are quite a few curricula(is that the plural?) that are online, that may help out with the time factor you will be facing.

Good luck to you and your son. I am sorry the public school system is failing yet another student.

Of course you can...there are on line options available these days...you could have his computer area set up with a camera...so you could view from work possibly...and you would have to be prepared to spend your evening hours reveiwing his work...also...might I recommend to check out what your area has to offer in homeschool support groups....you might find some help....it is your job to protect your son from the depravity at public schools...especially if he is a target...you only have a few short years left...by the way....I homeschooled my son 2nd grade through 12...he is now in his 4th year in an engineering program at a major University. I believe the reason he has been successful...is because he wasn't exposed to the things your son has had to endure....Good luck...you can do this.

I know what you are going threw Heather.

My 5th grade daughter (now in high school) Lindsey

has been bullied all her life and was scared to go to school the next day. My husband and I were ready to put her in Summer School but we were to scared if she would get bullied there too. So then me and Josh(my husband) had a talk if we shall home-school her. We talked to the teacher and the teacher agreed home- schooling is a good idea.

Then I had a talk with my best friend that is a teacher, she said that most kids that are home schooled fall down in grades further and further. So Josh and I had another talk and that was to not home-school her. And I even told Lindsey that she needed help and to get better in math and other social activities. She agreed. And she got so much better. She is now ready for College in a year. She is going to Hardvard.

I can't answer that for you, but I can give you a couple of links that might help you make the decision. This is a general getting-started page about homeschooling:

http://www.youcanhomeschool.org/starthere/default....

The Old Schoolhouse magazine offers a free email newsletter for single parents who are homeschooling. Follow this link and scroll to the bottom of the page:

http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/E_News/

Yes, you can do as already suggested especially if you have a neighbor or family you trust. Or you can homeschool when you get home. Sacrifice is part and parcel of homeschooling.

What's best for him though? Could you relocate closer? Take a lower paying job/new job so you're home more? Consider these things as well if you are serious.

You need to find a good home school co op to get involved in as well. Ask at local churches, they usually can refer you. I help a friend of mine out with her daughter on the days she works, she brings her with a list of assignments for the day and I oversee and help.

It can be done, but it will keep you busy. Your child needs to be built back up if he is suffering. Make sure you put him is social situations that he can be confident in.

Good luck and blessings to you!