Sounds funny doesn't it? Homeschooling to avoid naps. Crazier than being a religious kook, huh?
Seriously, she was/is extremely strong willed and we knew it would be impossible to for she and the system to get along with each other. Absolutely no flexibility in decision making in the schools here then (and now).
In addition, she was operating at a 3rd grade level at that point anyway, so we knew 1st grade was out of the question. Considering the quality of education here, it just wasn't worth the effort to get along with our local school system. I had a lot of close dealings with them several years later and believe me, any criticisms I make are very accurate.
All of my siblings and I worked at several grades above grade level in elementary school. Some of us went on to gifted programs. Others of us did not, but all of us got quality educations because that's what my parents expected of us. In my own class (after a little less than three months), I have several children on a grade above level or higher (one is on a fifth grade level). It is a challenge to keep them all satisfied, but I expect different levels and things from each student. It also depends a lot on the student's and parents' attitudes.
The statements I make are accurate as well because they are based on my own and my family's experiences over 30 plus years. They are things I see happen with my own eyes. Nonetheless, I do not make blanket statments because I know that situations are different in different areas and even in individual situations.
You do sound like a good father and good luck in your efforts.
Just joshing about the naps part. Josh likes to take naps anyways.
BTW--I'm on a vacation break because of the year-round schedules we have here--not just monkeying around:).