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It concerns me that on a support thread (which I greatly appreciate!!) my choice for homeschooling, K12, is consistently denigrated either because of its affiliation with Bill Bennett (whose unfortunate gambling history has nothing to do with the outstanding curriculum, which I've examined firsthand) or because it's a public charter. This theme seems to repeat consistently in homeschooling threads.

Yes, it is wise to keep a weather eye toward the possibility of new government encroachment into private homeschooling. I'd be first in line to defend parents' rights to direct their children's education as they see fit. But some folks refuse to consider the flip side of the charter homeschool story: that once parents break out of their bricks and mortar schools in greater and greater numbers, experiencing choice *and* home education for the first time, they're going to resist ever being forced back into the traditional box; and moreover, the public charter provides an excellent first step for many parents who either are a bit timid about making the transition to private homeschooling in one step, or who would face financial difficulties in acquiring their preferred curriculum.

In my lengthy research on homeschooling I constantly found an "us vs. them" mentality, whether it's unschoolers vs. curriculum users, private homeschoolers vs. charter, etc. I think that's really the only negative I've found about homeschooling! (grin) I've heard some amazing stories about "in person" homeschool support groups split in anger over these issues.

Information about parental rights and considered discussion of the pros and cons of using a government charter are always welcome, as are firsthand experiences with curriculum, pro or con. But flat statements that charter homeschooling must be stopped or sarcastic comments about another parent's choice -- made after literally years of research and agonizing over the best choice for one's family -- don't seem to me to be very helpful or supportive, and tend to prevent constructive discussion.

All of which is to say that, particularly as a new homeschooler, I would hugely appreciate support on the "hows" with rather less derision about my family's choice. :)

I hope my thoughts here will be considered in the friendly spirit with which they are offered. Thanks much!

"But some folks refuse to consider the flip side of the charter homeschool story: that once parents break out of their bricks and mortar schools in greater and greater numbers, experiencing choice *and* home education for the first time, they're going to resist ever being forced back into the traditional box"

Yes, it will be hard for public school authorities to get students to attend brick and mortar schools for 6 or 7 hours a day, and some public schools are smart enough to see the writing on the wall. They're basically finished unless they cater to parents and students' lifestyles.

Once parents realize that they can give their kids a great education because of the excellent curricular choices and technological breakthroughs available today, that their children can learn anything they want, at any time they want, with any teacher they want (how about a real historian, rather than a stupid football coach who has no interest in history and would rather be out on the field), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, the public schools will cease to exist.

The next generation -- the technologically savy kids -- will change how education is delivered.

I just got into a raging fight on a homeschool loop , where the people ran me off because I said I supported cyber schools and Bill Bennet. I am for school choice.. I give you credit for finding the best fit for your family and your children. I am an unschooler, but if the time comes that I need a bit of structure I will look to K12.com. I think having cyberschools around enhances the homeschooling community and school choice movement. You know you are doing the right thing, so forget what other people way.

The argument has been introduced to weaken the homeschooling community and to further isolate cyber schoolers.

I hope my thoughts here will be considered in the friendly spirit with which they are offered. Thanks much!

Excellent, good advice is always welcome. You're further along than I, and I believe your children are older too...so I still have time. We liked the K12 materials, but the "free" and "accepted by the State of Kalifornia" moniker made my wife and I add a second layer of tinfoil. This state's attitudes towards parents stinks on ice! Bill Bennett was just a major groan (and sigh). My kids are still pre-school and we haven't ruled out K12 yet. I would be interested in knowing how the interaction with the teacher/school unfolds. Will it be more of a blessing or more like the DMV. And what will the CA Teacher's Unions do about K12??? They've been viscious to other forms of homeschooling.

I hope my thoughts here will be considered in the friendly spirit with which they are offered. Thanks much!

Fuggidaboudit!!! K12???? You're practically a Marxist!

Just kidding. There are certain segments of the homeschool community that are too tied to homeschooling as a political movement. I think of it as an educational movement, which just happens to have political implications.

Still, the guiding principal behind homeschooling is that the PARENT can best determine the best method to educate the child. For those of us who have chosen to educate our children at home, we should be free to use whatever curriculum or method or anything else that we feel will give our child the best education.

For you, its K12. For us, its A Beka.

And, oh by the way, I NEVER rag on anybody for sending their kid to public school. Those parents have made their choice, same as homeschoolers...

I am all for anything that gives parents a choice in how they wish to educate. After all, they are your children, not mine. There was some talk on a local station in Phoenix, Arizona, yesterday about the Virtual Charter School. It was interesting that those you would think of as a target audience are actually excluded from the government funded program. Even though I got many ads in my mail for their seminars, the school here is only open to those who were in public school last year. Which leaves open the question, "What about kindergarteners?"