I homeschooled my two for 7 years. I always said that I was doing it because I *had* to, not because I wanted to. I said, "If I can find a school that does it as well or better than I can, I'd send the kids in a heartbeat."
We moved to a school system that we'd heard great things about. Last August I sent my son. (Very intelligent, willful, sassy diabetic. I figured, if they can handle him, they can handle anything.) They're doing a WONDERFUL job! I *love* this district!
My daughter will be going to high school in January and we're thrilled. I love what they teach and how they teach it. I love they way they view boys and discipline the children. (very down-to-earth)
They have a lot of farmer's kids here. Time is taken off for planting and harvest. Older kids have the option of working on these vacation days for a local farmer. The homework level is reasonable and the teachers are "old-school".
*Most* HSers would be very happy to send their kids to such a school, but they are rare and difficult to find.
With all that said, I do think its better for kids to be taught at home until they're at least 11 or 12. Both of my kids have been impressed with definitive ideas of right and wrong. They both have the confidence to speak up and don't get "confused" when an adult tries to persuade them otherwise.
i think 11-12 is the age i would definitely choose NOT to send my kids to school... especially today... i know you found a very rare school district, but most middle schools would not suit our family...