My son (who tested as gifted in math and science) is holding a 4.0 in community college right now (first year, but with a year of early dual-enrollment) -- he bascially taught himself math after the Algebra 2 level...BUT...my daughter HATES math (as well as most reading), and she is not a super student -- her PSAT scores were decent but not exceptional. That's okay with us tho'--because she has a huge heart for young and abused children, and volunteers at the local childrens' home, and works with her Youth Group at shelters for battered women and the homeless..this is a kid who, 6 years ago, was headed on the fast track to trouble.
Which kid is more "successful" ?
Yes, there are some homeschoolers who "cop an attitude" and/or give the impression that parents who use public schools don't love their kids as much, or are selfish and materialistic. But most of us are just so dang pleased with how well home education works, we see how our kids have changed and how they retain a real thirst for knowledge...and it's exciting for us -- we want all parents to know that they could do it too. Yes, Home School isn't for everyone, finances or family circumstances may prevent it, and some parents are just not cut out to teach their children...but there must always be freedom for parents to educate as they see fit...not as the state warrants. Otherwise we're sliding down that slippery slope into socialism and the "Nanny State". Most of us just want "the government" to leave us alone -- and don't worry about the miniscule amount of homeschoolers who may not be "qualified" or whose kids are failing -- they very well may still fare better than the ones who leave public school functionally and emotionally illiterate and dowtrodden. If you are a "small l" libertarian, I think you can understand this ??
By the way -- Home Schoolers NEED strong and stubborn lawyers -- want to come over and argue for our side ?? We're the "little" people ya'know :)