re: Home schooling has become America’s fastest-growing form of education

I used to be radically opposed to home schooling, but I've changed my tune. There are too many good kids who want to do well in school being forced to compromise their education for at-risk, behaviorally challenged kids who don't want to be there. Seeing videos of fights, disrespect, disruptions, and aberrant lifestyles dominating particular schools, it's no wonder many people want to protect their kids from being influenced by those who are dragging down society.

Even in our affluent school system, I'm disturbed by how many elementary school kids have Smartphones with Tik Tok. Why do I need to worry about my 4th grader seeing Tik Tok content because other parents refuse to set boundaries for their kids? We also had a big issue a few years ago (right after covid) with unfettered access to the Internet with everyone getting their own chromebook. My son rarely used a chromebook in school, but he had time in the afternoon to play violent video games, watch crude content on YouTube, or access other websites I wouldn't approve at home. Bringing this up with the school board wasn't well-received, and they acted like blocking websites was outside of their responsibility. It was insane what it took to get something done about it.

So I completely understand home schooling. I do question those that are unqualified to teach higher level classes. How can a regular SAHM facilitate high quality learning in calculus? Chemistry? British Lit? Analytical and argumentative writing?

Further, so many want to decry the youth's inability to think critically, but how does home school help develop the literacy skills that lead to a freethinking, liberated citizen?

When I read a comment like the one in this thread about "getting the work done without fluff in 2.5 hours," it makes me think that home schooling is focusing purely on consuming content and focusing little on inquiry, analysis, and critique. Simply regurgitating information digested from an educational authority figure is the weakest form of education there is.

But the home schooling cohorts seem to have a better model than this. I'm curious how it all evolves as we move forward. Hopefully communities see better development in their children if they're able to be removed from failing schools that more of a detriment to their academic maturity than a benefit.

Edit - but to add, really this will only be taken advantage of by those who are privileged enough to home school. There have been moments I've considered it, but there's no way we can maintain our standard of living without my wife working.