How Do I Know Homeschooling REALLY Works?
This story is unfolding in front of our eyes, and we are amazed and so very grateful...
I could throw loads of statistics, studies, and research at you about how homeschoolers excel, but this post isn't about facts and figures. When the rubber meets the road, how do I REALLY know homeschooling works?
Because of the story we are living right now.
I want to let you in on parts of our story, because I think it's important that you hear from a real-life person about what homeschooling can achieve. (Disclaimer: Even as I share this, let me tell you upfront that the success of this story is not because of my abilities as much as I feel like it's in spite of my shortcomings! I truly attribute every success in my life and our family to God's grace and favor through Jesus Christ.)
With that in mind, let me share our story in a nutshell...
First, homeschooling was not a lifelong dream of mine. We went into it with a, "Let's try this for a year and see how it goes," commitment level. My husband and I were both working full-time when we started, so we needed to see what would unfold. But once we dove in, our 4-year-old took off, and we never looked back.
That 4-year-old is now 15, and she just started her senior year. We have allowed her to work at her own pace through the years, looking for opportunities along the way to accelerate that pace when she needed an extra challenge. Now she's on track to graduate high school by the end of this year, at age 16.
So... Is she prepared for college? I find myself nervously asking that, but let me share some amazing news with you.
This is something I hesitate to mention on social media, because people can be, well... brutal. (And our daughter is just too precious for us to throw her success out there for some disgruntled keyboard warrior to attack).
But I feel like you need to know, those who have joined this WiserHomeschool community.
Last December, our daughter took the ACT for the first time. Some context for those who may not know:
The ACT is graded on a score of up to 36 points.
The average ACT score in America hits between 19-21.
When I was 17 & 18, I had to take the ACT three times to get the score I needed for a 4-year academic scholarship.
Most students take the ACT around ages 16-18.
Here's the punchline:
Our 15-year-old went in on her first try and blew my scholarship-worthy score out of the water. She achieved a composite score that puts her in the range of acceptance of any Ivy League school, and really, any college in America, as far as we can tell.
She has been homeschooled since age 4.
Moreover, she runs her own baking business out of our home. She leads a volunteer team at church (a team of adults who all respect her as their team lead). She also loves serving in the church nursery. And she has tons of spare time to devote to reading, playing games with her brothers, and occasionally scrolling Pinterest--just being a teenager.
All of this, and she isn't even driving yet.
I've always contended that homeschooling opens up opportunities for kids to explore and develop other interests and abilities outside of school, but it doesn't have to be at the expense of solid academics. We are seeing that you really can have it all!
Academic excellence, solid social skills, leadership development, character development... It can all happen in the framework of homeschool, even when circumstances aren't perfect (I worked either full- or part-time for the first decade that we homeschooled; during that time, I had two more babies, potty-trained three toddlers, and started each of the three boys in homeschooling when their time came. Trust me, it was not always perfect)!
Maybe you and your spouse work.
Maybe you're a single parent.
Maybe you're raising really young kids while educating your older ones.
Maybe you don't even feel you're capable of teaching your kids.
Let me tell you: I'm a big believer of, "Where there's a will, there's a way."
The key to success in spite of our shortcomings is to learn how to navigate around them and leverage tools that make up for our weaknesses.
If our family can make it work, I am convinced yours can, too!
That's why I've spent months putting together a special resource for parents like you, those who are new to homeschooling.
Homeschool Crash Course is not a course that confines you or restricts you to a certain method; instead, I strive to simplify the process and teach you how to make this beautiful journey work best for you and your family!
In Homeschool Crash Course, you'll learn:
how to customize your path to suit your & your child's personalities
how to adjust your expectations from what you knew in the public school system
how to set up a grading system, a filing system, and a records-keeping system
how to build confidence
how to deal with stereotypes when family and friends don't understand your decision to homeschool
and more, of course.
You can start simplifying your path to homeschooling by beginning Homeschool Crash Course today. Your purchase will grant you immediate access to my online video library made up of short videos that you can watch at your own pace (because I know what it's like to be a mom who can only grab 5-10 minutes of quiet here and there).
BONUS: If you sign up today, I will also include 2 group coaching calls (live over Zoom), completely FREE. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions specific to your situation and share any challenges you may be facing.
You can do this, and I'd consider it an honor to support you along the way. I look forward to partnering with you as you begin your journey...
...Because in the end, our kids deserve better,
Amy
WiserHomeschool.com
@amyharrellsmith
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