I've enjoyed reading this thread. I was reading some stats at http://www.nheri.org that 1.9 million school aged children were homeschooled during the 2000-01 school year. With numbers that large, it is no longer unusual to see a kid "out" during school hours. Unless a parent is homeschooling "underground" they have to sign/agree to comply with the revised code, according to their state.
Probably the best kept secret of homeschooling is this...Public schools ARE providing courses for homeschoolers. That's right. As tax payers, our children are entitled to be enrolled part time. This includes all auxillary courses: music, drama, p.e., testing services, occupational/physical therapy and sports. Many school districts have homeschool campuses, or "homelink" programs. These kids may only be on campus 2-3 days a week, taking electives or subjects that the parents do not feel comfortable teaching. Are they there alone?...no. Do they have different teachers?...yes. State organizations have a wide variety of services. Local support groups have organized activities. I belong to a group that also networks. We have parents from every walk of life: business owners, computer/high tech professionals, medical professionals, tradesmen, musicians, teachers, etc. that co-op classes. As technology increases, curriculum writers have opened up a whole new option...BJU's HomeSat, School of Tomorrow, Alpha Omega's Switched On Schoolhouse etc. I'm not suggesting homeschooling will EVER replace public or private schools. I'm not saying it is "right" for all children or all families. What I am suggesting, is that it is a legitimate option. The responses have my curiosity going though...I wonder how many in my local support group are JWs??? Interesting.