I saw an advertisement for Laurel Springs. It says their “One to one student/teacher interaction…. give your child an education comparable to the best private schools” and “You can enroll… to receive curriculum and teacher service.”
I know that it’s the season for homeschool conventions, and you will be FLOODED with homeschool advertisements. I just want to point out that with independent homeschooling you ALSO have a one to one student-teacher interaction. And perhaps we don’t want to be compared to ANY school, but instead want to provide the education our student needs. When we retain our independence we can choose our OWN curriculum and be our own “Teacher service.”
How about this ad, for Keystone National High School? It has an “Accredited Program” – although accreditation isn’t necessary for college admission. We didn’t go the accredited route, and both of my students we admitted to all four colleges they applied to, with full-tuition scholarships to Seattle Pacific University. Keystone has a “High School Diploma,” which independent homeschoolers can provide as well. I bought mine at homeschooldiploma.com, in case you are interested. “Honors and AP courses are available” and they are available to us as well. This is the part I really love, “Support from highly qualified, certified teachers.” I’ll agree that sometimes it does help to get the support of an experienced teacher, but it does concern me when advertisers tout “certified teachers.” Parents are the best teachers! And they are LOVE givers, not just CARE givers, and that makes all the difference. If you need support, consider a homeschool consultant who truly knows homeschooling and can ENCOURAGE you in your homeschooling journey.
Avoid those who will discourage or dissuade you from homeschooling, or imply that you somehow aren’t qualified.
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Christy says:
Keep shoutin’ it from the rooftops!
I think as long as parents are seeking out “accreditation” and “certification” the critics are going to keep shoving it at us, until everyone is forced to go that route.
June 22nd, 2008 at 10:30 am
Lee Binz says:
Christy,
I’ve noticed that it’s HIGH SCHOOLS that talk about accreditation all the time. Most colleges don’t seem to bother with accreditation – they are more concerned about finding out if the kids can read and write. Accreditation is no guarantee that a student is educated, and colleges know that better than anyone.
Blessings,
Lee
June 22nd, 2008 at 5:16 pm
J W says:
Accreditation, shmacreditation…
Humph. As if the rest of us are inferior.
Pfff!
Preach it, sister!
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:45 am