Should I Homeschool for Middle School?

Q. Middle school starts in the fall, and the entire family is apprehensive. The school has a bad record. Older siblings and friends have have bad experiences there. We are considering homeschooling. Is it OK to homeschool just for middle school and return the child to public school for high school?

A. Many children have gone to public elementary school, homeschooled for the middle school years, and then returned to public school. Just because it has been done does not mean it is the right or wrong thing for your child.

Middle school typically consists of three years, depending on your school district. These are important years, and the children transition from children to young adults. There are a great deal of growing pains during these years, both physically, and in maturity. Having such a child in middle school during these years, especially a bad middle school can make these years nightmarish as children jockey for pecking order and dominance over others in an effort to be popular, or to be leaders. Many children get trampled emotionally and physically during these years. If your child is one that is likely to get caught up in the stampede, it might be easier to homeschool.

You may wonder why you sense trepidation in the answer of a homeschooler about homeschooling a child during the middle school years. Allow me to explain. Homeschooling for these three years is very valuable as it sets the child apart, allows them to develop their own personality and leadership skills without the hostility they will most certainly encounter in school. With the proper guidance and exposure to other children through monitored group activities like debate and drama club, these kids still learn to jockey for popularity and assert their leadership skills, but in a safe, controlled environment. However, if you are going to homeschool your child, why wait until middle school to do it? And then, why would you put them back in public school afterward? Four or five-plus years of homeschooling would benefit the child better.