Dear Margaret,
Homeschool seems all well and good for little children, but can students succeed as adults with ONLY a homeschool education?
While most homeschoolers will agree there’s nothing “ONLY” about a homeschool education, I understand the concern. Most parents feel qualified to handle the ABCs, but math…? Chemistry? Physics?!?
Impossible!
As high school approaches, parents worry:
How can I go “all the way” when I never learned this well myself?
My advice? Take a deep breath. You can do this because as you already know the system didn’t prepare you, and it won’t do better for your kids.
Ask yourself: is it better to send your kids off to high school and perpetuate the cycle, leaving them with the same inadequacies, or work together and try your best?
I’d put money on your best being the better choice, but if you need more convincing consider this:
Imagine walking with your kids and stopping at a footbridge. Naturally, they stop to look over the edge and probably toss something off the side. A savvy homeschool parent pauses too: How do you think this bridge was built? Suddenly, the kids are engaged – talking materials, costs, terrain, and safety. In one real-world moment, they’ve touched on geometry, physics, economics, and engineering – and they want to know more.
Compare that to a math teacher who scrawls a formula on a board with the vague answer, “so you can build a bridge.” when asked what trigonometry is good for.
One approach sparks curiosity and opens doors, the other gets blank stares and kills engagement.
Experience-based learning is fun for kids, but it’s critical for teens. Small children don’t need to launch into adulthood yet. Teens do. When they find something that sparks their interest, a parent doesn’t need to give them answers but instead make sure they have the tools to chase it, fill in knowledge gaps, and apply it in real life. Giving kids the freedom to learn is a far better launchpad than a one-size-fits-all education.
But don’t take my word for it. I am just a chicken, after all.
For proof in action, I’ve been reaching out to homeschool grads, asking them to share their stories. There are so many uniquely impressive and talented kids who’ve been homeschooled, and it’s time we hear from them. These are the trailblazers proving that homeschool isn’t just viable – it’s one of the best ways to raise independent thinkers and problem solvers.
First up: Wallace P. Thompson, author of The Field Game Field Guide.
Q: What sort of Homeschool Education did you receive?
A: An unschooled education: little to no traditional curriculum.
Q: Why did your parents decide to homeschool you?
A: Their experience with school led them to believe it was a waste of time and a great way to make the world worse.
Q: What is your favorite word?
A: I’m not sure, but my first word was “Truck”
Q: What is your least favorite word?
A: Obey.
Q: What advantage did homeschool give you over public school?
A: Way more opportunities to pursue my interests and have unique experiences.
Q: What did you miss out on by not going to public school?
A: Common cultural experiences i.e. prom and such.
Q: What sound or noise do you love?
A: Thunderstorms.
Q: What sound or noise do you hate?
A: Fingernails on cheap nylon.
Q: Do you feel prepared for life?
A: Not sure we ever really do, but yes.
Q: If you were reincarnated as some other plant or animal, what would it be?
A: A crow.
Q: What living person do you most admire?
A: This one I did think long and hard on, and I’m still not sure.
Q: What virtues do you value in your friends?
A: Humor, loyalty.
Q: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
A: My book, The Field Game Field Guide.
Q: If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
A: “Lucky for you I do have a sense of humor.”
Q: Without Googling – do you know who James Lipton is?
A: No, can’t say I do.
Much appreciation to Wallace for his good humor and thoughtful answers. He’s clearly a bright, talented young man, and we can’t wait to see where his journey takes him. If you’d like to support his work, grab his book: The Field Game Field Guide or follow him on Instagram: @lord_yammersworth or X: @Lord_of_Yammer.
Want to be featured?
Homeschool Confidential is looking for more grads and students to highlight! If you are a homeschool grad, or you know one who deserves to be recognized, then this is an open invitation to participate!
All you need to do:
- Email me (contact@prairietideprojects.com) a brief summary of your accomplishments (or your child’s)
- Use the subject line: Homeschool Confidential: Highlight Submission
- Optional: Schedule a fun follow-up video interview for more in-depth stories
Let’s show the world what homeschoolers can achieve – no class required!
Already Convinced?
Get Fresh Resources!
Sign up for our mailing list to receive new activity sheets, homeschool tips, and early access to all the latest from Hatcher’s Homeschool.
