Home-schooling: Your opinion?

[SvennoJ]

Are public schools in the States all overburdened with strict guidelines?

I went to school in The Netherlands. There are very few private schools, almost all schools are publicly funded. Each school has it's own identity, there is a lot of freedom for schools and teachers how to teach each subject.
I went from a general kindergarten school, to a Montessori elementary school, to a Catholic high school. There I had everything from a far right wing history teacher to a socialist left wing religion teacher. (Opening and closing the year in church and 1 hour of religion/philosophy class a week was as far as religion went in the school)

There are 3 different types of eduction in high school tailored to your abilities based on an affinity test at the end of elementary school. There is a standardized test to graduate from high school, but that only makes up half your final grade. The other half is filled in by the school.

With that background I don't see the need for home schooling. It's not difficult to find a school with the education and philosophy you want for your children. Growing up together, working on projects together, competing in sports, excursions, school plays, school dances, class outings all are part of your social education.

Plus cycling to and from school keeps you fit. US/Canada should get rid of the school bus system and invest in bicycle paths.

There's your solution to child obesity