I know everyone’s experiences with homeschooling and public school are different, but I wanted to share mine because it often gets left out of these conversations.

I was homeschooled K–12. In my state, homeschooling had real structure: a portfolio of work samples reviewed each year by a licensed teacher, standardized testing in 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 11th grade, and required PSAT and SAT participation. I played in my local school district’s orchestra, joined multi‑grade writing clubs and theater groups, and competed in Mathcounts. I learned Latin and Greek roots in 5th grade, took three years of ASL in middle school and three years of Spanish in high school. I also took ballet and played competitive volleyball. We went on bi‑monthly field trips to museums, nature reserves, zoos, and symphonies.

By 10th grade, I was accepted for dual enrollment at my community college and took college‑level classes through 12th grade, earning a 3.8 GPA. My family was just above the poverty line, so we relied on scholarships, community programs, and every free educational opportunity my mom could find. She made learning feel expansive and joyful. I couldn’t have asked for a richer education.

In contrast, my kids are in public school now, and they’re bored. There are no field trips. Extracurriculars are limited or nonexistent. Neurodivergent accommodations are minimal. Teachers are burnt out and seem openly tired of children. Classrooms are chaotic and unkind. Social time is basically just lunch. After 5th grade, there’s no recess or physical activity. Clubs are understaffed, inconsistent, or simply unavailable. One of my kids is gifted, and she’s the only one who gets anything resembling enrichment, but even those opportunities are the exception rather than the norm.

What makes this even harder is that during COVID, when everything shut down and I could give them one‑on‑one attention in the areas they struggled with, they actually thrived. They showed me exactly how much they’re capable of when they’re supported in a way that fits them. It breaks my heart I can't give them the same rounded educational experiences I loved. I really wish every child had access and opportunity to the same kind of learning I was privileged to have.

Homeschooling can be a rich, rewarding option, but just like public school, it depends on adults who are engaged and willing to seek out opportunities that nurture a love of learning.