All of my boys are independent learners and excellent time managers. they follow a daily routine that begins with early strength training, breakfast, academics, work [mowing business, piano lessons and photography business], sports, youth group, [volunteering] etc. We get to set our own schedule and have purposeful conversations as a family, we get to choose our curriculum based on our families values and goals. It allows for using our time [purposefully] and eliminating wasted time in our day. We are called to live [purposefully] and created to work as a form of worship, and homeschooling allows this to happen. Education is not neutral, and we are grateful we get to decide how to train the minds of our kids, not the government.
Our boys appreciate homeschooling and the flexibility it brings, and the rest it gives us as we can adjust accordingly week to week depending on what we have going on, and unexpected life circumstances in different seasons.
Iowa is very supportive towards homeschooling families and we have taken advantage of dual enrollment courses through ADM’s DMACC Career Courses… it’s an a la carte style, similar to a college set up. We benefit from both the DMACC and online courses and they will be taking at least 30 credits into college with them which means they can graduate with a undergrad degree in 3 years which saves money.
Attending a Private Christian school, in my opinion, would be my second choice [next to] homeschooling. However, the cost is outrageous and homeschooling is less than half the cost per student. Homeschooling is a great option for… setting our kids up for success post high school, into college, and into the workforce. Being flexible in your thinking and knowing how to manage your time is valuable and homeschooling, when done well, allows for this.
It is wise to understand what all the options are, do your own research, pray about it, and make a decision that’s best for your family. Homeschooling is a decision we made years ago, not because we knew it all, but because we felt called to it and trusted God’s leading. It isn’t perfect, it’s hard, but it’s one of the most rewarding callings we have been allowed to be in, and we are grateful.
