<p>If there were an opportunity to work with a chemist in your community, I think that would trump the rest. A real live research chemist? How many high school chemistry teachers would do original research in their spare time? Almost none nationwide. Out of maybe a half million teachers.
A creative example. My daughter volunteered in the mammal department of our natural history museum. The first day she was given scalpels and saws, and asked to dissect a Siberian Tiger. She worked on wombats, giraffes, pumas, rats and bats. With real live researchers. Not school teachers. She also relabeled specimens from around the world according to a new scientific ordering system.
I am just trying to argue that trying to fit into school categories, rather than explore the world with the opportunities home schooling affords, is a big mistake.
I understand the fear of following a different path. As a parent, my high point along this adventure was when my son was accepted to Williams. Not a school he was excited about attending. But an affirmation in my mind that I hadn’t place my son at risk for allowing a different path.
Home schoolers have terrific advantages, provided they are willing to seize them.
And here is the thing. Life is more fun and exciting exploring the world you can’t in school. The college admissions payoff is just the icing on the cake.</p>
<p>s</p>