by Chris Bonham, Intern writer

With so many students heading back to school, it’s important to realize and appreciate different forms of education. Most people are familiar with the obvious, more traditional types of schooling, such as public, private, and charter schools. However, there is another system that is often overlooked when talking about education: homeschooling.

During the past decade, homeschooling has become more and more popular in America. And, as I am amongst those students who have opted to be educated at home, I believe it would be appropriate to give a different perspective on the typical ‘back-to-school’ atmosphere.

Before anyone can appreciate such a view, some misconceptions about homeschooling must be addressed. One of these errors is especially prevalent in America today: the idea that homeschooling is synonymous with social deprivation. This is simply not true. Homeschoolers are provided with ample opportunities to socialize. For example, because of my flexible schedule, I have been able to obtain an excellent job that has provided me with great work experience. This in and of itself would be enough to satisfy a person’s social needs. But that’s not all.

Various parent educators from the Castle Rock/Castle Pines area offer group classes for homeschoolers in many subjects, including creative writing, history, athletics, and foreign languages, some of which I have been a part of. Opportunities for socialization are not lacking. My experiences are not unique; in fact, most homeschooled students I know participate in far more than I do.

With this primary obstacle out of the way, we can catch a glimpse of what ‘back-to-school’ means for homeschooled students. Technically, the phrase ‘back-to-school’ is not even accurate for homeschoolers; most follow a year-round schedule.

For example, I completed my sophomore year of high school about two months ago. The week after completing the past year, I began my junior year of high school, as well as my freshman and sophomore years of college. This kind of schedule can be especially advantageous for families who wish to vacation off-season, and for students who may have work commitments.

Homeschooling may sound like a foreign concept, but something many people don’t know is that most of our founding fathers were taught at home. On the other hand, many of our nation’s great leaders also received a public education. These are very different methods of learning.

This is a nation built on differences. It is our understanding and appreciation of these differences that makes us who we are as Americans and as human beings. Our various perspectives define us. And, regardless of where you go to school or how you have been brought up, we all have the ability to learn and dream.