Homeschooling is more than just lazing around

I grew up homeschooled. Maybe you assume I lazed around all day, or I learned to code when I was 12. The truth is less exciting. There are as many flavors of homeschooling as parents who teach their kids at home. 

With approximately twelve years of experience in the homeschooling world, I can shed some light on the different types of homeschooling so the uninitiated can understand what we mean by homeschooled.

Level one homeschoolers meet with a homeschool group (a conglomeration of different homeschooled families in your area) at least once a week. They may get together with the group for a weekly class, probably math or presentational speaking, something one of the parents went to school for. 

They may join a public-school sports, speech, or drama team to ensure they have the same opportunities as others. Level ones focus on having the same education as public or private schools, extracurricular activities included.

Level two homeschoolers have a homeschool group they meet with, but only once a month or less. They use a set curriculum, from Abeka to Saxon, for every subject. 

They may do one extracurricular activity, especially in middle school and switch to attending public or private school in high school. 

Level three homeschoolers homeschool for the freedom. They don’t stick to a specific system or curriculum. Parents choose the best bits and Frankenstein a curriculum together. 

Taking college classes for dual credit is totally accepted. Level threes feel no pressure to join normal extracurricular activities but pursue other interests. 

Fourth level homeschoolers live the homeschool life with pride. Family sizes are often in the double digits. 

They may do extracurricular activities, but instead of joining a public or private school team, they start an entirely homeschooled team, mostly comprised of siblings. 

Level five homeschoolers give other homeschoolers a bad name. People in this group can be too smart for school or C and D students but are unified by a distinct lack of social skills. Level fives stick out in any group.

As with any classification system, this list is inherently flawed. People refuse to fall into categories or lists. Use this list to try to understand people with different educational backgrounds, rather than judging their level of homeschooling. 

After all, people are so much more than just their educational background.