“But, I can’t homeschool!” I whined to an experienced homeschool mom at church. She smiled sweetly and assured me that the kindergarten level of school only involved learning to read, to write, and to complete basic arithmetic skills. I believed Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me,” but I had my concerns about venturing into teaching my child at home. After prayer, resource considerations, and serious discussion with my husband, we began our homeschool adventure in 1997 which would stretch over the next twelve years. From the opening notes of “Sing, Spell, Read and Write” to the final chapters of Apologia’s “Marine Biology,” there were days of delight mingled with doubts and despair. (Would someone please explain to me why Geometry is a required course?! A flood of tears was shed over that subject…mostly mine!)
Upon declaring to our school district the intent to homeschool our daughter, our local high school superintendent requested a formal interview. He opened that meeting by stating, “I am NOT a big fan of homeschooling.” That left me thinking, “Oh, boy! We are off to a great start.” He asked my daughter a variety of questions, some that she could not answer. (Honestly, neither could I as it was unclear exactly what he was asking!) Following a period of uncomfortable silence, he began conversing with my husband, a former star athlete at this same school. As the session ended, I dutifully turned over my daughter’s portfolio and evaluation for his review and left that meeting feeling disheartened and discouraged.
Imagine my surprise upon the return of my materials to receive his affirmation: “Job well done!” In succeeding years, this superintendent would often warmly greet us when he encountered us in public. He began to write encouraging notations in the pages of my children’s portfolios:
“I wish everyone would present such professional and complete materials as you do. I feel you do an outstanding job in all aspects of your children’s education, and I am happy to approve your presentation.”
“I really do not have enough words to express my total satisfaction and pride in this presentation. The state of Pennsylvania should use your material as a guide for all homeschool students.”
The ultimate compliment came when he commented that he wished his teachers were “half as organized and diversified in their content” as I was in mine. This was high praise indeed from one who was originally “NOT a big fan” of homeschooling!
I realize that the laws in Pennsylvania have relaxed a bit and it is no longer necessary for a “double evaluation” with one’s local school district reviewing portfolios. Since I was one of only a handful of homeschooling families in my district, and thus subject to close scrutiny, I felt it prudent to submit three-ring binders with samples of work sheets, compositions, tests and artwork, along with numerous field trip photos. The upside of that extra effort is that my grown children now have neat reminders of their youth and educational exploits. I believed in maintaining a good relationship with our local school administration, and this bore fruit in several ways. The aforementioned superintendent suffered a heart attack during our years of homeschooling. My husband and I visited him in the hospital to pray with him and give him a Bible. When he retired, and it was time to meet the new school superintendent, I was relieved to hear his successor say with a smile that he had heard all about us from his predecessor, and he looked forward to reviewing our material.
In my preparation to write this piece, I pulled my children’s dusty portfolios off the shelf and spent a few enjoyable hours perusing the contents. Nearly fifteen years have passed since I “retired” from my role as home educator, but my trip down memory lane brought a smile and the recognition of long-forgotten faces, places and events that formed the foundation of my children’s educational experiences. The Lord did indeed strengthen me to homeschool my two children. It seems likely that my granddaughter may be the next-generation to be homeschooled. This Grandma looks forward to participating in some aspect of that great adventure as I will cheer on both parents and student as they seek to glorify God in everything they do.
