Homeschooling

The Interviews



For these interviews I used personal connections to find current college students who were homeschooled throughout high school. These interviews were conducted in person and via email. Some names have been changed in order to protect the identities of those involved. 

The first interviewee, Mary Rose Walsh, is from a New York City suburb in Connecticut. She is currently a freshman at University of Dallas. She was homeschooled for academic reasons [1].

Next I interviewed Laura Oprzedek from Fox River Groove, IL. She grew up in a strong Baptist family in Iowa, as was homeschooled to ensure she was raised in a strong moral and religious environment. She is currently in her early twenties and just married this last August. She attends Northwest Baptist Academy [2].

David Pratt, the second of of nine children, grew up in Atlanta, Georgia as a practicing Catholic. His parents chose to homeschool their children to ensure they were exposed to a strong Catholic environment. David now attends the University of Notre Dame [3]. 



Conclusions

From these interviews, it has become apparent that these three students have really enjoyed their homeschooling experiences, and appreciate the quality education they received. It is evident that all have been more than adequately prepared for college and their futures, as well as fully integrated and socialized even throughout homeschooling.

While it is important to note that all of these interviewees are in college, they still represent a diverse population. It was incredibly easy to find an subject from each geographical regions, just as it was very simple to find both male and female subjects. All were members of a family with three or more children, which is not atypical of homeschooling families. What I find interesting is that all three are skilled at an instrument. This may be an unexplored characteristic of homeschooled children. Additionally, it is interesting to note that the reasons provided for their homeschooling fall in line with the two greatest concerns of parents who choose to homeschool their children; a poor moral and religious environment of the public schools and dissatisfaction with the public schools.

When speaking with these college students, it became clear to me that stereotype of homeschooled students is completely unfounded. All three subjects are outgoing and love being around people and having fun. I believe that, as people realize the incredible benefits of homeschooling, this sector of education will continue to grow and gain merit in the world of primary education.