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Many people make the assumption that homeschoolers spend their time sitting around in their pajamas, playing video games, avoiding social interaction—doing basically anything but their schoolwork. The stereotype is amusing and extreme, and (mostly) unfounded. While it may be true that homeschoolers have more free time, they certainly don’t rest idle.

Today on Wellsboro Home Page, we talked to a number of homeschoolers about what they enjoy most about homeschooling, opportunities that have resulted through this mode of education, and how they feel it has prepared them for life after high school. By far, the greatest asset to the students seemed to be the flexibility of their time.

Kailee Clymer, a high school sophomore, asserts, “Being homeschooled means I can make up my own schedule, so I can work two days a week and do my school in the remaining three days.” Another local homeschooler, Carrie Rutherford (11th grade), is able to take care of her micro-farm, with the hope of someday owning her own commercial goat dairy. Homeschool alumnus and WHP Director of Video Production, Andrew Moore, notes that his homeschooling background allowed him to learn excellent time management skills early on in life that still benefit him today.
The flexibility in scheduling schoolwork has many additional applications. For instance, if a student wants to take a job or has a special event, these things could be managed very easily. It also gives homeschoolers opportunities to gain life experience in career settings, engage in hands-on learning, the option to travel, and the ability to be challenged academically in ways they couldn’t otherwise.

In closing, we at WHP are not against any form of schooling. In fact we respect all forms of education and know that different options suit different individuals. We are very grateful that each of these options offer a variety of opportunities.