I have taught second grade for the past three years.  If I could give two statements of advice:

*Your kid's friends are not "socializing"; they are "learning" from other children.
*A child's mind is like clay.  Who and what do you want to shape it?

For the following reasons, I think homeschooling/unschooling/nontraditional education in any format is a GREAT idea:

1.  In a classroom of 20 or more, children are not allowed to "socialize" but a few minutes each day in class.  Recess was only ten minutes at our school, and there was no talking at lunch.  Even in such short "socialization periods," students found time to pass on their knowledge of mischief and naughty things. I've watched kids in action and it's almost like the "blind leading the blind."

2.  I've read that the average parent of a teenager spends 3-5 minutes with them in conversation each day.  If you homeschool, you reclaim the eight hours a day that your child would have spent at school.  Then, you are the model in a controlled environment of the knowledge and values you consider most important in a most impressionable time (the book "Recreate" by Ron Luce hits this point home).  Furthermore, the public school curriculum is infused with information that you may not support. (specifically, reading passages and social studies topics)

A BIT OFF TOPIC: Test scores and report card grades do not represent a child's abilities, but represent their knowledge of test taking strategies for the most part.  Concerned about ACT/SAT tests for college?  Teach your child test taking strategies early and they should be FINE!Too many variables affect a score (tummy aches, home circumstances, office intercom announcements, etc.).  There is entirely too much micromanagement of something as natural as learning.  What's worse, the "failing" label could lead to special education referrals, which can hurt a child's independence after graduation if they're made to feel that they can't do anything.

This is such a great discussion to have on behalf of our kids and all kids in America!
Please visit www.educationrevolution.org and www.learningalternatives.net for lots more links and information. 

My name is Roslyn.  My husband and I have our first child: a wonderful three month old named Corban.  I really enjoy this site, but I'm a bit overwhelmed by forums and don't know how to navigate very well.  Nevertheless, I will be learning as much as I can so feel free to drop us a line anytime!