Community and Context
We live in a city in the rural Midwest. There are approximately 25,901 persons living in the 57104 zip code.
The median household income is $35,827, and 19% of the population aged 25 or older has a college degree.
1873 ninth through twelfth graders attend Washington High School, of whom 51% are minorities, and 41% are
economically disadvantaged. The graduation rate is 83%.
33% of students are proficient in mathematics and 57% in reading.
Why did we choose homeschooling?
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Our motivation for homeschooling was the freedom to provide a flexible, rigorous, personalised, and curiosity-based learning experience that would allow Ronan to pursue interests and dig deeper into ideas.
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To provide schoolwork rigorous enough to require him to put forth real effort so he would develop grit, a growth mindset, tolerance for mistakes, and a solid work ethic. These life skills matter more than any single subject taught in school.
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He was able to set his pace and level of study, learning how to motivate and organise himself. This allowed him to take responsibility for his own education and be fully prepared for college as an independent adult learner.
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It also provided the flexibility to pursue international academic and athletic competition which can require extended travel, as well as entrepreneurship, internships, and meaningful community involvement.