My child went to the public schools for 7 years. She hated it and I hated it for her. She came home tired, hungry, and so stressed out every day. Our neighbors, and her after school best friend & play mate homeschooled. My daughter begged from 1st grade on to homeschool, but I hesitated. My best friends & family advised it would be a huge mistake as she is an only child and we all believed the stereotypes about the lack of socializtion for homeschooled children. Also, our neighbors were ultra-religious, which is why they were homeschooling. We attended services and all, but I guess you could say we didn’t feel we were that devout. By her first year in middle school, I realized that the socialization in the traditional schools isn’t so great either. Why did we continue to put her through all that? There had to be a better way. Long story short, we tried homeschooling for one year and never turned back. She homeschooled all the way through high school. It was easy, hard, and easily the best decision we ever made as a family. My daughter was thrilled and motivated and the best part is that we feel like we got our family back. She excelled at her studies (we structured them like the college courses I once taught) and made lots of new friends. She got multiple college scholarships, is attending the school of her choice, and doing quite well in a structured learning environment once again. I realize this isn’t for everyone, but do consider alternative forms of education. Homeschooling isn’t for everyone, but it is one more form of private schooling. Before putting your child in a public school, read up on the history of public education in America (google John Gatto), and consider whether you really want your child in a government run institution – that’s all I’m saying.