ATLANTA – “It seemed that education was something that teachers and parents cared about, but the education system itself was too gigantic and convoluted to do it well.” That sentiment is what led Katie and her husband Michael to look at alternative options for education.

They both attended public schools and had great experiences, but knew that this was not always the case, having seen that it was not so rosy for their siblings. So, when they had their first child, they really began to think about education.

“I also began to understand the power-grabbing within government schools, from unions and political backing to indoctrination and textbook publishing. By the time Lucas was three months old, we decided that I would be home-schooling him and any other children we would have,” Katie told Watchdog Wire.

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Lucas is now 10 and has been joined by Lilia (9), Jude (6), Eva (4), and Natalia (2). Knowing that they would be having a large family, Katie and Michael saw that private Catholic schooling would not be an option. “With tuition rates for elementary school being on par with what we had just recently paid for college tuition,” Katie said, “while being a one-income family, the sensible choice was to home-school.”

The red tape involved in home schooling varies from state to state. In Georgia, where Michael and Katie live, the family has to submit a Letter of Intent to Home School to the Department of Education. Although they also have to complete annual progress reports and complete standardizing testing periodically, those are not submitted to the state.

Home schooling is not what many would expect. For one thing, the kids enjoy it! Lucas likes to get his work done right away so he can play with his siblings. Lilia loves crafts and experiments. Jude enjoys being with his family during the day. While Eva and Natalia are too young for formal schooling, there’s no doubt they are getting benefits from this as well.

Another misconception about home schooling is that you need to be a perfect parent with endless patience or have perfect children with endless brilliance.

“In fact,” said Katie, “if you’re having a difficult time with your child, maybe having more time together to build a relationship is exactly what you need. Home schooling is a lifestyle, and it’s centered on the family. Education is of course important and you’ll spend a few hours per day doing the bookish stuff, but the entire day – every day – is spent with everyone improving in respect, diligence, responsibility, and kindness. This cannot be replicated or substituted in any school.”

That’s not the only reason Katie and Michael are happy with the choice they made, for two major reasons. “First,” said Katie, “I have the pleasure and satisfaction of seeing my children learn so many things and grow in virtue as a direct result of my time and effort. At the same time, I have been challenged to overcome my vices and imperfections to become a better mother for them, and I’m very grateful for this.”

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A better mom, better kids, and the government leaves them alone (well, as much as the government ever does). Non-traditional schooling can be pretty sweet.

Authored by Amelia Hamilton