Social Life
If you're concerned about socialization, don't be. Anywhere people congregate, socialization happens. There is no rule that states this has to be done in a school. In fact, in his research summary for the National Home Education Research Institute, Dr. Brian Ray says, "The home-educated are doing well, typically above average, on measures of social, emotional, and psychological development. Research measures include peer interaction, self-concept, leadership skills, family cohesion, participation in community service, and self-esteem."
Your local homeschool group will likely offer plenty of opportunities for your child to play and learn with other children, but if they don't, you can take the initiative and make it happen.
Higher Education
What about college and ACT/SAT scores? You can rest easy here as well as research again indicates that homeschoolers' scores are typically higher than that of their public school peers. Not only are homeschoolers accepted into college, but colleges are seeking them out! Jon Reider, a Stanford University admissions officer said, "Homeschoolers bring certain skills, motivation, curiosity, the capacity to be responsible for their education, that high schools don't induce very well."
Finally, understand that this transition will take some time. There will be a lot of trial and error, and it won't always go smoothly. If you decide to homeschool, give it a good trial run, and don't be too quick to give up. It took most of us in my group at least 1 to 2 years to get our feet firmly underneath us.
Lean on people who support and encourage you in your endeavor. There will be naysayers, and it's especially difficult if your family members or friends do not agree with your decision. But in the end, you have to do what you feel is right for you and your family.
As William Butler Yeats once said, "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." Homeschooling offers an opportunity to discover and encourage your child's passion and creativity, thereby lighting the fire and fanning the flame so that it burns bright throughout childhood and onward through life.
Sources Cited:
http://www.nheri.org/research/research-facts-on-homeschooling.html
http://www.families.com/blog/homeschoolers-at-harvard-colleges-seek-homeschoolers
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