The Deceitfulness of Online "homeschooling"

Okay folks, perhaps you've seen the ads, billboards, etc. In the ticker box at the top of my Gmail inbox today, I see the following: "S. Carolina Homeschooling" and it's linked to K12.com. Now maybe you don't know what K12 is, but it is NOT homeschooling. It is anything but, to be honest. Someone should probably take them to court for deceitfulness in advertising, to be honest. They even have advertisements in World Magazine, which I cannot, for the life of me, figure out why World allowed them to advertise. So, now, let me explain what K12 is.

From the front page of their website:

Every child learns in his or her own way. Yet many classrooms try to make one size fit all. K12 creates a classroom of one: a remarkably effective education option that is individualized to meet each child's needs.

K12 education options include:

• Full-time, tuition free online public schooling available in many states.
• An accredited online private school available worldwide, full- and part-time
• Over 200 courses, including AP and world languages, for direct purchase

We have a 96% satisfaction rating* from parents. Isn't it time you found out why?

Look at the first bullet point -- "online PUBLIC schooling." Think about that for a second. Does that sound like homeschooling to you? Here's what K12 is, in my words: It is an online charter school, funded by public tax dollars and offers the same curriculum as if you sent your child to a public school. You, as a parent, have no choice in the curriculum. I have known people who have used K12, because they thought it was homeschooling, and every single one said that it was a lot of work, with no flexibility. Your child basically sits in front of the computer for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, or there abouts. I am writing this post, because I'm tired of the deceitfulness of those who think that public education is the end all for our children. As a side note, this is not a rant against public education, and I am a product of public education. This is a rant against advertising something that is not. K12 is NOT homeschooling. It is public school on your computer in your home.  Sure, it's "free", and it may work for some people, but it is not homeschooling as homeschooling should be. Homeschooling allows you the flexibility to pick your curriculum, set your hours, and be flexibile. K12 is none of this. And they need to stop advertising that they are a homeschooling option. Thousands of people have been deceived by this program and I'm sure that thousands more will. Do not be deceived. Online public education is not homeschooling. HSLDA will not support you in it and neither will local homeschool groups.

You have been warned. On another note, a google search for homeschool turned up that the top 2 results plus a sponsored ad by K12 at the top of the page, were all deceptful sites for the online public schooling option. Be aware of what's out there. And if you have questions about what's legit, I know that the HSLDA will be glad to help you.