Homeschooling for Excellence

Homeschooling for Excellence, David and Micki Colfax, Warner Books, 1988

In the early 1970s, the Colfaxes decided to homeschool their four children. Therefore, they found themselves considered to be pioneers in the growing homeschooling movement, though they are the last people to consider themselves as such. This book chronicles their experiences and gives suggestions for parents.

The reason for homeschooling was part philosophical and part logistical. He is a college sociology professor, and she teaches high school, so they have seen American education from the inside, and were not impressed. Living on an isolated hillside in northern California, with no neighbors or TV, getting them to and from the local schools (which had a mediocre reputation) would have occupied too much of the day.

First comes things like providing "appropriate learning materials and opportunities." What is appropriate for one child will not work for another. Then comes exposing them to the outside world (art, science, history, etc). An appreciation for reading is more important than making sure that the child can read by a certain age. What about television? If it can be removed from the household completely, do it. If not, then limit the child's viewing time as much as possible.

Lots of time was spent evaluating textbooks. The Colfaxes found a few that were pretty good, but, in various ways, most of the textbooks they read stunk.

Is homeschooling any good when college time comes around? The authors recount the time of SAT's and college admissions for three of their sons (at the time this book was published, the fourth child was too young). All three of them were accepted to, and attended, Harvard University.

The only criticism I have of this book is that having been published 15 years ago, it very much needs updating. Aside from that, this book is excellent. It's written in a very easy to read style, from one parent to another. Any parent even thinking of homeschooling their child would do very well to start right here.