Although homeschooling is more widely accepted in 2021 than previous years, there are still many misconceptions and questions about the homeschooling world. When it comes to stereotypes, they tend to be equally positive and negative, divided evenly between off-the-grid traditionalists and ultra intelligent prodigies. However, most of these misconceptions are most likely people just curious about homeschooling. For this post, I will ask myself and answer a series of questions and misconceptions about homeschoolers.

Question: Do homeschoolers have any homework?

To clarify for all questions, I cannot speak for the entire homeschooled community. Personally, my curriculum does not include after-school assignments. Instead, a majority of my work day consists of worktime which I use to complete assignments. I also give myself an entire day during the weekend to work on long-term projects. The term “homework” is hard to describe when you’re homeschooled, considering how all work is done at home, but I for one am not assigned work specifically listed as homework.

Question: Do homeschoolers have summer/other scheduled breaks?

Instead of long breaks from school, I have more frequent yet shorter breaks. This schedule allows me more flexibility when it comes to rescheduling and vacations.

Question: Do homeschoolers sleep in?

My school day tends to begin at 9 AM. This does give me the option to sleep in, but most days I just wake up naturally at 7 AM. This also gives me time to slowly transition into my day.

Question: Do homeschoolers have extra-curricular activities?

Although the pandemic has limited in-person electives, I do take part in some extra-curricular activates. I belong to a political discussion group that meets via Zoom once a week and I’m also registered under the High School Democrats of America. I have nothing against extra-curricular activities, I just want to wait until the pandemic is concluded to branch out into the real world.

Misconception: Homeschoolers are extreme introverts/social outcasts.

I like to call myself a extroverted introvert. I enjoy socializing with others, but in limited doses. For me, I equally enjoy having a dinner party and reading a book by myself. This does not mean I’m an introvert, but I can easily conform to an introverted lifestyle. This is perfect for both a homeschooled and pandemic-era lifestyle, where I can survive on limited amounts of socialization.

Misconception: Families of homeschoolers are ultra-religious.

The homeschooled community is just as diverse as the formally schooled community. Although there is the religious subset, there is also a large secular presence. I for one am part of the crowd of agnostic atheist homeschoolers.