[flipper35]

Both of our kids started in public school. Our daughter is still in public school, but it is an online public school with so much more to offer as far as learning compared to the local small school. She still attends choir and band at the local school. That said, she struggled immensely with the local school (Legius syndrome) and they offered no help once she got to high school. At the online school, even though the classes are more advanced, she has been on the honor roll. I think she would do well at a private school as well, but we can't afford the $12k per year for the only one here.

Our son does an online home school curriculum because the same local school does not teach kids how to learn, they teach to do well on standardized tests. All the local schools do here so we don't bother having him go to one in a different district. We are right on the line between 3.

He does well, has advanced classes as well that pushes him. He does take music and PE at the local school. He likes to work ahead so he is done by noon Thursday and has a long weekend.

Educationally they both have excelled at learning at a place that is not a regular public school.

That said, they both like outdoors activities like hunting, fishing, hiking. They ride bikes and skateboards and we have a heavy bag for both and Thai pads to practice Muay Thai when they are unable to attend classes as well as the usual yard work in summer and winter. A good workout does wonders for learning believe it or not.

This is what worked for our kids. They have friends they see regularly but are getting an education beyond learning how to ace standardized tests.

All I can say is do what is best for the kid. I do think sheltered kids seldom do well once they get out on their own.