Reply #33: Yes. This is desperately needed.

[loro mi dicevano]

If there's a problem with funds, require an extra fee from homeschoolers. But you cannot even imagine (unless you have been homeschooled yourself - I am currently, and really now, we're not all fundies!) how much everyone would benefit from this.

1) Socialization. Homeschool kids do not get the chance to socialize NEARLY enough. I speak from experience. Uff.
2) The local highschool has a babysitting extracurricular activity. Things like that (and also art and whatnot) would help the entire community.
3) Homeschoolers need variety in their schooling. I am so offended by those of you who are saying, "No, they'd better go to the public school if they want to participate in activities." You're absolutely wrong. Why did I start homeschooling? So I could get a good education. There was NOTHING in the public school left for me. Now, I am three years ahead of my grade level, but that doesn't make up for not being on the soccer team, or not being in the school orchestra and the benefits that come with those.

This is desperately needed, everywhere in the US. I'll tell ya, I made a very hard choice when I had to choose between "quality of education" and "the chance to be around people and socialize." Obviously, I picked quality of education. That doesn't mean the latter choice isn't as important for students.