If you’re thinking "Isn’t home schooling for left wing, antiestablishment ex-hippies and right wing, conservative evangelical Christians who want to shelter their children from all of life’s cruelties and government intrusion?," don’t worry — you’re not alone. I thought the same thing, too, before my wife and I made the decision last year to remove our eight-year-old twins from public school. 

The radical decision to home school our children was made simpler when my son began falling asleep in class, complaining of stomach aches, bringing home half-completed work, and scoring poorly on state and national standardized testing. My daughter was plain and simply bored. 

While completing my studies toward earning my teaching credentials years ago, I spent much time in one of my classes debating the purpose of education. Some thought it is to create a well-rounded person. Others argued that it is to inspire and motivate others to reach their full potential. Many parents, particularly Jewish parents, support the notion that the purpose of education is to get into "the right college." I’m not comfortable with any of these conclusions. 

The purpose of education had escaped my kids. Somewhere in between roll call, anti-smoking rallies, anti-drug campaigns, fundraising kickoffs, assemblies, recess, lunch, back-to-school nights, awards days, and holiday gift wrap sales, my children were just not enjoying the Jewish tradition of learning. 

One year later, my only regret is not deciding to home school sooner. My children are thriving. They can’t wait to come downstairs into our family room, now converted into our schoolhouse, complete with two computer systems, library, science lab, bulletin board, media center, art supplies, and student lounge (our sofa sleeper). Best of all, the refrigerator is only ten feet away. 

We’re not "doing our own thing" — at least not completely. The kids are enrolled through the county’s department of education home school program. We are provided with textbooks, teacher editions, workbooks, and other materials. 

Each week, our regional office offers art, literature, writing, music, science, and history workshops. Families can register for as many or as few classes as desired. The only requirement is to meet the state’s standards and curriculum objectives. Above that, we’re on our own. 

Since we complete our studies before lunchtime, we’re free to write and produce videos, take field trips to nearby museums and nature centers for social studies and science, visit our neighborhood bank and food store for business, math, and health exercises, and meet with community business, political, and volunteer leaders to promote the Jewish concept of tikkun olam — repairing the world. 

Best of all is the fact that my children are learning the Jewish way — education for the sake of learning. We debate. We discuss. We question. We comment. No "teaching to the test"; just teaching a love of knowledge that connects us to our rich heritage. 

Home schooling is not for everyone. Each child is unique, and every family dynamic is different. But for us, as evidenced  by my son’s smile and enthusiasm, and my daughter’s energy and anticipation, it has made all the difference. I can recite for the first time, with commitment and sense of purpose, the second paragraph of Judaism’s defining prayer, the Shema: "Teach them faithfully to your children; speak of them in your home and on your way, when you lie down and when you rise up." 

Barry Koff resides in the seaside community of Dana Point, California,where he home schools his nine-year-old twins Jonathan and Shoshana, and annoys his wife of thirteen years, Ann. He has been a radio producer, radio talk show host, writer, actor, director, educator, and volunteer. For the past three years, Barry has taught Hebrew and Judaic Studies at Temple Bat Yahm in Newport Beach, California. He is a recipient of the 2004 Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education. He continues to write, teach, and lecture wherever he is given free food. You can reach him online at bkofdp@cox.net.

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