We do not know Amy Leinen, the Twin Cities home-schooler quoted in the Sunday (Jan. 13) Forum article on unschooling, and do not know if she has had any actual experience home-schooling in North Dakota, but our family home-schooled in North Dakota for eight years and had an excellent experience there.
We lived in two different school districts and our older children attended three different public schools part time. The teachers and administrators we had contact with were very flexible and helpful and made significant contributions to our children's education. We were in full compliance with the state law for required subjects and standardized testing, both of which we were able to achieve while still following a relaxed home-schooling philosophy.
We certainly would disagree with Leinen's statement that North Dakota is "a state to avoid at all costs" for relaxed home-schoolers. Our experience was quite the contrary.
Thanks to all who have been a part of helping us to educate our children and ourselves. We have truly been helped by your openness and willingness to share your knowledge and expertise in a variety of areas and settings.
Charlie and Lyn Stoltenow, Moorhead, (formerly of Fargo and Great Bend, N.D.), Letter: Excellent experience with home-schooling 20080115
