That's great that you learned so many great things in addition to your time in the classroom, and I'm glad you had such a good experience. I know many who were not so fortunate. I do agree with you about the driving thing. I'm not sure we'll be teaching DD that when she gets there...but then again, we're not her only teachers even now.
School, both public and private varieties, is not not a parallel to real life. It is a contrived environment. I'm not saying that schools are a bad thing in principle or that teachers have no place (my mom was a teacher for nearly 30 years, i'd get shot if i thought that). I'm saying that they've become inadequate over time. I do know of several school districts that are wonderful, however, their main goal is still to teach to the average child, and the exceptionally bright ones or the slower ones get lost.
Sharing some personal info here, which might give some insight as to my decision making process: My DD (and most homeschooled kids) learns the same things (dealing with variety of people, and learning to find their way around) in every day life. She also learns even more practical things on a daily basis, which will prepare her for the "real" world. I wish that I had been given those same skills when I was in school. My parents were involved, a LOT. Mom taught at the school I went to, and my dad was the president of the booster club. They always asked about my homework and helped wherever they could. And still...it wasn't enough. There wasn't enough time in the day after sitting in the classroom being bored out of my mind, because I already knew what was being taught, for me to learn more practical things, for one thing because of the "busywork" they gave me, which they disguised as homework. I ended up having to teach my 11th grade history class, because the teacher didn't know what he was talking about. Many many of the parents complained that quality of education was dropping drastically, but it did no good. I was too busy buying into the "grade comp etitions" and getting emotionally abused by my peers to really make more than a handful of friends. And this is all too common anymore. I don't want my DD to grow up this way. I don't want her coming home crying that someone had been cruel to her, as kids will do (she has had her feelings hurt, and has been in arguments, which I've made her hash out herself, so she knows how to deal with that type of thing). I don't want her learning how to swear and several other things before she's ready to deal with them. There are so many more negative things out there that just weren't as bad when the majority of us were in school. I don't think it's wrong that I want to protect my child from the negative things that could distract and discourage her from learning. My child, every child, deserves to be in an environment where she is encouraged, challenged, and safe. What I've seen so far in schools in the districts where we've lived, she would not get that.
Every situation, school, etc is different, and I totally recognize that. I'm not saying that my decision would be the best choice for my neighbor. I'm saying that parental involvement is essential, but not always encouraged by the schools. I'm saying that as a nation, we need to wake up and fix what's wrong with our schools so that no more kids fall through the cracks. We need to make it a priority, each and every one of us. We're each part of a larger community, and responsible for the children, even if they're not "ours". If that means that more families homeschool, then I'm all for that.
I don't want to be seen as a bad, controlling, etc. parent for choosing to teach my daughter myself, because there is just so much guilt that already comes with parenting, and I'm rather sensitive in that particular area. I'm actually a pretty good parent most of the time (we all have our moments, of course) It is my responsibility as a parent to give my child what she needs and to teach her how to be prepared for life, and I'm going to do that in the way that works best for us.
I realize that I've opened myself up for debate, and that's fine. I'm open to other's points of view. Just know that I have done my research very thoroughly, and I've made my decisions based on the facts of my situation. If my situation were to change, of course I'd be open to considering a different path. The bottom line is, my intent is not to say that anyone here is wrong in their opinions, but to put the facts I've gathered, and the basis for my decisions out there, so that if someone else is considering the options, they have a clearer picture of what they're getting into. It's not an easy answer for any of us. But we each need to support each other in our choices. I'm also not trying to convince anyone that my way is the way they should go, but that there are so many other options out there, and things don't have to be done the same way that they've always been done. I am seriously considering putting my future law degree to use in this arena, making changes to benefit all of our kids' educations. I want to thank all of you who have posted your opinions in this thread, because it has really helped me to look at various points of view, ones I might not have gotten otherwise. They've helped me consolidate my own views, and even may have focused my career goals.
Thanks also for letting me ramble and share my personal experiences with you.