As a family that home-schooled our 4 daughters for 20 years, it was with interest that I read your column (Tailoring school to the child). What you suggest as a new movement, is actually decades old. Not to demean today’s efforts to ‘out source,’ but we and many other families have already done so, and enjoyed the experience. The mother-lode of life and learning experiences were always in our communities. From museums, volunteer opportunities, connections with nature, broad social opportunities, sailing the world, being taught by Grammy winning musicians, starting businesses and much more, homes schooled students could choose the best educational and life opportunities available. These resources were always ‘out’ there, often free.

Homeschooled kids could start college early and do well. They are now professors, teachers, auto mechanics, owners of businesses, nannies, artists, college athletes and parents themselves. The several million homeschoolers of the 80’s and 90’s are adults and have experienced education being tailored to their interests and goals. Maybe they can help Melissa Meyer and her friends design cost-effective strategies, and for less money!