I worked in a steel mill for money as a boy and, with one parent to help me, went on to a name University.
All of my children are college educated, some with advanced degrees, all married to the same person..... so my wife and I are happy people.
We retired here in the south. I am horrified at the public school system here. When asked what I would do about it if I had the opportunity I had no answer. Young people here just don't have a chance unless they are very fortunate to have parents right on top of the situation and willing to make sacrifices. On balance I feel children here are disenfranchised and do not get any way near the education my children received.
Most of our chidren went to public schools. The high school where we lived for 35 years was (and still is) one of the best in the country with over 90%of children ultimately going on and graduating from four year colleges.
But it is tougher now for young parents. I don't know what the answer is but I think it starts with worthy state government...which we do not have in NC.
I have a niece who lives in Virginia and home schools...She said there "is no alternative".
I"m retired so my battle is over.....I wish you well.
Good for your niece for homeschooling - but I'm sorry she feels she has no alternative in Virginia.
One of the main reasons my husband and I moved out of Delaware to Virginia was because of the superior school district.
My husband and his sisters went to public school in Delaware. after seeing what his older sister went through with her 2 girls in those same schools he swore our daughter would not be subjected to Delaware public schools.