A couple questions. First, so homeschool moms only have the skills to work at McDonalds? Most homeschool moms I've know had college degrees. I plan to give up a software engineering career to stay at home when I have kids.
Second, let's say your 4k figure is right, which I don't think it is. What if I want more than two kids? I'd like 4 or 5, so there's 20k a year for school. And then I'll have to pay for aftercare programs until I get done with work. There's, according to the local going rate, $300 per child per month. And summer programs, of course. Can't forget that. I'm thinking it'd be at least 40k just to send my theoretical family of five to a private school. Which admittedly is less than what I'd make but when you factor in higher tax brackets, the need to have a professional wardrobe, fewer home cooked meals, and the intangibles, is a huge quality of life difference.
Most importantly, if I'm at work all day, who is raising my kids? I wouldn't farm that out to strangers. I want to know what they're learning, what they're reading, who they're playing with, and who's giving them a hard time. Homeschooling makes that possible.
I don't have kids yet but my husband and I were homeschooled and we've agreed there's no way we're delegating our responsibilities to the government.
I suppose we'll just have to agree to disagree on this matter. I feel very strongly that professional teachers are extremely more qualified to educate students than homeschooling parents. I don't, however, feel that teachers should ever be "strangers" to parents...I believe parents should be involved in every aspect of the child's education; should join parent-teacher organizations and volunteer at school functions. Private schools are infinitely better than public schools but, at the risk of being flamed to death here, public schools are better than home schools.
Private schools are affordable, and if you search for them I'm certain you can find one to meet your budget.