We began our homeschool journey when my oldest daughter was in 2nd grade, attending a school in Maryland.  We were stationed in the Washington DC area at the time.  The public schools were not great but we thought they'd be ok for the time we were there, we were WRONG!   I went to collect my daughter for an afternoon doctor's appointment and found the doors to the school locked down tight.  It's a good thing they were because just a few hours before I arrived there was a SHOOTING in the parking lot of the school!  Yep, that's when the decision was made; we were pulling her out and homeschooling.   I'd always thought about homeschooling but with an 18 month old and another one on the way I didn't think I could handle the schedule.  We managed fine, it's now 9 years later and we're doing better than fine!  My middle and youngest daughters have never seen the inside of a public school classroom and they'd have it no other way.  My oldest has found that she can tailor her studies to her interests and work at her own pace.  She is interested in graduating early so she can begin college.  She's having some struggles now but I'm sure it'll all work out with time.   As a military family homeschooling works so well for us.  My husband has worked some kooky hours and 'off' schedules, had we not chosen to homeschool there was a time when they would not have seen their Dad for MONTHS!  We can take time off when he does and we can school to match his schedule.  Another great thing about a homeschooling military family is that when we're called to move mid-year we can throw our school 'tubs' into the car and leave.  We don't have to worry about staying behind to finish up classes.   Thank the Lord we live in a country that allows us this freedom!