The Fall Workshop | 2011 | Liverpool, NY

Alternative education

by Mitchell Franz

Three children live on Milwood Circle, but unlike their neighbors or a majority of children, they don't attend public school. Their mother, Deanna McGregor, wears a second hat of responsibility as the educator. More than a decade ago, Deanna along with her husband, Bruce, withdrew their first-born, also named Bruce, now 17, from first grade at a Liverpool public school. Now the couple has two more children, Mandy, 14, and Shane, 12, who also are home-schooled. For them, it is just a normal part of life. There were many factors in their decision to start home-schooling, but among them were flexibility, the learning process and faith. To the McGregors, there are many benefits. "I think you get closer family bonds," Deanna said. "It's intergenerational - they interact on a different level. You focus more on their strengths and build on those. It's not just classroom time. It's more trying to live what they're studying." The learning environment also allows for a non-traditional education style. "You can tailor the education to the child," said Bruce. "You meet the needs of the child."