I've been having a discussion with a home-school advocate about the terminology we use to describe those who are putting together a creative blend of their best education options. Most people understand what home-school is and have their own impression about what it looks like. Many picture a young child reading aloud or studying at the kitchen table while mom is listening or checking in, perhaps preparing lunch or helping another sibling as well. It's a nice, homey image of family and a supportive learning environment.

But once kids hit about 14 or 15, the image changes. Many who see home-school as a viable option for younger students view it as limiting for teenagers. They question whether the parent has the background to be a good teacher in the subjects students need to study during the high school years, and they assume that the student has a limited social environment and few opportunities for self expression, critical thinking and community involvement.

Now, this may be the case for a minority of home-school families, but I know perfectly well that most teen home-schoolers are very involved in learning in a variety of settings: college courses, online courses, volunteer work, jobs, community activism, study abroad, etc. They are not merely receptacles for mom's knowledge or the facts in their textbooks — they are self-directed learners who embrace their freedom to discover more about the world and themselves in whatever way is most intriguing to them.

Still, the image of the isolated teen home-schooler persists. This is why I chose to use the term "bold schoolers." These students of traditional high school age are stepping away from the old-school four-by-four model: four years of high school followed by four years of college. Bold schoolers include home-schoolers who are not limited to the school-based path to a high school diploma, but the term also applies to those who attend school during certain years, choose to blend high school and college through dual enrollment or select from a wide range of options.  

Then there's the issue of unschoolers. These students are really a subset of home-schoolers in that they are not enrolled in school but rather learning in ways that are independent of the traditional school system. They might be using curricula designed for home-schoolers, but more often, they are following their interests and deepening their knowledge and experience in a variety of ways without following a set series of courses.

The problem with the term "unschooling" is what it conjures to those who are unfamiliar with it. For some, it represents an anarchist approach to education, a sort of anti-school mindset that many (especially those in education) find disturbing or detrimental. For others, it sounds like a woo-woo concept that encourages Johnny to daydream all day in the name of personal growth.

Home-school and unschooling are valid and extremely valuable approaches to education, but despite the increase in the number of families embracing these models, the bias against them remains.  

By using the "bold school" term, I'm simply saying that the traditional approach to education (the older model) is but one option. Families are free to help their kids learn in the ways they find most enticing and enriching. And yes, in our culture, it does take a certain amount of boldness to step off the track and do things differently.  

Semantics aside, the real issue is this: The traditional K-12 or K-16 model is not for everyone, and those who opt to engage in alternative ways of learning should be supported and encouraged. EVERY student — including those enrolled in schools — should have access to the options that are most likely to lead them to their most thrilling and fulfilling learning experiences.  

Whether kids stay in school, stay home, smart out or blend their options, their parents must serve as mentors who help their sons and daughters make the best choices. The high school years should not be characterized by passive learning in any setting, whether that's at school, at home or in front of the computer. No matter what we call it, the education our kids need is the one that allows them to challenge themselves, and contribute and collaborate with others in all kinds of exciting ways.

Let's get bold about helping them create that.

To read more blog entries by Maya Frost, visit her site MayaFrost.com.