Homeschooling for Excellence. - book reviews

Homeschooling for Excellence

David and Micki Colfax

Warner Books

666 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10103

1988, $8.95 softcover 142 pages

Homeschooling parents David and Micki Colfax gained notoriety several years ago when their oldest son, Grant, was admitted into Harvard University. A few years later, their second son, Drew, was also accepted into Harvard, followed by their third son, Reed. Almost immediately, the Colfaxes attracted media attention and became cast in the role of homeschooling experts." Being down-to-earth, sensible people, they tried their best to avoid that role and finally decided that writing a book would be the most effective way to share their story with other parents "who want to see their children obtain the best education possible."

Homeschooling for Excellence is sprinkled with bits of the Colfax family odyssey, together with some criticisms of conventional educational philosophies and practices. The primary focus, however, is on the family's personal educational philosophy, complete with tangible guidelines and resources for other homeschoolers. The account of their personal journey from conventional educators to goat farmers and homeschoolers is enjoyable but too brief', I wanted to know more about them as people before hearing about their educational philosophy and recommendations.

As former classroom teachers, they critique the educational establishment with insight and pointedness, probing deeply into the underlying causes of today's educational problems. The real heart of the book develops as they describe their homeschooling approach and go on to recommend the numerous resources they have used with their four sons (Garth, age 14, is still at home). This last section is excellent. Their educational recommendations are sensible, balanced, and practical, and the reading list itself is worth the price of the book.

Their educational approach-a combination of rugged farm life and intense intellectual activity-is not for everyone, they admit. In telling their story, they are not attempting to give the definitive answers on how to homeschool children. Nevertheless, their views are fascinating-and their accomplishments, stemming from their commitment to provide the best possible education" for their children, are noteworthy.

My only regret is that the book is not longer. As both a concise introduction to the Colfaxes' homeschooling experience and a means of sharing information with other homeschoolers, it serves its purpose well. But it leaves the reader wanting to know more about these teachers-turned-goat-farmers nestled away in the California mountains. And they seem to have a lot more to say.

Reviewed by Lawrence Williams, cofounder and educational director of Oak Meadow School, a home-study school for children in grades K through 12, and father of four

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