In Part I, I explained that the State of Idaho specifically excludes home schooled students from applying for at least some state-funded scholarships. (Their parents are NOT excluded from paying state income tax, property tax or sales tax, however.)

Let’s examine the record of this particular home schooled high school senior. She

• is listed in the 2006-2007 Who’s Who of American High School Students

• is on the National Honor Roll

• is a Summa cum Laude Scholar for the Idaho Coalition of Home Educators

• scored a 29 on her ACT test

• has spent 10-12 hours per week volunteering as an aid in a special needs religion class

• served as a PEAK (Peers Encouraging Abstinence in Kids) mentor at a local high school during her junior year

• works part-time at a local bakery

• is an accomplished pianist, playing at numerous gatherings, and

• teaches piano students.

Clearly, she outstrips 95% or more of public schooled children. Yet she is denied the opportunity to even apply for these Idaho scholarships.

The home schooling mother has not been idle in the face of this discrimination. She has emailed a number of local legislators, legislature leadership and education committee members of both houses of the legislature, the Idaho Department of Education, and the governor. To their credit, most have responded, and expressed with surprise at the red tape that denies this outstanding student even applications.

In Part III, learn the outcome of this effort to qualify home schooled students for state-funded scholarships.