I think there are better alternate ways to get those things though - social activities, team sports, family events.
We have to imagine what could have otherwise been, like what if you had been homeschooled and went to music classes and befriended people from that, and they became your life-long friends instead?
Church, homeschool co-ops, club sports, etc, etc. Also, take a look at the kind of “socializing” that’s happening in many public schools today. Is that what you want for your kids?
I have five kids and have had each in different schools for different reasons at different times. Sometimes a certain one might need a certain style or environment.
But, IMO, if you can swing it, homeschooling is superior. You probably will give up some income and you’ll definitely give up some time. But what you don’t realize until you do it is the flexibility (freedom) that your family gains.
I can see this perspective too. My counter would be that school integrates you with people that are not like you at all (and you might not even want to be near). Getting on with people is an super-power.
Once I met a guy who told me he had been bullied at school... He was actually a good student but did not enjoy school. Instead he loved his music classes and found his best friends in this choir... later he became an accomplished classical musician and a very fine person. I asked him where he learned the most important life lessons, if he recalled some important teacher... and he answered he had the great chance to count with a family who provided more that lessons, guidance and support for him to choose his own way. Moreover, he had a few good friends and that was enough for him...
