Thanks, @John-freeCodeCamp. It’s easy enough for me to write in a forum, not so easy in other circumstances.
I agree that most jobs expect you to show up and stay for the whole work day, but I don’t think that someone will be unable to do that just because he was homeschooled. It’s far more important to actively involve yourself in your education than to just put in x amount of hours of attendance.
Homeschooling, or online schooling, may allow students to choose their learning times, but they still must meet due dates and work under the direction of teachers. And kids generally learn to follow directions from their parents.
I’m with you on wishing schools taught more useful things, though not everyone wants or needs to learn programming and engineering - but those classes should be offered. Online schools generally offer a wider variety of courses, though students still need to meet requirements. So someone who wants to focus on programming will have more options for that, though some kind of social studies will also be required.
You mentioned being a Christian. I’d argue that it’s worthwhile for people of all religions to learn about other religions. It helps to understand why people believe and practice the way they do, and it helps us all live together better. Even if you believe your way is the only right way (and remember, people of several other faiths feel exactly the same about their way), it’s worth at least knowing something about those other ways. I actually loved my high school world religions course; it was fascinating. But if it’s not your thing, leave that course to others and take something else, like economics.
I agree that two hours a day isn’t enough to write papers. People don’t generally write papers in class. They do that as homework. And by the way, two hours a day of class time isn’t the rule for all homeschooled or online students. It’s more like what each individual student needs to put in timewise.
Studies show that homeschooled students generally do quite well in college. They already know how to apply themselves to their coursework. They are very well prepared academically for college - if they choose to attend college.
Again re relationships, most socializing occurs outside of class. Homeschooled kids see their friends after school, at sports, parties, church, etc. Future colleagues will come in college.
Back to your being a Christian: Many people homeschool their kids because they want to educate them from a Christian perspective. There are organizations and networks and vendors of textbooks that exist just for Christian homeschooling. The kids are not isolated; they often meet with other Christian homeschooled kids, developing friendships with other families with shared beliefs and values.
You may not like the idea of homeschooling or virtual (online) schools for yourself or your own kids. It’s not for everyone, but it’s a valid choice for others, and the education they get is generally very good.