Homeschooled

A controversy that really shouldn’t be a controversy is homeschooling. In Homeschooled, documentarian Niki Koss takes us into the world of homeschooling—not as a commentary on the subject, but to give us a look at kids who are homeschooled and the socialization challenges they face…particularly prom.

The documentary follows a group of homeschooled teens as they prepare for and attend a prom lovingly designed by the producers of Homeschooled. The prom, created as part of the documentary, allows the students to experience social connection, self-expression, and personal growth. We see their hopes, anxieties, and the unique challenges they face while navigating adolescence outside the traditional school system.

Seamus is homeschooled due to a learning disability and admits to feeling disconnected from his community, relying primarily on online friendships. Prom represents a big emotional hurdle—for the sake of the doc, he plans to attend but expects to stay on the sidelines. In a pivotal moment, Seamus also shares his past struggle with suicidal thoughts and how it contributes to his sense of being an outsider.

Sean, Seamus’ autistic brother, is more reclusive and spends most of his time indoors working on screenplays. He talks about the limitations he feels in life, showing little interest in dancing, social engagement—or prom, for that matter. Tilly has been homeschooled for years and craves social interaction. She’s excited about the prom and going with her boyfriend Will, who is more outgoing and enjoys dancing. Previously bullied and homeless with her mother, Cheyanne found stability through a support organization and sees prom as a joyful celebration and milestone.

“…follows a group of homeschooled teens as they prepare for and attend a prom…”

Homeschooled is all about the participants. When I think of homeschooling, I think of strict, religious parents who want to shield their kids in a bubble. Here, the students are homeschooled due to social anxiety, cognitive disabilities, and traumatic experiences.

Homeschooled explores the socialization challenges its students face. Studying independently at home means these students must put in more effort to find and build friendships than their peers in traditional schools. It’s interesting in Homeschooled that the girls are more into prom than the boys.

I’m not sure that the film attempts to make any grand statements about the subject, but Niki Koss gives us a heartfelt profile of each student. In the end, we’re rooting for them to have the best prom experience imaginable. I wish all reality shows were this positive and hopeful.

Homeschooled doesn’t argue for or against the education style—it simply opens a window into lives often left off the dance floor. Thanks to Niki Koss’ gentle, affirming lens, we get a prom night where the wallflowers bloom, the outsiders shine, and the kids we rarely see get their well-earned spotlight.