Last year, he finished 3rd in the spelling bee, and came in 4th in 1998, the first year he competed. Home School Legal Defense Association President Michael Farris says the reason homeschooled youth tend to be disproportionately represented in national contests that test academic skills is simple. Former Family Research Council chief Gary Bauer agrees. In fact, they usually test one to two years ahead of their grade level. Thomas also attacked the myth that homeschooled students lack socialization.
Homeschooled children have plenty of time to socialize, but in a different environment.