As an educator (once upon a time and a proponent of homeschooling), I would love to tell you that your situation is ideal.  The truth, however, is that you are in an unenviable position.  Let me see if I have the facts straight…you have OCD, you have Asperger’s Syndrome…I forget what else.  This makes a regular classroom at a regular public school absolutely the wrong place for you.  Here’s the thing though…you’re not being homeschooled by the sound of it.  You’re being online schooled…and that is very different and brings with it a whole different set of challenges.

 

I have had students go to online school.  I’ve taken classes online myself.  Here’s the 411 on that.  Online classes always have more work than a regular classroom.  It’s awful and you need to be very committed to sit down daily to do the work for one class…let alone how many you have to take.

 

I do not think that online classes are right for you.  I know those that disagree with homeschooling say it inhibits social development.  I think if done properly…it doesn’t.  Your case isn’t homeschooling, though.  I don’t see you having the best atmosphere for social development and I say this because of the Asperger’s Syndrome.  Asperger’s requires structure.  It requires boundaries to be taught in personal relationships.  Many people with it go on to very successful careers, but there needs to be some help and I’m not even sure you have any kind of individual plan of study.  So…that’s a problem with the online schooling, too.

 

If you’re going to be homeschooled, I would recommend it be by a person–face to face.  This addresses the massive workload you’re carrying (because online schooling does not entirely let you learn at your own pace).  It also addresses the social element that you need because of your Asperger’s and OCD.  You have to learn how to interact with the world comfortably and safely.  I think it’s a wonderful thing that you have the opportunity to study at home, but I don’t think most young people have the capacity to understand what they are going to need to supplement their education.  If possible, a parent should be doing the teaching, but it sounds like all educational material comes from the online school.  At the very least a parent should be checking in on what’s going on in every subject and making certain you stay off other websites while you’re supposed to be working on school things (and they have programs that block access to other sites).

 

It is difficult being a teen and wanting to go on field trips, but that is something that your parents can organize as a family or with other families that choose to online or home school their children.  It’s also excellent for social development.  You don’t say you are involved in any clubs or anything…so I’m wondering if there’s an outlet there. 

 

Have you considered private school?  For those with the finances, there are plenty of great schools that will be able to work with you (and allow you to be in a school room or out).  Michigan also has some alternative schools meant to serve young people with various issues, but in recent years the programs have been flooded with students that have been kicked out of regular schools for behavior problems, sent there as part of parole, there are hardly any paraprofessionals, or they have teachers without any specialized teaching under their belts.  The best districts have destroyed any alternative programs they have and often rallied against becoming schools of choice.  Alternative education at a regular school is definitely not the place for you.  Private school often requires interviews and tests, but like I said…if you have the money…go for it.  Otherwise…I think your online schooling needs to be converted to authentic home schooling for you to make genuine progress and get a meaningful experience out of the process.  Best wishes at your studies whatever you decide to do about them.  Take care.