"... how well schooled are the parents?"

Religious zealots aside (nothing is going to change them, in public school or outside of it), I really believe that any parent who really wants to educate their kids can do it if they care enough to put some effort into it. There are guidelines and sources of assistance.

I live in the Stupid Capital of America, and the homeschooled kids I've met around here are far superior to the others (of course, anything would be). One reason is that most parents just don't seem to care about their kids --- what would you call it if their kid is 12 before they realize that he can't read?

But the schools care even less. Their priority is control and getting money. Sure, they were all behind the No Child Left Behind, because it meant more money. If you really want to know what goes on in American public schools, check out Linda Schrock's essays at http://www.lewrockwell.com/taylor/taylor-arch.html
Ms. Schrock is a long-time schoolteacher and doesn't pull any punches on the nightmare of public education. She's from a different part of the country than I am, but I recognized the agenda right away. Take a peek and raise your blood pressure.

Most of the homeschooled kids around here have their own small businesses, lawnmowing, chickens/eggs, vegetable garden & stand, etc. And their lemonade tastes better, too.

Sue