Just because a privately schooled student wants a better education than that currently available in government run schools is no reason for them not to be able to participate in public sports.

Worked pretty well for Tim Tebow.

If you want to be an Ooltewah Owl, then attend Ooltewah High School. If you don't, then stay at home.

Homeschooled students are not subject to the same grading scale, attendance, and discipline requirements that public school athletes must meet. It is generally the student's parent who assigns the grade, plus you can't possible track "attendance" in a home school situation.

This could be a liability issue. I think they should participate in more than sports...maybe in a few other classes

These parents pay taxes. Taxes support public schools therefore home schooled children's parents support public schools. It's not like they're freeloading.

A homeschooled child has performed in the musical at Walker Valley High School for the past two years. She also received a part in a play two years ago.

The fact that the home school parent's pay the same taxes that the public school parent's pay should be all the proof they need to be able to play sports. For them to say no is ignorant, in my opinion. Who is it hurting to let this kid try out for the team? @Rosebud...could you be more closed-minded?

Let him play. Good Lord people. This shold be a coach and team decission not the school board. Why do you (the school board) want to punish this kid because your system sucks? I guess it all comes down to - you have to take the good with the bad, the good being team sports, the bad being the education you provide. Won't it be cool if there were enough home schooled kids to form a team and compeat against the district teams. Local baseball and softball has already proven that they can put together better summer teams on a lower budget than the school system provides and do more with the kids than any local school team has ever done.