I realize I'm just one opinion, but you asked, so I'm sincerely answering this with my deepest concern! I'm a teacher in a public school, so my first impulse is to answer to try school for about ten reasons. HOWEVER, in this case, I'd shout out NO. Not because of peer pressure--he will face that eventually and elsewhere. Not because of racial issues. Not because he's smart...so why? I'd say to home school to save his life! If he is being "teased unmercifully" and becoming depressed, this could ruin his entire life. How can we even ask the question when we see it framed differently: "Should I let my child be tortured for just a year or two?" I have other issues here with what must be an ineffective school system to ALLOW bullying--though I realize they can't see it all. Also, I have a problem answering this question with TWO choices. I wish there was a private school, different school, etc. to try. If there really isn't, how do YOU feel about home schooling? If you are not willing to do this with enthusiasm, it may have huge academic drawbacks and he could still do drugs in the day if you aren't supervising. So with that said, if you feel comfortable home schooling it is often more effective in the SHORT RUN. I'd solve other issues by 9th grade so he can attend a high school, live a normal life, play sports, etc. He's NOT five, so he can "catch up" with socializing in a year or so when he starts high school, I'd imagine. Still, could you allow him to find even ONE friend, say in your place of worship or among your circle of friends. He does need a friend during these critical years! Hope that helped. Depression may be more serious than you realize!

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