i would guess they loved their friends there, but not the school itself. it is like a prisoner saying, that prison wasn't so bad, because he found friends there. 

indeed, home schooling does not mean to stay home, but rather to go out on a regular schedule to get in touch with other peers. e.g. woods, museums, libraries, playgrounds ...

as previously said, its a difficult task as most other children are locked away and their parents too. i have the same task to find the right community. i wish us luck and all the best.