I was homeschooled from age 7 to age 11 and read the book in a similar timeframe. My parents had some trouble getting bureaucratic approval to take us out of school. IIRC about the book, the main character just took a sabbatical from school, entirely withdrawing without an alternative education plan. I remember wondering about the logistics of that, which I guess is why the point sticks in my mind.

I think the heron slash might have been the catalyst for the whole story, otherwise I don't know why it might have stayed with me.

I do also remember liking all three books, even though Little Tree - presented as an autobiography - turned out to be a lie. It's still enjoyable as fiction.