Homeschooling
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There is a lot of debate about whether homeschooling is better than traditional schooling. On one side, there are many parents who argue that homeschooling provides children with a more tailored education that meets their individual needs. On the other side, there are parents who argue that traditional schooling provides children with a more well-rounded education and prepares them for life after school.
In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of homeschooling versus private or public schools so you can decide for yourself.
What Is Homeschooling and How Does It Work?
Homeschooling is education in which parents or guardians teach children at home, rather than sending them to a public or private school.
Homeschooling has been growing in popularity in recent years, as more and more parents become disillusioned with the public school system. There are many reasons for this: public schools are overcrowded and underfunded, they frequently subject students to standardized testing and pressure to perform well, and there is a lack of individualized attention for students who need it.
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In contrast, homeschooling offers many advantages over traditional schooling. For one thing, homeschooled kids have more time to focus on their studies; they don't have to waste time traveling to and from school, moving from class to class, or waiting for slower students to finish their work. Homeschooled kids also have more control over their own learning environment; they can learn at their own pace, explore topics that interest them, and build relationships with people of all ages.
Homeschooling also allows parents to instill their own values into their children's education. While public school teachers must adhere to a certain curriculum, homeschooling parents can choose to teach their children about whatever they deem important, from religious values to political beliefs.
So is homeschooling better than traditional schooling? There is no definitive answer; it depends on each family's individual circumstances. But for many families, the benefits of homeschooling far outweigh those of sending their children to a traditional school.
The Benefits of Homeschooling Over Traditional Schooling
In a previous post, we detailed the many benefits of homeschooling versus public school. Here, we'll take a slightly broader look and include private schooling as well.
Higher academic performance
According to the U.S. Department of Education, homeschooled students perform better on standardized tests than their peers at traditional schools. In addition, homeschooled children have a higher college attendance rate and are more likely to graduate from college.
Customizable curriculum
Homeschooling allows parents to tailor the curriculum to their child's individual needs and interests, which can lead to a more engaging and successful learning experience.
Improved social skills
Homeschooled children also have more opportunities to interact with people of all ages, which helps them develop social skills at an early age. This can also translate to a higher level of emotional maturity at a younger age for many students.
Individual attention
Due to the smaller class sizes, homeschooled children receive more individual attention from their teachers than they would in a traditional school setting. This can result in a higher level of academic achievement and better preparation for college.
Cost
Homeschooling can be significantly less expensive than traditional schooling, especially private school
Public School
annual tuition averages $12,000 for elementary and middle school and $16,000 for high school.
Home School
homeschooling costs between $700 and $1,200 per student.
Deciding What's Best For Your Child
Your child's education and how to approach it is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make as a parent. What's right for one child won't be right for many other kids, so it's crucial to take into account all the pros and cons specific to your child and your family.
Consider the following points when making a decision about whether to homeschool.
Time
Homeschooling requires that at least one adult has enough time to devote to the one-on-one instruction each child needs. If a job or other obligations would prohibit this, homeschooling may not be right for your family. At least, not right now.
The time required of homeschooling parents is often greater when their children are younger since the children require closer supervision, both for education and for safety. As your children age and mature, they can be charged with greater responsibility and left with less supervision.
Of course, there is always the responsibility of managing curricula, checking work, giving feedback, and keeping records. Homeschooling parents must be available for their kids, period.
Special Needs
"Special needs" can encompass everything from severe learning disabilities to gifted children to kids who suffer from anxiety and depression. It's not meant as a negative label, nor is it meant to only refer to kids who need a specialist or accommodations, although sometimes those things can help a great deal.
For children with special needs, homeschooling can also be a tremendous blessing. It allows them to escape the pressures of traditional schools, such as peer pressure, and focus on their own interests while working at their own pace.
This can be particularly beneficial for kids who suffer from social anxiety or are being bullied. By removing the most stressful part of their educational experience, they're allowed the freedom to learn and grow without the fear of criticism and judgment.
Finding Joy and Purpose
The goal of every parent is to raise their child well enough that they can find joy and purpose in their adult life. Many parents decide that homeschooling is the best way to accomplish that goal. While it's not for everyone, the benefits of homeschooling are undeniable.
If you'd like to learn more, we invite you to visit a conference and experience for yourself why so many families chose homeschooling and never looked back.