Do you think a child should be homeschooled or be in a public school?

Question

People say it's better for a child to be homeschooled if you want them to get a better education. Yet some say public school is better because of the socialising. But School is about learning, not chatting with friends all day long. So what is your opinion?

Answer 1

"School is about learning, not chatting with friends all day long." Analyze anti-homeschooling arguments. You'll notice that first they'll say that AND argue that school is really about forming a broader array of social skills."

I've been homeschooled since I was eight, and nobody thinks I'm weird or finds odd social 'defects' until after they find out I'm homeschooled.

Our current public school was invented by the Prussians. You know, like that really nice Bismarck guy who was all in to peace and freedom.

Just because something is the norm, doesn't mean it's right.

(PS: Please note that I'm not committing the Galileo fallacy; the fact that homeschooling is a less popular choice in no way implies that it is right. However, my argument does logically apply to this question.)

EDIT: I suppose I should make this longer.

Homeschooling itself isn't going to make or break someone's education. I know a family of four who are all far beyond grade level. I'm at or slightly above grade level. My boyfriend got a bit screwed for math and science. All of us are homeschoolers, and we've all done it differently.

The family of four have two stay-at-home parents -I believe they're financially supported by their church- who teach them every day. They have a set curriculum and a schedule.

My mom works from home and never had a set curriculum. I'm a bit behind in science -but catching up quickly- and where I should be in math; I will be ahead in math when September rolls around. I'm above grade level in English and was even when I was in school. History comes easy to me and I'm having no trouble with the summer work for my AP US History class. Honestly, I probably could have done AP History when I was 13 or 14. It's my strong suit. So, because of a more organic approach, I'm not as far ahead as I could have been with a little structure -I've had absolutely none. No required work at all, no schedule at all; seriously, *nothing*- but I'm good at self-motivating and I'm making fast progress because I really want to have enough credits to graduate high school and head to college. A portfolio wouldn't be very impressive and I don't actually have any grades, so I'm kind of ODing on schoolwork now.

My boyfriend went to school until 6th grade, and for a while was only raised by his mom, who's a painter. His school screwed him for math and when his dad was around again, they tried to go through Saxon. However, since my guy had never had strong basics -the way they learned multiplication in his school was some complicated thing that involved drawing a grid of all the numbers in the problem- he ended up cheating his way through Saxon to please his dad. Formal science never really worked out. On the other hand, his intellectual development is far from stunted, and he's hardly ill-educated. The guy is a liberal-arts genius. His cousin is in college and will call my boyfriend up to complain about his English homework; my guy has read every single book that my cousin's been assigned, and he read most of them before he turned 16. He's taking several language intensives in the fall, and has already started teaching himself Greek.

We're working on science together and making pretty nice progress. We're also working on teaching ourselves Latin. (We do the work independently but check in with each other and drill together.) I'm teaching myself QBasic (I'm going to learn C at some point but I want to get QBasic down just to understand how programming languages work) and built my own computer with no supervision.

The laissez-faire approach our families used is not teacher-approved (my source for that is my cousin, who's a teacher, and other school employees I've encountered) but I think it's worked well enough.

By my standards, I've done pretty well by myself. By school standards, I'm a nightmare. Doing chemistry before biology, and then doing biology and physics in the same year? What administrative madness is this?

Answer 2

well, as for socialization, I don't want my daughter to be molded into her classmates, and I went to a public school which is why I choose to homeschool my daughter because I know what goes on at the public school. And I won't have them teaching my child that it's normal to be g*y.  Which they just introduced to the elementary school system here. Nope - As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!

We homeschool at home, but The world is our classroom, and we love it!  I have a very social, and smart little girl!

EDIT: For those who say they spent all day inside and were so bored, and advise against homeschooling, that is a very extreme case.  There is not a day where my daughter and I don't leave the house.  We do learning adventures and field trips very often and with other children too! so for those of you who are against opening up your horisons to the RIGHT kind of homeschooling are truly missing out on an insightful and exciting experience!

Answer 3

Well, you answered it.  

The kind of socialization one gets in public school is what is undesirable. No question about home school being better- for many reasons.

Most local home school organizations have more social functions that one family can attend.

I would recommend a private school if available. Then second home school, then third- online and or correspondence school. Never would I recommend public school.

Some of the online and video curriculum is excellent. There is none better than the "ABEKA" out of Pensacola Florida.

http://www.abeka.org/

Answer 4

D Butter, my child has been taught to say "please" and "thank you" since he learned to talk. before, actually, as we did babysign.

He also knows how to share and wait his turn, and not to interrupt.

I didn't wait for the government to teach him those things. He's quite social and polite, and he learned that at home.

Answer 5

I think a child should be where he will do best all-round. For some children, due to personality and family, this will be at home; for others, it will be at a school.

Homeschooled children don't automatically get a better education--the parents have to be involved and make sure it happens. Public school doesn't automatically mean more socializing--putting aside the fact that kids are supposed to be there to learn and not chat, plenty of kids are ostracized and don't get the socializing other kids do, and there is plenty of negative socialization at school that can be detrimental to a child's growth. And homeschooling should not mean staying home all the time and not having friends, although for some it does end up meaning that.

My opinion is that each family needs to decide for themselves. Homeschooling works in many, many cases. Unfortunately, it doesn't work in all cases and when it doesn't work, too many are quick to blame homeschooling itself instead of their families or themselves. We have decided to homeschool our kids because we do believe we can give them something better than our local schools can. So far, so good. :)

ADDED: I just read the other responses. For those reading who are new to the whole idea, I hope to be able to provide a more balanced point of view!

"Personally,for all the

problems it has I would choose public school,for a more rounded education and the opportunity for the child to socialize with his/her peers."

There is no reason why homeschooling should mean not socializing with peers. And there is no reason why homeschooling can't provide a well-rounded education.

**

"it gives the child better opportunities to have interaction with others, which can play a big part on the social development of the child"

Better opportunities? Or just more of them? More is not necessarily better. And yes, it will play a big part in the social development of the child, the question is: how do you want your child to develop socially? To be guided by same-age peers or to interact with different ages? Children learn what they live, and if they live around primarily immature behaviour, then guess what they will learn?

"Social development is just as important as academic learning.....and this is the case more so for getting jobs in the future....and just simply living in this world!"

Yes, and while schooled kids are sitting in desks in a cement building, many homeschooled kids are out and about in the world interacting in it.

" They need to see what different cultures are, how ppl can respond differently to the same things......."

I agree--but how are homeschooled kids prevented from being exposed to different cultures and people? You think all homeschoolers have the same culture and react the same way? Heck, just in a single family, people don't respond the same way to things.

**

Sherry had an unfortunate homeschooling experience. The homeschooled kids I know would be surprised to know someone have such an experience. But then again, the homeschooled kids I know are the ones who are out and about, going to parties, homeschool activities, hanging out with friends, going on field trips with other families and more. It's a shame her parents allowed her to stay inside all day every day.

**

"Most were excellent readers, but had trouble with science and math. Based on my experience, I would say students should transfer to public school by 6th grade. "

Why not instead recommend that parents take special care to teach science and math before the kids enter school? I know a number of homeschooled kids who excel in science and math but that's because their parents made sure of it. It's not homeschooling itself that caused those kids to have trouble with math and science.

Answer 6

Well here is the thing: who do you want to teach your child, an adult, or other children? Children in public schools have a HUGE influence from other children...one mother I know of had to teach her 6 year old son what a ******** was because the kids in his class were talking about it.

With home schooling you get to teach your child, and know what he/she is learning, and you get to be there to cheer them on, or help them out duing the struggles. Many home schooled children graduate earlier than public school students.

Now that being said...I have one son who I have chosen to put in public school ( although it is hard at times) because he is a special needs child. He needs speech,ot, and a host of other interventions to help him out. I did try homeschooling him, and was very frustrated.(Now I am frustrated with what he gets away with at school, and not knowing what he is learning. ) My other child I am already considering leaving home to school in a few years, when it is his time.

Answer 7

Homeschoolers do get a better education.  All around they do much better on standardized tests.  I've been reading at a college level since I was 11.  socializing? I had a home school co-op with lots of other kids, a part-time job since I was 16, taken karate since 15, and attended church all my life.  I also had private viola lessons, and orchestra.  I think I socialized enough.

Answer 8

I personally would advise againt homeschooling. Many people can say that a child recieves a better education this way, but I think in a lot of cases it's the exact opposite. I was homeschooled for part of elementary school & had to return to public school because it got so lonely & I spent all day, everyday inside. I then tried it again in high school which ended up being a total disaster. I was lonely & became so bored with school that I completely lost interest in it. I would definently suggest public school. That way the child gets their education & the socialization that is needed for normal development.

Answer 9

That depends on the child, the family situation, and the school.  There are really too many variables to give a pat answer...that's a question that's up to every family to decide.

Answer 10

You can't get a better answer than ' glurpy's ' answer!

Homeshooling either really really works and is a tremendous success OR it is one total disaster!

Depends on the children and the support from both parents.

I have friends that left school and started homeschooling and just didn't take it seriously and saw it as an easy way just to sit around and do nothing all day. And when they tried to get back into school they had dropped a grade! And of course they blamed it all on the 'stupid homeshooling'!

Then on the other hand I have known many people who have done so well being homeschooled! Happy, confident, well educated, and social!! For them, homeschooling was a huge success!  My one friend was homechooled all her life but went into a school for the last two years of her schooling and she did so well in school! Social, school work etc..

So it all depends on each particular situation. It definitely isn't for everyone. But you do get those who really make it work!

Socialising in schools can definitely be a very negative thing also!

That's my opinion!:)

Answer 11

You are right.  Homeschooling provides more one on one time and a better education.  Public School offers a child a chance to see how the world is around him and how to adapt to situations.  If you decide to homeschool, just make sure your child is active in outside activities that involve other children.

Answer 12

I would recommend homeschool any day.  I agree that you need to get out and enjoy social activities because it's too easy to just sit around at home and do nothing.  You are right ..kids are not allowed to talk, pass notes, or clown around.  Many schools/grades have no more recess times, AND with all the homework sent home, there's no time to enjoy a social life with ANYONE!!!

I loved teaching the kids.  They loved being able to take part in how they wanted to learn.  There was no wasted time correcting other kids for their behavior, helping the 15th kid out of 30 on the same problem, or any other time eater that is normally in public school.

Get requirements for homeschooling from your state.  In Illinois for example, the kids have to have 176(or 167) days of schooling.

One down point.  You have to keep precise records, just in case you even need to prove your work.  

During high School records are even more critical for proof of graduation.  

HSLDA (Home School legal defense Association) is a great site to visit for keen insights and questions you have.

Answer 13

i think it depends on the child. my oldest is 15 and getting ready to start homeschooling this year and she has put more into the friends and socializing than she has on her studies and thats why we are pulling her out and my youngest is 3 she doesnt worry about the friends and likes to be by herself and doesnt take to others as well as my oldest, so i believe my oldest would be better homeschooled but i believe my youngest can go to public school and not have the drama and problems so it goes back to the child themselves and what works for them

Answer 14

depends on the person some people need to have other kids around to be able to study and some like it when it is just them and maybe siblings. i have tryed both. and i am trying to find out what one to do for high school. i want to do it online but i don't want to become a loner.

Answer 15

Can't answer for every child, some have parents who shouldn't HS, but in general, with good parents who want to do it I'd say HS every time. As you say, school is in theory meant to be for getting an education not goofing off with your friends.

In reality HS kids have more time to socialise because what ever system they use the 'school' stuff takes up less of their time, they also have more freedom to hang out with people they like and share interests with rather than the fixed same age and same school set.

Answer 16

I agree with you. Socialization is probably the biggest question asked when considering home schooling. I am sure it is a question that will be debated as long as children are home schooled. The studies and research that have been done has not shown that home schooled children are lacking in socialization skills.

When in question about being home schooled and socialization, I can tell you that before I home schooled and my children went to traditional schools, my concerns then were not focused on socialization. My main focus when my children went to school was to get an education. I believe that socialization is a very small part of any schooling. It definitely should not be the main focus of the day for any student or parent.

I do believe that a child needs to be disciplined enough to complete the daily school work if they are homeschooled.

Many people don't consider home schooling thier children, because they are afraid thier children will miss out on socialization. According to the U.S. Department of Education, it is estimated that 1.7 percent of all students participate in a home schooling program. A greater number of parents are turning to home schooling as an option for educating their children.

This concept once only included the idea of parents assuming the responsibility of educating their own children. Today, the modern home school has evolved to include the use of computers and other technically-advanced equipment. Although home schooling has the predominant form of education throughout history, many people consider it to be a new concept.

Why are parents choosing home schooling more and more? There are many benefits. You can customize your curriculum (just as k12 does). Home schooling enables students to participate in a curriculum that is tailored to their needs. They can focus on specific areas of interest or other areas that require extra attention. Your chouces are many. You can choose a free online charter school, private online schools, an online curriculum or text book based curriculum.

You can use different learning methods, so students don't have to sit at a desk all day. They might go on a field trip to a historical place, explore nature at a park, or visit a science camp. There are many free sites where you can learn about the things that you see on these kinds of field trips too. E Field Trips and National Park Curriculum is available for free to everyone.

Most home school based curriculum is self-paced, so if students require extra help on an assignment or want additional challenges, they can learn as fast or as slow as they choose. In a traditional school setting , the teacher can't always slow down and go over an area that a few students may not understand as well as the rest of the class. This is how so many kids today "get lost" and are left behind. A situation like this is easily avoided at home.

Having a flexible schedule is a great benefit. Home schooling provides students with more options than a traditional classroom. Students can set their own schedule and learn at any time. If they want to take a test at night, they have the freedom to do so. They are learning on their own terms. Many sites are free offering help for children in all subjects through free worksheets, games and activities.

There are fewer social distractions for children at home. Home schooling allows students to learn without the worry or interference of social distractions. They are not faced with the social pressures of regular school. They can focus on their work and not what another kid in the class might be saying or doing. You don't have to worry about bad influences that your child might have at school (drugs, alcohol, the wrong crowd etc). If you teach your child a certain set of morals and values, they will not learn something entirely different as they may have in a traditional school setting.

Home schooling enables students to get one-on-one attention from their teacher. Whether they are learning from a parent or online teacher, they can get immediate attention for all of their educational needs.

A home schooling program can provide students with choices. It gives them an alternative to the traditional classroom. Whether they choose home schooling for academic, safety or social reasons, they can be in charge of their education. It enables them to create an individualized learning experience.

For many children this is definitely a good option. A student needs to be self disciplined enough to do the school work daily. If a student is dedicated to being home schooled and can appreciate it, they can be successful !

Answer 17

It depends what subjects are studied. A former co-worker of

mine was home schooled and received a mostly religious

education until he was of age. Not of much use unless you're going to be a member of the clergy. Personally,for all the

problems it has I would choose public school,for a more rounded education and the opportunity for the child to socialize with his/her peers.

Answer 18

even though school is not about chatting all day long.....it gives the child better opportunities to have interaction with others, which can play a big part on the social development of the child. As you said, school is about learning...and academics is not just a part of a child's learning. He/ she needs to learn how to say please and thank you when appropriate....(just a very basic example).

Social development is just as important as academic learning.....and this is the case more so for getting jobs in the future....and just simply living in this world! They need to see what different cultures are, how ppl can respond differently to the same things.......you can do extra teaching at home which will make your child all the more rounded! not many get that these days ;)

Answer 19

Personally, home-educated.

There are no available public schools where we live so our options are home-education, distance education or boarding school. And I don't see any point whatsoever in me or my siblings going away to board at school because everything we'd learn'd be pretty much irrelevant to us, our future, our culture, our lifestyle by virtue of us having to leave our community for an alien culture hundreds of kms away in the city.

Is school always the best place for socialising? I know people who went to school and all they learnt about 'socialising' was that, on leaving school, they were determined never to socialise with anybody else ever again!

As for this idea that home-educated kids are somehow 'weird', my oldest brother managed to get elected and serve as 'Student President' for two years at Uni before anyone ever found out he'd never set foot inside a school.  

(Surely it is a parent's job to teach their child to say 'please' and 'thank you' and not the responsibility of any school or any individual teacher!!)

Answer 20

I have had the opportunity to teach students who were previously home schooled before entering highschool.  Most were excellent readers, but had trouble with science and math.  Based on my experience, I would say students should transfer to public school by 6th grade.  Hope this helps.