Homeschool a benefit compared to Public school?

Question

Hi im starting to consider homeschool becuase it seems like a great oppertunity and to learn at my own speed and not worry about the stress of teachers and etc. Well to be homeschooled are parents obligned to teach you ? do you hire someone ? Can you self study and enroll in a community on dual enrollment ? And if i do take HomeSchool i would be able to take Advance classes on work on my own pace and desire.

thanks

Answer 1

It is different for every family that does it, and often even for every individual child. As stated above, some people do online school which means you have teachers you corespond with over the internet. The online school sends you your materials and you complete the work and get a grade, just like regular school, only done on the computer from home or the library or the road if you travel a lot.

Some people homeschool through a private school or school of corespondance that sends them their books and materials for assignments, labs, projects, etc through the mail. With this type of home schooling, you usually send a report to the base school at set intervals.

Some people attend charter schools that let them go in to school once or twice a week, collect work, turn in work, and get help if they need it, though this isn't really what most consider to be homeschooling. Neither is online school to some people.

Some people take full responsibility for their own/their child's education by doing more traditional homeschooling. The parents and children choose their own curriculumk, text books, work books, lab equipment, videos, software, and any other materials they wish to use. They also choose their own subjects based on the child's individual interests and goals, for example, if the child wishes to go on to university, they will study the important core subjects that universities look for on transcripts as well as a variety of electives based on individual interests, needs, and goals. I personally am interested in robotics, animation, creative writing, and music, so this year I've been studying Programming and Robotics with various books and robotics/electronics kits for labs, 3D Animation with computer software, and creative writing with a textbook and books frokm the library. I also takek music lessons in the community and I am a member of a band. In this form of homeschooling, the state may require that you take a yearly standardized test to show that you are performing at or above grade level. In the states that are a bit more strict about homeschooling, your parents may need to send in a quarterly report, just like a report card in a way. Your parents may also give you tests at home if you all agree that this is what will be best for you, but it isn't required.You may also get grades like you do in school, or you may be on a Pass/Fail system, or you may have a totally unique grading system, or no grades at all. I take tests, but not for grades. When I take a test in a subject it is only to determine how far along I've come in that subject. The "grade" is never final because I homeschool to learn, not to just get by with a passing grade. If, for example, I took a test on a chapter I did in Algebra and I didn't do well on a few questions, instead of just going on to the next chapter, I go back and review the stuff I didn't get right on the test and then take the test again before moving on. For me, all tests are for is to tell me when I can move on to something more challenging. For me, and many others, tests aren't always in the same format as they are in public school. Sometimes in certain subjects, I'm tested by being given an extensive project or presentation to do to show my understanding of the topic cover, or asked to write a paper on it, or give a mock lesson on it as if I were the teacher. You know you truly understand something when you can accurately and confidently teach it to someone else. Often my mother, adult friends, or friends closer to my age who are in college or who have already mastered te subject will act as audience durring presentations or re-teaching activities, checking me if I don't seem to understand something. I only do this for certain subjects and topics though.

Homeschoolers sometimes do a lot of the things you may do in public school, but sometimes they do more as well. Many homeschoolers do a lot of hands-on activities like labs in science. This year, I am taking Chemistry, and I have all the same lab equipment you would use in a public high school chemistry class, just on a smaller scale, and with lab instructions specific to homeschooling (not requiring large groups of students, or very-hard-to-obtain chemicals). It was the same in Biology and in Physical Science. I have homeschooled friends who take thier science classes in a co-op group (kind of a homeschool class where parents and community volunteers act as teachers for each subject), and still other homeschool friends who take all of their highschool science classes (and some other classes) at the local community college as duel-enrollment students (just like regular highschool duel enrollment).

Homeschoolers don't miss out on the social aspects of school either. They certainly do not spend all of their time inside the house. Homeschoolers spend a lot of their time is spent out in the community, learning and experiencing life in the real world instead of in a house or in a classroom alone. Many homeschoolers take classes offered in the community such as art classes at an art studio or museum, musical instrument or voice lessons as well as band or chorus classes for homeschoolers at local music stores or schools, fencing lessons, swimming lessons, horseback riding lessons, classes and programs offered through local childrens museums, science museums, or history museums, classes or programs offered through the library, community/youth center, YMCA, or other Parks and Rec programs, dance class, and so on. Naturally, these are great opportnities for homeschoolers to interact with others of all ages, homeschoolers and public schoolers alike. There are also clubs outside of the regular public schools such as riding clubs, clubs offered through libraries and community centers, drama clubs at local theaters, boy scouts, girl scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs, youth group for those who are into the church scene, OM, academic teams, community sports, individual sports like martial arts, tennis, fencing, swimming, etc, and much much more. Many cities or counties also have homeschool organizations or co-ops where, as stated above, homeschoolers can take classes with other homeschoolers as well as go on frequent feild trips (though any homeschool parent or group of parents can arrange a feild trip when they want to), join clubs sponsored by the group (as many as can be thought of and started by the members), work on a yearbook or newspaper staff, attend dances or holiday parties (most groups have something along the lines of a Not-Back-To-School party each fall where the homeschoolers may go to a theme park or some other sort of outing) volunteer service projects, prom and graduation ceremonies for older students, outings on weekends, park days where younger kids meet up to spend an afternoon playing and pic-nicking in the park (uwsually weekly or monthly) and so on. Some even participate in private school sports competitions as well as regional and state science fairs and spelling/geography bee. There is no lack of social interaction.

The last form of homeschooling I can think of is unschooling. In this kind of home education, there is no structured school day, no tests (unless the child wants them), no grades. All of the learning and "school work" is directed by the child. This is usually best when started at an early age so that the child's natural desire to learn remains in tact and the child doesn't just become lazy or unmotivated. I am what I like to call a homeschool/unschooler because my schooling is all self-directed, but I still choose to do the book work and testing along with the creative hands-on stuff because I feel it is in my own, individual best interest.

I hope this answers your questions

Answer 2

yes all of the above. That is the nice thing about homeschooling is you have the best benefit and that is "Freedom" which you would not have in the Public School system. They basically take all your freedoms away- teach you what they feel is important- not allowed to express your beliefs, do it in their timeline, with one curriculum fits all, etc and the list goes on.

I say if you can swing it try homeschooling. It is wonderful to have the freedom to go to college at an earlier age, do your own learning at your own pace. Believe me you will be learning a lot more in a smaller length of time then your Public schooled friends.

Answer 3

In large part it depends in which state you live. For example, here in Oklahoma, you don't need any kind of college degree or teaching certification in order to homeschool your children. Whether or not you can hire someone or not really doesn't play into it - legally it's your parents responsibility to send you to school unless they make other provisions such as homeschooling or sending you to an accredited private school. So check your state laws and see if your parents will go along with the state regulations.

If you're in high school, it may be possitble to jam through a GED in lieu of a diploma and study on your own.

As for enrolling in a community college - there are usually two types of classes, credit and non-credit. Anyone can take the non-credit classes. The For Credit classes usually require admission and usually admission requires either a GED or a HS diploma. You can call the college's Registrar's Office to find out for sure.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Please don't listen to the people who just say that homeschooling sucks, because it seems like they've never actually been homeschooled and I have.  I loved it!

Are your parents obliged to teach you?  That's a pretty vague question, but basically it depends on the state's laws.  Check out http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/default.as... to read about your state's laws.

Do you hire someone?  Not usually, but some people do.  That's really more full-time tutoring than homeschooling though.

Can you self study and enroll in a community on dual enrollment?  I don't know if you mean community college or community high school.  If you mean high school, then it's basically up to the school.  If you mean college, then yes, you definitely can!  That's what I did.

Can you take advanced classes and work on your own pace and desire?  Absolutely!  That's part of what homeschooling is all about.  I think you'll enjoy it.  Good luck!

Answer 5

I was homeschooled until grade six, and I think it benefited me in various ways. For example, I know myself very well, and I am aware of my strengths, weaknesses and interests, I believe more than my peers (I am 18 now).

My mom taught me, but in a very laid back way. I had workbooks to do, but most often I could just read, and take part in activities at the YMCA or Art Center. My learning was very artistically oriented, so that helped me a lot in my life (I am going into Animation).

A lot of people say homeschooling is bad because it's not social. Yes, I have met homeschooling families who were less than socially active, but in the city I grew up in there was a large homeschooling community, so I was able to make friends with lots of other homeschooled kids and do things with them.

I think homeschooling is great because it gives kids a chance to just BE A KID. However, if you're over grade 7 or 8, it's probably best to go to public school. I definitely would not want to be homeschooled for highschool, because that's when you're really missing out on some great opportunities.

The younger grades, I think, are basically there to babysit kids. When I started school at the age of 11, I was ahead, dispite never learning in a strict environment.

Answer 6

I do not recomend it.

At all.

stress of teachers, having to keep up, all the stress in general is PART of public school, it's something that everyone has to deal with.

You need to think about your future, do you want to attend university/college? If so, just stick with public school! it will be harder if you are homeschooled.

you need to socialize too, with others your own way.

Anyways, just put lots of thought into it!

Good luck.

Answer 7

I think that homeschooling is down right retarted!

Answer 8

I was homeschooled for fifth grade. I went to my neighbor's house with about eight students. I suggest online homeschooling for less stress. The bad thing about homeschooling is sports, friends, and it can hurt your sociality

Answer 9

I personally, Did Homeschooling my Whole life while in Japan.

Parents guidance is only in order last time I checked. And the meeting standards should only being able to complete a lot of tests which cost you and/or your parents a lot of money. =[

Either way, you get more done while home schooling (depending on how fast you learn and comprehend) BUT, it is really expensive and time consuming.

People say that socially it is bad, but I know many people who home school today that are the most academic and social people in a town!

Answer 10

I been going to public school my whole life its better because your more socail, i understand where ur coming from about stress from teachers and stuff

Answer 11

i do no recomend homeschooling, but i do recomend independent studies. whats the difference you may ask?

1. your parents are NOT your teachers.

    (benefits you because not all parents are the smartest)

2. you have a teacher who you periodically meet with, plus a specialist for each subject, so you never have the feeling of 'what do i do?'

also, i reccomend if  you choose this route, you take your hard classes at a community college for additional guidance.

do not even consider this type of schooling if you are shy, do not do sports, or your parents lack education.

Answer 12

Hi jen c,

Your parents are responsible to oversee your education, but do not actually have to teach you.

You will want to check your state's homeschooling laws to find out any requirements you need to meet before you start homeschooling. Some states require you to register, etc.

You can hire a tutor, or enroll at a community college or umbrella school, take online classes, learn independently (self-study) through regular curriculum, software, etc. depending on how you learn best or how much you want to spend.

Homeschool co-ops and enrichment programs provide a great way for you to meet other homeschooled students and take classes, especially classes that require labs.

Yes, in most states you can earn college credit while working on your high school diploma. (Again, check your state's government website. You will find more info there. If you can't email me and I can help you.)

I recommend looking into credit by examination - you can take courses and test out - a great way to save money on college tuition. The credit you earn would apply to your high school diploma and college degree.

If you know the college where you want to go, find out if you can earn credit by examination. You can find out this information on their website, but make sure you call and talk to someone at the college too.

Sometimes you may have to ask a few people, before you get the correct answer - so don't be scared to ask and keep asking until you get a knowledgeable person.

Over 3000 colleges allow you to test out of courses.

Hope this helps. I can help you further, if needed.

Blessings and Good Luck!