Public or Private High School or Homeschool?

Question

The public schools in Louisiana are so poor that we don't want our children to attend. We just moved here from NY where the schools were tops. We like the private Catholic High School, but have wondered about Homeschooling. But the only children we have ever known that homeschooled were those who were having emotional or disciplinary problems. There is something "cult like" about homeschooling that just doesn't seem right. What are your thoughts or advice for our situation?

Answer 1

I think the landscape of homeschooling has changed from what you may be thinking of, and different types of people are choosing to homeschool.  Homeschoolers come from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds and political/religious beliefs.  There is much diversity in homeschooling circles, right down to the methods the families use to teach.

Here are some statistics that may interest you about who is homeschooling and how homeschoolers perform:

http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/...

Homeschool students tend to out perform both public and private school students.

Here is some more information that may be of help to you:

http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/...

Good luck with whatever you decide!

Answer 2

Private High School

Answer 3

i will pick public some of the kids dont like private or homeschool

Answer 4

i'm homeschooled and its great

Answer 5

I have always homeschooled my kids, who are now 7 and 10. I know many homeschooling families. Rest assured that any "cult-like" elements among some families are THEIR choices, not results of homeschooling itself.

Are you likely to get cult-like? Are you likely to raise your children in a way that they will have emotional or disciplinary problems? Or are you likely to give them the best education they can possibly get? Likely to find a variety of activities for them to participate in? Locate homeschooling groups in your area for possible connections there?

What would happen with homeschooling in your situation would depend on what YOU make of it. Almost EVERYBODY was homeschooled before public schooling became mandatory, even great scientists and presidents. They were still well educated--either by their parents' insistence or their own choice. Homeschooling worked for them because they made it work for them. You can make it work for you, too, if you want to.

Advice: do it only if you are committed to it and all aspects of your children's development. And take naysayers' comments with a grain of salt--99% of the naysayer comments are based on assumptions or false information.

Answer 6

I have worked as a tutor with kids from homeschool, private school, and public school backgrounds.  I have to say, the rumors about homeschooled children being poorly socialized are just that.  Rumors.  In my experience, homeschooled children tend to be better socialized, more articulate, more self-confident, and better students.  As long as you make sure they get to connect with kids their own age via extra-curriculars/homeschool groups etc., I really have been impressed with the results of homeschooling.  I strongly endorse it.  That said, much creativity and work is required on the part of the parent for homeschooling to succeed.

Answer 7

First off, do what you want to do. When I asked two people about private schools they said they had bad experiences there. That is all I know really....

Answer 8

Kids need to be socially mature in addition to an education. If you do not want to have them in a public school, put them into a private one. Help them understand compassion and respect towards everyone though, not just people in the same social class. Hope that helps.

Answer 9

I'm not sure where you have the "cult-like" idea about HS'ing...but I can say that after HS'ing for five years, there is nothing further from the truth.  However, I do know how some HS'ers get pretty "rabid" about their choice.  We are a "half and half" family;  We have one child in HS and one in public school.  We have nothing against public schools; they just won't work for our son.

You may be thinking of the stereotypical "denim jumper wearing, hair in a bun, ultra conservative" homeschooler.  While there may be some HS'ers like that in the US - in some areas more than others - this was more the trend back in the 80's when HS'ing first came about.  I take that back - when HS'ing was beginning to be an option *again*.  Public schools are actually "new" in the history of education - only going back 100 years or so.

Now there are HS'ers from all religions, all education levels, all socio-economic classes, and who HS for *many* reasons, not just the stereotypical "religious nut who wants to overprotect thier child/ren".  You'll find a wide variety of us right here on Y!A.  :-)  One of the top reasons to HS is the lack of proper education and climate in the public schools.  Private schools are financially out of reach for many families.

I would advise you to do your research, attend a HS'ing convention, join a few online HS boards, and then make a decision.  I spent a good six months of research just picking out a curriculum alone.

HTH!

Answer 10

I homeschooled my oldest kids.... My youngest 2 are now in cyber school.. It's great.. everything is provided, (Lesson plans, books , computer etc) but it is still considered "public school" so as of now, all of this is provided free of charge! I live in PA, but see if cyber schools are alive and well in your state! Good Luck!

Answer 11

I'm 16 and have been homeschooled for 5 years. I'm was going to say I was offended by the fact that you would be so quick to judge, but you're clearly just ill-informed. I had alot of trouble at school with bullying, a feeling of iscolation and an inability to concentrate purely down to the teachers' lack of input and the disruption that went on during classes. I was held back, and felt bored because I couldn't reach my full potential academically. I ended up admitted to hospital through stress-related illness and was granted permission to attend school part-time, where they provided and marked work that was done offsite, ie in hospital and eventually at home. Life was so much less hassled working at home and after finding out from a family friend that there was such thing as home-education, my mum and I decided that it was better for me. It was a big decision for us, and although it has worked out unbelievably well, we are still constantly scrutinized and critisized by the public, and it does hurt considering how many sleepless nights my mum went through making the decision, and how much money it has cost to continue with. On a plus note, I took my GCSE's aged 13 because I was able to excell where I knew I was capable, and I achieved the highest grades, for which I have myself and my mum to thank.

The point I'm making is don't stereotype, I have no emotional or disciplinary problems and it is certainly not cult-like. I have a wide circle of friends in public school and home-schooled, and none of them have any mental problems. I'd strongly recommend home-schooling to familys who have the time, effort and motivation to put in.

Answer 12

There definitely does seem to be a stigma of sorts that follows home schooling....   I personally am a supporter of public and private schools and feel they offer more to students than home.  If the private school fits your standards of learning from NY, then by all means utilize that.  Check into some charter and magnet schools as well.... they may or may not be offered in your area, but it's worth checking into.

Answer 13

I lived in Louisiana for about five years and I would definitely not want my children educated in that system.  Normally I would advise strongly against home school because of such potential lack of quality; however, I don't think it can get much worse that what the state of Louisiana is offering.  I would recommend home schooling while picking up some private academic specialty courses on the side, for example, language, computer science, mathematics.  This would allow the children extra education and social opportunies without subjecting them to La's public school system.  I'm not sure what you can find in Louisiana but that would be what I would go for, if I were stuck with Louisiana as my only option.

The other option would be to pay for private school.  I don't think you'll find a great one in Louisiana, but it should at least offer more than the public school system.

Answer 14

Not all kids who homeschool have some sort of problems. I think you'll find that many of those who do have parents like you, who are concerned about the quality of education they would recieve in the public school system, or are concerned about safety.

There is a little bit of a cult aspect to it, I will admit, but thats mainly among the evangelical Christians. And its no worse than the cult aspect in the public schools, particularly those individuals who fiercely oppose homeschooling (or any school choice for that matter) and are on the 'socialization' kick. Those people just plain scare me.

Anyway, you need to do whats best for you and your family. If homeschooling just doesn't seem right, then don't do it. You can't go wrong with a Catholic school. They answer to higher powers than local school boards.

Personally, I plan to homeschool my children until they hit 6th or 7th grade, then its off to private schools for the duration of thier education.