What are some definitive differences between homeschool and public school?

Question

Trying to convince my parents to let me into public school, and they may consider it if I can put up a decent argument. I really would like some of the positive aspects of both public school and homeschool.

aut inveniam viam aut faciam

T. Smith

X - #81

Answer 1

Hmmm...  Loaded question!

Homeschool positive:

Homeschooling allows you the freedom to define yourself and feel comfortable doing so.

Public School positive:

I can't find a positive example for public school. All my experience has been negative... :o)

I attended public school (graduated 20 years ago) and hated it.  It was boring and the other kids were more concerned with their looks and who knew who.  I found that my kids' experience with public school, before I pulled them three years ago, was actually worse than my experience...

Again, I am so sorry that I can't help you in the public school positives area...

If you are looking for social and academic challenge, go to college and meet other people who won't give a darn how much money your parents make or where you live.  You will meet people who have similar interests as you, and college-bound people are more interested in discourse than in dish-course.

Good luck with your decision...

:o)

Answer 2

for one reason, home schooling involves staying at home and public schooling involves going out in public. lol

Answer 3

Public school requires sitting in a desk most of the day. Homeschooling allows a person to move around more freely; this is better for the body. Not to mention just the whole aspect of actually having the freedom to move around at home, be treated like a person.

Public school requires permission to get a drink of water, go to the bathroom, etc. There's absolutely no eating except at designated times.

Public school has set deadlines for work to be done in, tests to be done, etc., whether you've mastered the material yet or not. Advantage: you learn to work to a deadline. Disadvantage: you might not actually get to master the material.

Public school has you surrounded by other kids the same age for the bulk of the day. This is an advantage only if your homeschooling experience hasn't been handled well for you to have plenty of social contact. Homeschooling usually involves students mixing with various ages, which is far more representative of adult life.

Public school is full of immature attitudes and behaviours, focused on what's cool and on fitting in. Or rebelling. Homeschooling life is usually fairly stable.

I realize the above doesn't paint a very positive picture about public schools. But it's because I've been there and can now step back and really look at the situation. If you have some reason to want to go to public school, then you'll have to focus on that, not just provide a bunch of positives you've collected.

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As for some of the other comments, please don't use "kids need to interact with other students on a daily basis" because this is opinion, not fact. I've studied psychology and sociology at the university level and never was this even closely presented as a universal truth. You'd be lying to your parents.

"learn to work in groups" would only help you if you haven't participated in homeschooling or other activities that have taken place in groups (mind you, the bulk of jobs these days don't involve working in groups, so I'm not sure why that's seen as so critical).

"they need exposure to diversity." This won't help you because diversity is everywhere. This person obviously thinks that all homeschoolers stay at home all the time.

Answer 4

A decent argument?

It is either the alternative method best for you, or not.

Home schooling is much more than simply buying a curriculum, finishing it, and then calling it good.

It is all about becoming a responsible, independent student, well prepared for his/her adult life.

As for comparing the two; impossible; that would be like comparing night, and day.

They are not even close.

Book suggestion:

The Harsh Truth About the Public Schools by Bruce N. Shortt.

This web site will give you all the studies, and statistics to give you an advantage in your "argument" when you present it.

http://www.nheri.org/

This web site may help you understand some of the vast alternatives, and resources available to a home schooled student.

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/

Answer 5

In my opinion, homeschooling is much harder than I imagined. I just started it this september and I'm already sick of it! I cant wait for this year to be over so I can go back to regular school! Tell your parents that it's very easy to fall behind in home school. You have to learn everything by yourself. There is no one to help you at all. It's very frustrating.

Answer 6

you don't say what grade so it's hard to say.

Depends on the facilities.

If the school system has shops (metal, electronics, plastics, auto), labs for chemistry, physics, biology, drama and music departments, school radio, TV station, newspaper, etc.

Then these are hard to duplicate at home.

if you've never been in school you're going to be taken back by the structure.

The have rules, regulations, you have to ask permission to go to the rest room, you have 8 minutes between classes to get from one class to another, there is detention for being tardy or sometimes for not turning in homework, lousey, expensive cafeteria food.  You have to be there on time.  Have the right color notebooks.  Pens, pencils, paper..  You have to carry your books in a back pack.  You get called on for answers even if you don't raise your hand.  You have to keep pace with the teacher and how fast they teach.

You have to do homework.

There is no resting if you have a headache, they won't give yu an asprin.  There is PE every day with showers.  Callestenics,running the back stops.

Answer 7

well, i don't believe in home schooling at all.  i think it is terrible to do that to your kids.  kids need to interact with other students on a daily basis, and learn to work in groups.  they need exposure to diversity.

P.S.  i have done market research about home based charter schools, this is one of the main feelings parents have about this type of schooling.

Answer 8

Positive to Homeschooling:  Kids get a chance to study whatever they want whenever they want, however they want.  If something is not working for them they can just say, "This isn't working," to their parents and they can change the curriculum.  The children get one on one attention from their parents.  Colleges are givnig discounts to homeschooled studnets because they are better educated and are more attentive and comprehensive than public schooled children.  Homeschoolers can have thier own schedules.  I am homeschooled and I can take a break whenever I want.  My friend is on a stricted schedule, but she can still break and relax for a few.    

Negatives to Homeschooling:  Not every child is appropiate for homeschooling.  Some kids learn better in a large group setting.  There is nothing wrong with that.  

Positives to Public Schooling:   I have never actually been to a public school, but I will share what I know.  IN a public school children are classed by generalities, on average every 10 year old will know, such and such, even though they are those who are different every so often, generally they all think the same.  There is not seperation.  If they classed children based on a scale of how smart they are then it would be different.  There is not free thought in public schools.  I can think whatever I want, because there is no one saying, "No, you may not believe that."  

Positives to Public Schooling:  There is a more rigourous study work.  I will admit.  The childrne in a public school have much more work than I do, so they are probably learning more quanity wise than I am.  Which does not make homeschoolers stupid.  Most of my homeschooled friends have more work than I do.  My mom is just very lax :)