What are some good arguments against homeschooling?

Question

I am a high school freshman and my parents and I have been exploring alternative education. They seem to want to get me into another school because my mother is a teacher in our school district (even though we work in seperate buildings). We can't really do much to get into another public school, so the other possibilities are private Catholic schools and homeschooling.

Personally, I would reject both options. Catholic schooling would not be feasible for two reasons, one, I see it as a huge waste of money, and two, I am very anti-Conservative. Homeschooling wouldn't be good for me either because I find it very hard to work at home. Through ten years at a public school, my mind has established that school is the place to work and home is the place to live leisurely. It would be hard to focus on my schoolwork when at home.

How can I convince my parents to let me stay at my public school?

Answer 1

The only valid argument against HS is the one you have already stated: You don't work well at home. HS can be great, but is does not suit everyone just as public or private school does not suit everyone. It is up to you and your folks to find the best possible situation for you. You may end up having to make do with a less than perfect situation, but until you've tried everything, don't give up on exactly what you need to get a great education. One quick warning: I'm sure there are those who will answer with the same tired old socialization arguments. Most homeschoolers have great social lives. It takes minimal research to discover that. Be careful that you don't pitch an argument out to you folks that can be as easily shot down as the socialization myth. Just state the facts as you see them and respect their decision in the end. I hope everything works out for you. Good luck!

Answer 2

First you may want to know why your parents find the public school you are in unsatisfactory; especially since your mother teaches in that system.  I think the biggest problem is your attitude.  Unless you change your attitude about education in general be it public, private, or home school, you are setting yourself up for failure.

Answer 3

Well, what you've stated seem like your strongest arguments.

You won't find anything (such as statistical information) to be a strong argument against either option; they've both been established as producing strong academic and social results.

Education offers different options for a reason: everyone learns differently.  Some people function really well in a standard classroom, and others need a smaller group or one-on-one instruction.  Just as public school is not right for everyone, neither is private or homeschooling.

In the end though, it really is your parents' decision.  They have authority over you for a reason - it's their responsibility to make choices for your benefit.  Those choices may not always be what you would choose, but you still need to respect and abide by them.

Be up front with your parents in a respectful way and take it from there.  You seem fairly well-spoken, and it seems as though you've thought this through.  Hopefully, your parents will feel the same way.

Answer 4

You seem to have enough reasons for yourself listed already.  Let your parents know that you WANT to be in public school!!  Let them know all of the things that public school will offer you that you do not want to miss out on...  sports, extra curricular clubs, prom, your friends that are there.  Let them know that you KNOW that you will be more successful by continuing to attend public school.....  Also, since when is it impossible for a parent to teach at the same school that their child attends??  It isn't going to stunt your individualism to be in the same school as your mom and she needs to know that.

Answer 5

Homeschooling makes you think, and causes you to miss out on the simple go-with-the-flow government system of turning children into numbers, to work for the state. Sad, isn't it? You might even have to learn things like Peyton Randolf was the first president, and Abraham Lincoln was a racist. What a hassle, huh?

I actually like knowing that stuff. I'd go learn something from the most unbiased source possible. And that's NOT the government schools. The government doesn't want you to know a ton of stuff-stuff that is right out there for you to find! I'd teach myself before plugging myself into the government school system. Tell your parents that.

Answer 6

None that hold water, or are considered valid when they are put under the magnifying glass.

Home schooling is a viable alternative to conventional schooling, however it is not for everyone.

You will have to be very motivated, independent, and self directed, as well as know what you want, and what goals you have for the future.

That said, you should not be looking for arguments against home schooling, but rather admit that you may not a good candidate for it.

If the only other choice would be public, or private Christian/religious school; the private schools would be the best one.

Answer 7

Find another teacher whose kids are in the same district and then have them as an example to your parents of it working just fine. I don't know why your parents think your mom can't teach in the same district that you go to. It happens all the time.

As for the Catholic school option, whether it's a "huge waste of money" or not really has nothing to do with you--it's your parents' money. And most of the schooling will not be any different than what goes on in public school--it's the same math, same history, same reading novels and writing essays and likely the same science. You don't have to conform your beliefs to theirs, but you can attempt to be open-minded. You'll undoubtedly find that there are plenty of non-Conservatives who attend Catholic schools.

Answer 8

I hate it!

It's the worst....

Just tell them that you don't want to go!

=)

All my best!

-Max

Answer 9

There is a lack of resources in the home you can't do an involved chemistry lab in your kitchen and if your parents aren't into science then who would you have to help you.

Answer 10

Lack of interaction with other students which could have an effect on your social skills - not useful for later on at work or in college!

Answer 11

Here is something about homeschooling for you to consider as a high school student...

Much of the work (except homework just as now) does not have to take place in the home.

My son is a 9th grader and most of his class work takes place through a formal coop.

Next year he will be doing at least one dual credit course at a community college, chemistry taught by a local - and I might add -  high qualified professor (complete with labs)...

At least the high school homeschoolers we know do not do most of their "work" at home.

Just something for you to think about if your primary objection is being uncomfortable working at home.

--- Plus homeschooling will give you more opportunity to pursue your own personal passions such as hobbyist musician, politics or whatever else.

Answer 12

The two biggest arguments against home school, I can give are that it requires far more time, patience and energy than most realize AND, it casts the parent in a duel roll, as both teacher and parent.  When Johnny has a bad day at school, school being home, there is no where for Johnny to turn when he wants to air his discontent.  When Johnny has a bad day at school EVERYBODY has a bad day.

Answer 13

Well how bout sitting down with them and discussing your options, see what they are really thinking and then being obedient -- now there's a radical idea!

Answer 14

*I'm for homeschooling...but not starting freshman year - unless it's the kid's idea.*

Maybe remind your parents that at this time in your life, socialization is very important. It would be hard to miss out on all those fun things that highschoolers do. (Even if you're not interested, you can use this as an argument.) Football games, dances, open lunch, etc.

As you and your mother are not in the same building, I don't see that it's a problem. Might there be another reason they're worried?

Answer 15

i was in homeschool for the last 2 years of my highschool education, and it could be a good experience if you get a job in addition which would be a great developing experience.  

For some reason, everyone thinks homeschool involves your parents teaching you, and i think that is ignorant to the fact that there are online programs and other associations such as 'American School', which i completed, that lets the student receive books and workbooks, and then complete the assignments/tests and in return get a grade by an instructor.  I think you should look into 'American School' its an accredited program where i got my highschool diploma.  You learn at your own pace and in the comfort  of your own home...and its all up to you to do to the work, there are no deadlines either just be reasonable about it.  You should check it out...but the downside is a lack of social skills IF you are not doing anything else (i.e. job, attend other activities)

Answer 16

good Luck.  But explore  some extracurricular activities that you cannot do if you are home schooled.

Sports, music, art (although this might be questionable)

languages (Spanish, French, Russian)

debate teem.

other club activities.

Answer 17

The first thing is 'why' do your parents feel you need an alternative way of being schooled.  I am a homeschooler and my boys have done both, homeschooled and did private school for 2 years.  

I don't see any problem with you going to a Catholic school.  You are there to learn and most Catholic schools don't have a lot of 'religion' in them anymore like they did in the 'old days'.  So the things you would be exposed to would have no bearing on your liberal beliefs.  Many Catholic schools have non-Catholic (even Muslim) students in them purely because the academics are usually superior to that of the area public schools.  

Since your mother is an educator, she might not be open to homeschooling so I think your best bet is to plead your case for you to do the status quo or 'shadow' for a day at the local private high schools before you make a judgement.

You will need to do some research and present your case in a very mature manner to impress upon your parents that you can succeed and not only meet but exceed their expectations of what is deemed acceptable at your school now.  Maybe impress upon them that you are willing to take AP classes and do extra credit with each teacher in order to stay where you are?

Good luck.  Simply by the way you have typed your question I, as a parent and educator, feel you are a fine young person and will do splendidly whereever you land.