What are the pros and cons of homeschooling?

Question

What are the pros and cons of homeschooling?

Answer 1

Copied (and slightly edited) from one of my own recent answers:

Lots of benefits depending on how parents go about it. I'll share what comes off the top of my head:

*Academic*

-tailored to the child: goes his pace, meets his learning style, may even incorporate his interests

-parents can add in things that may not be usually covered in school (like grammar!!)

-fewer children around means the child can get more help, if needed

-fewer children around also means there are less interruptions and distractions and you can get more work done in less time

*Social*

-child has the opportunity to do things with a variety of ages on a regular basis rather than just sitting in a desk with same-aged peers

-child can get more guidance in social matters

-child doesn't have 25 other kids the same age functioning as role models for social behaviour

-child has more freedom to interact with others since there's no requirement to sit quietly in a desk

-child has a greater opportunity to be out and about in the community

-child tends to have less peer dependency (worry about what they think about their clothes, music, etc.); I've found this to be dependent on how young the child was when s/he first started homeschooling (those with considerable public school experience tend to have a hard time shaking the dependency completely, especially if they don't really develop friendships with other homeschoolers and stick with their public schooled friends)

*Family*

-homeschooled siblings tend to be closer than public schooled siblings

-homeschooled kids tend to have better relationships with their parents (I have yet to see a homeschooled kid be embarrassed about their mom hugging them in public)

*Other*

-usually fewer desires for the latest gadgets and clothing

-elementary-aged kids retain their childlike innocence much better and don't strive so hard to look like miniature teens (who are trying to look like adults)

-it's usually a less stressful lifestyle than being in school (high stress is BAD for adults and even worse for kids)

-the more relaxed lifestyle allows for kids to have more time to pursue interests and to just be kids, have fun, be creative (my one 7yo nephew doesn't get why my kids don't watch videos or tv each day, because that's part of his after-school routine while his mom or dad makes supper; my kids have all kinds of other things going on and have had their time with me so don't need to be distracted or kept busy by me)

Lots, lots more!

The biggest downside to homeschooling is the existence of the many misconceptions and ignorant, judgemental (and hateful) people. They think homeschooling means staying at home all the time or that it means being sheltered or they think that you are only capable of teaching a child something if you have a teaching degree or they've met a few where they live and assume that ALL are like that.

One potential downside is that homeschooled kids may not fit in super well with public schooled kids. This, however, is not a bad thing when you consider that the reason they don't fit in as well (and I'm thinking mainly teens, here) is because they aren't as caught up in image and superficial or questionable things the way many other teens are. Frankly, I'd prefer that my child not fit in if having a sense of morality and being more mature in outlook is the cause. I know one homeschooled teen who has a few friends at her sports training but many of them, while somewhat friendly to her, have really rejected her. Why? Because she's never stolen anything, because she's never snuck out, because she thinks it's stupid to be drunk or stoned, because she's the "oh, poor you" because she can't sneak out of school for the day... This girl was previously in public school and didn't fit in because she was her own person and the other girls didn't like it. She's very glad to not be in school and having to live with that type of immaturity on a full-time basis.

Other parents have found personal downsides (not enough "me time" for the parent or the cuts in budget because only one parent is working, personality clashes, etc.) but those are personal things, not widespread homeschooling things.

Answer 2

I just want to say THANK YOU! to everyone who took the time to put so much thought into their answers.  I'm thinking about homeschooling (my son is only 16 months old right now though) and am interested in hearing what people have to say about it.

Answer 3

It depends entirely on how you do it.

If you put some thought in to it and don't try to recreate your local school at home, it usually works out like this:

Pros:

You actually spend the same amount of time learning as you do in school, but since you've eliminated all the peripherals -handing in homework, explaining to the kids who don't get it, reviewing what you don't need to review- it doesn't seem like it.

Same or higher quality of education. The stuff they throw at you in school isn't hard, it's just given to you in a way that's good for administration, not for learning. When you're homeschooled you learn in the way that's best for you. The odd thing about that is that many people end up feeling that because they didn't have to beat their brains out to get it done, it wasn't advanced enough and they didn't learn anything. I'm still getting over it, but it takes some serious time to realize that when it's right for you, it's easy. Unless you're an extremely rare case of absolute neglect, you're not going to end up any worse off than the average B student in a public school.

In the vast majority of cases you get more social time. If you're a poor farming family in rural Oklahoma, homeschooling is really not the greatest idea- but most people aren't in that situation. Humans have an inborn urge to socialize, so we do. Homeschoolers organize classes, field trips, groups to help poorer families afford supplies, sports teams, and all kinds of things. We also do afterschool programs. Think about it: If YOU were homeschooled, would YOU stay inside all day reading a calculus textbook? No. What makes you think you're so special in that regard?

Better peer group and the accompanying increased confidence. The reason kids in school are so nasty to each other, the reason s*x and drug use is so high, is very simple: it's the only place a school kid has control. When you're in school, you can't choose whether or not you want to go, can't choose what classes you want, can't do anything about your teachers, you're told what to think, when to think it, how to record it, when to record it. You need to control something, so you control your social life and exclude people. You want to prove that you're an adult, but since everyone's treating you like a baby with Down Syndrome and won't give you independence, s*x is the only thing that adults do that you can, too. It's not the fault of the kids, but the system. Homeschoolers as a group are more chilled out and less likely to drink irresponsibly, do drugs, or have s*x. Among my peer group there are kids who drink, some stoners, and some kids who are on the path to s*x -or have done it already, but I respect their privacy and haven't tried to find out- but it's a rare event. The kids I know who go to good public schools are all used to a much more...shall we say, hardcore environment.

Seeing movies at noon, going to amusement parks before the crowds show up, skateboarding till the sun goes down. All thanks to getting all your work done in three hours a day.

Cons:

Constantly having to explain and defend your way of life to everyone. I'm 15 and can pass for a college kid, so I don't get this much but when people ask about school, and you say something to the effect of, "No school ever," they suddenly feel qualified to tell you that your education is terrible, you can't socialize, and your only hope of becoming a functional human being is to go and do what they're doing.

Rather funny, actually. The system is supposed to teach you to get along with people who don't agree with you, but when someone doing something differently comes along the kneejerk response is, "Do what I do."

People give you grief over it for no reason. I was in an afterschool linguistics class, and all the kids except for two kept on picking on me for no reason. The idea is that you go around and say your name, grade, school, and favorite subject. I say, "[Name], sophomore, independent study, math." That's it. There are always at least a couple kids -in this rare case a majority- who will never leave you alone about it. "Hey, how are the lunches in home school?" "Is your teacher hot?" "This is a cell phone, know what it does?" "Are those your real teeth?" "Do you date your classmates?" "Sure you don't want to pray about it first?" I know everyone has to deal with it, and I do, but it really sucks when you're the only homeschooler in a class and don't have someone else to hang out with who gets it. Even when people are nice about it, it always turns in to explaining the system and how you do it, even when you're not defending. It gets pretty boring.

You have to take the social initiative. You have to go out there yourself and go places and meet people and make sure you stay in contact with your friends, because nobody's locking you inside all day with a big group of your agemates. It's something you'll have to do in that real world everyone's always talking about. Still, it's not hard unless you're committed to lying around masochistically whining about how you don't have any friends.

Also, homeschoolers set up yearbooks and proms all the time. I'm going to the prom next year. I also have a boyfriend, and -shock- many kids I know are also dating.

Finally, let me clarify a few things:

Prussian Blue is the Columbine of homeschooling.

If your parents took you out of school to rape you, they're child rapers, not homeschoolers.

Kids in public school have knowledge gaps, too. If you're so d**n worried, bug the other schools in your area so they all have the same curriculum, because my friends in school don't all know the same facts.

By the time high school rolls around most kids have tutors or are in community college. Nobody has a trig lesson at the kitchen table.

You may disagree with homeschooling, but that doesn't give you the right to force your system on everyone else- we can't make you homeschool, you can't make us go to school.

You are a layman and therefore not allowed to diagnose me as 'socially retarded' or 'academically impaired'.

Answer 4

The cons are usually a lack of equipment and facilities, although not all schools have adequate equipment or facilities.  But I'm talking here about a district that DOES.

Chemistry lab.

Biology equipment.

Metal, Electronics, Plastics, Fibreglass and Auto Shops with commercial grade griners, drill presses, etc.

There are also no sports teams, Cheerleading, STudent Governemtn, Student Radio station, Student Newspaper.

There are also often no Promos, graduation events and dances.  But you can substitute local area events and church events for these.  But they do have an impact on some students, especially a few girls.

This is the basic downside.

On the upside you have a choice of where you get your educational materials from and can possibly match a system that better teachers your child.  In brick schools you get what they give you, much like their caffeteria food.

You can learn at an accelerated pace, review older materials at a later date (refersher courses).

You have access to Educational Televison on demand, even without cable (there is always PBS and the Network News).

You have better food at home.

You don't have to get a hall pass to go to the bathroom

You can take a break when you are out of it.

You can set your own schedule.

Answer 5

Pros:

learn at your own pace.

Finish school faster.

Have more time for yourself or others.

Have more time for a job. more money!

Do it whenever you want.

No need to wake up so eary.

No need to waste money are so many clothes.

More time for recreation.

Learn independently without distractions.

No worries about safty.

No waiting for buses on extremlely hot or cold days.

No useless drama.

Cons:

Not as many friends.

(online homeschool is awsome!)

Answer 6

If you have more than one child > the possibilities could be endless and very valuable > yet you must remember at some point in the little ones life they must be introduced to a public school system and attend > so if you intend to home school your children > one would hope you are a praying follower of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ > because it is my belief that His still small voice will help you know what you need to know and when and at what time to do everything and even if home schooling is good for you children > we all must have some sort of balance in our lives > I have met some awesome home schooled children in my church > notice one said in my church > that is because we have a children's' church and they make friends there > and public school is second best to church fellowship > So using wisdom and knowledge with understanding > one believes there are more pros than cons to home schooling.  Pray about everything and be specific in your prayers to our Triune God.  Much love and peace to you.

Answer 7

Pro:  Child learning at his own pace and in his own style of learning.  

       More time for social life because not so much time is wasted on non-educational issues. (Example: changing classes, correcting behavior issues of several students at one time, getting the slower learners to catch up and keeping the faster learners occupied with busy work, etc.)

       Education can be directed to the interest and goals of one child, not directed for the masses.

Con:

Time it takes for parents to teach.  It can mean being a one income family.  If both parents work, it means time management is essential.  I enjoy checking work, teaching, and planning assignments.  It's a good thing because much of my home time is spent in wearing the 'teacher hat'.  It's not a bad thing, but it can get tiring.

Answer 8

Pros:

You know exactly what your kids are learning. If you care for a certain religious slant in their education you can provide that.

Homeschooling is safer. You probably won't run into drugs, shooting at home.

You can make out your own schedule(Make sure you stick to it though)

If it snows in your area, then you can still do school on snow days no meeting with the school.

Also if you care, homeschooling has other benefits like kids usually are gentler and kinder than kids that go to public school since they aren't continually exposed to bullying, drugs, s*x, etc.

Oh, and lastly whether you belive it or not, the US public school system has a definite negative program that they are influencing into all the kids. In homeschooling, you avoid this.

Cons:

You will have to fight your relatives over the big s word

SOCIALIZATION (which is the lamest argument. What kind of socialization do you get at school? think about it)

Homeschooling is a full time job

Homeschooling costs more.

You get something back for paying taxes for public education.

Overall though homeschooling is much more rewarding and enriching experience than public school. Also, the big s word is not problem. In most areas in the US there are homeschooling groups that do things together.

---Look up and see the chemtrails---

Answer 9

Pro's :

-Working at your child's pace

-Limiting bullying, bad influences

-Studying and teaching your child using Units that appeal to him/her

-Trying different methods of teaching and using the ones that suit your child best

-Not needing loads of school clothes

-Allowing your child to do more activities throughout the week because they aren't burned out on school/homework

-Letting your child sleep in until 8:30 or so

-School work is done in usually about 3 or 4 hours a day instead of 7 because it's one on one.

-Taking vacations and trips during off seasons

-Choosing your own field trips

-Choosing a curriculum that best suits your child's needs

-Spending more time together as a family

Cons:

- They may miss group school related activities if they are very social children (having a lot of after school activities can make up for this)

-Curriculums can be expensive if you don't know the right places to look

- Depending on the child they may have a harder time listening to Mom instead of a teacher, teach

- People believe your child is unsocialized (even though this is NOT true)

-You may get negative feedback from friends and relatives who don't understand homescooling

-You have to be dedicated and on top of your game when teaching your child- they will likely have to take an end of the year state test so that you can continue homeschooling

-You will need lots of patience

- Your child may get jealous from time to time when children talk about the "good things" that happen at school.

-You will question yourself a lot. You will wonder if you are giving your child the best education (this is natural)

Answer 10

Pro: You know how to do your own research so that the fact that this question is asked about every other hour would lead you to all the previous answers....

Top Ten Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling

How are you sure your homeschooled child is properly socialized?



Many people assume the only way a child can learn to play with others is to be in a classroom of 20 other kids the same calendar age, sitting at desks for 6 hours a day. To me this is just not the best way to learn real world social skills!



How does spending your entire day with age-grouped peers prepare you to socialize in the diverse real world? How many times are best friends separated at school, lest they talk during class? How many schools now have silent lunches because they think it helps to maintain discipline (to the detriment of socialization)? How many children are bullied without any interference from the school staff?

Children have more time and opportunities to socialize at home than in a school environment. They play with neighborhood friends on a daily basis.  They also accompany their parent to the bank, library, supermarket, and post office, where they interact with a diverse group of people in the real world.



Homeschoolers volunteer in the community. They work. They take classes (yes, amazing isn't it? They take classes!)  with a group of children interested in the same thing. They are in scouts, and 4H, and dance team and sports teams and youth group and church groups - all with public, private, and other homeschooled children.



They have had more opportunities to learn social skills to cope with the outside world than public school kids because they are in the outside world now - not the artificial world of public school. Other than the 13 years in public school, when do you spend the majority of your day with people within 2 years of your age?  I'm not trying to hide her from the world. I'm trying to give her a bigger picture than the four walls of a schoolroom.



How do you know your homeschooled child is learning if she isn't tested?

How did you know your child was learning to walk or talk - because you were there and saw them doing it! You interact with your children while you are working with them.  I can assess how much my child understands by her questions (and responses to my questions) during our discussions. I quickly figure out if she was paying attention, is confused about a particular point or has a handle on what we just covered. It is also amazing how much knowledge comes pouring out in regular conversation. Since we aren't dealing with overcrowded classrooms and mandates on how many kids have to "pass", we can deal with areas a child doesn’t understand until they get it. And it usually doesn't take as long as it would in public school, because instead of a lucky 15 minutes a day of personal attention, our kids get hours of it.

Tests are great when you are dealing with a large group of kids that you only interact with for minutes each day so that you can't really gage what they get and what they don't. It's quite a bit different when you're working one-on-one, and much of the study is discussion. Imagine having an oral exam every day, and you can see why many homeschoolers have a good handle on where their kids are in relationship to the material.



How can you teach your child without a teaching degree?  Isn’t that a state requirement?



I attended college and graduated with a BS in Biology, a minor in Chemistry and was only 6 credits shy of a BS in Elementary Education. I had a perfect A average in all of my education classes, I taught in four different elementary schools, and I can honestly say this experience gave me no insight when it came to homeschooling. Having a teaching degree is not necessary, or even helpful, in teaching your own. It is not required by NJ law to have a teaching degree in order to homeschool, nor is it needed to teach in a private school.  



Isn't it hard to teach your own child? You must be rich to do this!

Yes, in some ways it is.  Homeschooling definitely is not for everyone. It is very self-selecting. No one chooses to do this because it is the easier choice. A few families do try out homeschooling, find it doesn't work for them and put the kids into public school.



Many of those who home school do not have large incomes but live with tight budgets, fewer indulgences and lots of family dedication. They still manage to get out and be involved in their communities and still teach the academics. There is no set mold and yet, on the whole the children are learning the core academic knowledge while growing and developing into people who care, get involved and effect changes.

Why do you homeschool?

This answer varies from family to family.  I personally homeschool because it allows us to tailor my child's education to fit her needs. She is allowed to work at her own pace. It also allows much more time to explore topics of interest to her in great depth.



How can she learn tolerance if she isn't in public school?

My school experience was not one of tolerance - everyone was very much noticed for each and every difference, and that attention was rarely positive.  



How can kids learn to deal with bullies and the trauma of being picked

last for dodge ball unless they get out there and experience it?



Nobody needs to learn about hardships by being thrown into the middle of them without help. The fact that people so often do learn this way is merely very sad. It can work, it can be valuable, and one can survive unscathed, but the idea that this is the best we can do for our children is frankly pathetic.



The belief that educational institutions represent some kind of unique difficulty of life that must be faced sooner or later is patently false. School is not compulsory. Reality is.



Doesn't your homeschooled child miss riding the bus?

At first she longed to ride the bus! Then we had an opportunity to ride on one, and after the first few minutes she asked, "So what happens now?" and was very disappointed to discover that what we were doing was 'it'.

What about the prom?

Many homeschool groups sponsor proms, graduations, yearbooks and other events, which are thought to be the social highlight of a young teen’s life. New Jersey, in fact, has two separate homeschool proms, both of which are very well attended.

How long do you plan to do this? How can you possibly have knowledge of every subject you need to teach?



We take each year one at a time. I would ideally love to homeschool right up to college.  Parents who choose homeschooling have a tremendous variety of materials and resources available: computer, Internet, software, pre-packaged curricula, workbooks from the teacher store, community college courses for teens, co-op classes, native speakers who will teach small groups a foreign language, theatre troupes, orchestras, and anything else you can think of.  Having knowledge of every subject you want your child to learn is not necessary – the resources are available to help you.



So, you don't have any plans for your homeschooled child to go to college?

We will assist her in getting into any college she chooses. Schools from Harvard, Princeton, Yale and MIT seek out homeschoolers, as do other (less expensive!) schools. Not having a public high school diploma does not prevent homeschoolers from taking the SAT, ACT or even taking the Advanced Placement tests, which carry thru as college credits. Many homeschoolers graduate with associate’s degrees when their same age public school peers are graduating from high school.

Answer 11

The thing i hate the most about this type of question is that there are no scientific facts which prove which type of schooling is better.Each has it's pros and con's.It's really up to you to find them,but here's my answer for your question.

Pros:

self-paced

able to go on trips and do schooling when you have time

able to learn more about what interests you

you are more flexible when you work because you can work around your schooling,unlike you could if you were in public school

don't have to worry about peer pressure that bad

it is easier for homeschoolers to be admitted in to major universities and colleges

Cons:

like what Thefilthycommie said,you will have idiots who think you are retarded or weird since you didn't attend public school.

Though i am sure people will like to challenge this, i will say it anyway.In a sense it is true that if you are homeschoolers lack socialization skills.The reason for this is they aren't exposed to the bad stuff that goes on in everyday life.it may sound bad but it's true,if you aren't exposed to it then you go to a public school or college you will be stressed out and overwhelmed.

There are many more pros and cons which you can find by googling your question, but these are just a few of both.