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Homeschool vs. Public School

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HERE'S WHAT I THINK

Homeschool vs. Public School

The number of kids being schooled at home is surging forward. Why are millions of parents taking their kids out of school and back home? Why are we still educating our kids like our parents, grandparents, and our founding fore fathers? Standardized testing is leading this next generation of children away from inspiration, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Home school or Traditional School?

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Education Needs to Be Turned on Its Head

Education Needs to Be Turned on Its Head
Going through the traditional school system (in California, Washington and Guam) was never my favorite thing as a kid, but as a parent, I've grown to realize that the whole system is upside down.

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"Our culture lies. They say they want to encourage and reward individuality and creativity, but in practice they try to hammer down the pointy parts, and shame off the different parts." - Sandra Dodd

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Homeschool vs. Public School

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MinRu says:

Public School has its pros and cons. So, does homeschooling is. The best way would be to mix both them up. Think of it, why not?

wordstock says:

I'm pulling my child out of school this year. He will be a 5th grader. There is no point in leaving him in public school anymore because he is already way ahead of what they are teaching. One more year of a bored child and he will lose what little is left of his desire to learn. Socialization is not an issue, we have plenty of family outside activities with other people. Because we will not be bound to a school schedule, we are free to travel and do more interesting things. Now, if only we could control the baseball schedule. Sigh!

parentsterling says:

Homeschool all the way... We are currently using the k12 curriculum:) (and Loving it)

sdholloway says:

We've homeschooled for almost 8 years now. My child scores in th high 90s percentile-wise on her annual standardized testing, and she's a well balanced, social teenager. We start 10th grade this year.

ShellB says:

If I had know about all the resources availabe to homeschoolers I would have never have sent any of my four kids to public school. Currently I'm only homeschooling one of my kids and plan on pulling another out of school very soon.

noushki says:

Seeing the improvement in my daughter in only a month of home schooling I have to say home school for sure !!!

prettygirl13 says:

home school baby all the way because i just vote that , and im kind of a famous actor.

StephenC says:

People have a HUGE misperception of homeschool. I have tutored many. They get more real world experiences than any public school child could ever do. They read, write, research, visit historic and educational places, and more. Experience the nonsense that goes on in many public high schools in not real world. It's a microcosm of what is wrong with society. I'd rather my child be around focused kids looking to the future. These kids are the next leaders.

Maggie says:

I ended up at this site because this is a question that has been much on my mind lately as my son prepares to start kindergarten this fall. To this point one of my biggest concerns was that I would not be able to teach him as well as someone who has been professionally trained in teaching. However, reading the responses on this page leads me to believe I could easily do as well as the teachers who taught most of the advocates for public schools. It also appears most of those who are for public school, are for it for social reasons only. This is baffling to me since I believe the primary reason for sending children to school is for an education and socialization should be secondary. My son is very well socialized and has never met a stranger. I am a product of the public school system and based on my own experiences I am leaning toward homeschooling. I was constantly bored in class while we worked on material I had grasped days, weeks, even months earlier. As for social experiences there are many I had at public school I would have been fine with never having had. So at this point I am going to go with homeschooling. I would love to see valid points from someone in favor of public schooling that would help me consider everything before I make my decision.

bknhnd says:

Homeschool!

SadieCope says:

Homeschool all the way!!!!!

Summerm says:

I vote homeschool. My sons are able to have many friends, varied experiences, and real life situations that they would not be ablet oe explore trapped in a small brick building all day long.

Drew says:

My wife homeschools our daughter and I think we will most likely do the same for our little 2 yr old boy. When I listen to most people critisize homeschool, the thing I hear the most is about social skills. One person also said that children learn best from their peers. My now 9 year old daughter is involved in several daily activities. There are club sports whenever she wants. She holds a good conversation while making eye contact with her peers and adults. As far as learning from her peers, thats a little concerning considering I can't even get a hello out of one of these kids. My daughter has friends from the neighborhood who comes over and just walk right on by without a hi. I know thats a manners issue but, is that one of the things she will be learning from her peers? Homeschool for us. BTW, on her state test scores, her lowest scores were at one grade level above where she currently is and that was in math. Here highest was reading at the 11th grade level.

kitty222 says:

I favor home-schooling, because children can learn just as well or better and still socialize by taking part in activities chosen by themselves and their parents instead of having their interests stifled by teachers with way too many children competing for their attention.

ajgodinho says:

I can't say I'm an expert in this subject 'cos I'm not married and have no kids, but I've heard both sides of the argument. I would absolutely choose homeschooling over public schooling, however, I think it should be done properly and professionally. I believe the pros outweigh the cons anytime!

EditorDave says:

my wife and I were former public/private school teachers (and, we had bad experiences during our own journey through public schools)... when our son was exposed to inept teachers in elementary school, we decided to homeschool both of our kids. 11 years for my son, 12 years for my daughter...a total of about 13 years of homeschooling. The kids turned out fine. As for "socialization"... what a *DUMB* concept. My kids are the most sociable. They were in soccer, karate, music, art, science, and other "classes" of fellow homeschoolers as well as in after-Public School activities with other kids. Other kids were always at our home. My boy is now in the U.S. Air Force.. my daughter is learning how to fly planes and is an operations manager for a flight training school. Public school? All it does is train you to sit in chair, be quiet, do the busywork a teacher shoves on you... so you'll be prepared to sit in cubicle, be quiet, and do the crud a boss shoves on you. If you like that kind of life, maybe public school is for you. If you like freedom, creativity, and a *lifestyle* that allows thinking and exploration, homeschooling is the only way. http://www.squidoo.com/homeschool-adventure

Slothlover says:

Homeschooling is the greatest because kids can learn more. Plus, parents can choose worksheets and stuff their kids will enjoy more. You also don't have to worry about buying school clothes or bullying.

Susan52 says:

I have two very successful grown-up sons who prove that homeschooling works! We homeschooled all the way through. Our oldest went to college on scholarship, then joined the National Guard as he awaited his 21st birthday so he could become a police officer, his dream. Now he's a two-tour Iraq veteran, police officer of the year in his cop job, and a great husband and provider. Second son decided to do military service first, excelled as a Marine, now is flying through college (we recommend CLEP tests!) with all A's. His professors are clamoring to recommend him when it's time for his career to begin. Homeschooling worked for us and it can work for you, too!

David says:

My wife home schooled both our children from kindergarten to graduation with the exception of two years where they attended a private Christian school. While they attended the private school, they were tested using the standardized testing used by that school. Our children always tested several years three to five years ahead of their current grade level.

Home schooling works when the child's education is a priority and is not treated lightly. Unfortunately, I have witnessed home school situations where the parent was either not qualified, or not dedicated to the amount of time required to educate their children. Fortunately, this seems to be a small minority and not the majority of situations.

Bang_Ut says:

In my country Indonesia, homeschooling is still new and parents do not accept it well. They think it's much better to send their children to Public School cause the system does not effort it yet.

No way, Monkeybrain!

onemanband101 says:

public school because I wouldn't be able to stand being with my family 24/7. As much as I love them, I'd need my space. Two, yes homeschooling would surround me with other goal motivated, future oriented kids like me, but I think i'd get bored, it's fun to meet different people. I guess you could say the main reason for public school is socialization. And yeah that can be true, but I think who you socialize with has a big part in how you grow up to be.

Jerrad28 says:

Public school sets you up for the real world, teaches you how to socialize, and helps you learn to deal with situations that you will not encounter at home.

AbsoluteJeanius says:

In 22 years of teaching in public and parochial schools, I have had the opportunity to welcome many home-schooled students to my secondary English/reading/ classroom. I have never had one come into my classroom who was on grade-level. Not one. Ever. I assume they are out there, but I never met one - in or out of the classroom. Parents are great parents but they are not teachers. My opinion only, based on my experiences as a teacher.

Harry37 says:

def public school. You experience real life situations. And sure people can be jerks sometimes, but it's better then being stuck in your house all day learning from your parents. Once you go to high school or college, the kid won't be ready for the real world if you go with homeschooling.

amy1980 says:

I went through homeschool, and I definitely vote for public school. My experiences are detailed here Disadvantages of Homeschooling

ATP says:

I went through public school, and while it did have it's downside, which is there were a lot of jerks, it did have it's benefits. This included making friends, and being prepared for college better than if I had been homeschooled. Plus, I don't think my parents would of been able to give me a good education.

Catherine says:

i vote for public schools. My daughter is in a public school and she has many friends and has different experiences in public school. I feel if i were to homeschool her she wouldn't experience real life social situations.

mistyblue75605 says:

I am spkit between the two of them. On one hand the one on one attention makes for better learning and they get alot more out of the lessons, it also reduces the chances for interaction with other students and extra ciricular activities, and feel that they are part of something bigger. Kids get thier future ideas from the people around them and the influences can be bad but also much better than you think. Communication with others is very much a key to learning!

tooshay says:

I'm homeschooling although I did my elem, middle school, and freshman year in high school. I mean there are people outside of highschool. I felt bad about myself everyday at high school. Alotta high schoolers are just judgemental. Then again I always had my separate friends from just school friends. ... High school publicly is way too set. I think u should start off public schoooling anf then get out in high school and experience life. Be able to schedule ur days the way u want/ Learn to push urself to learn. Not rely on teachers at school to hassel u. and ya u do spend a lot more time with ur family than u would otherwise. but its kinda a good thing. u can help chores around the house. u can learn cooking and baking and save up money by having a part time job. plus ur more likely to get hired vus u arent at school 8am til 3:30pm... true some ppl are shy when they homeschool but i think thats just ure personality. if anything u'd be more shy at public school since kids are beating u down for everything u say, do , or wear.i think having a thorough education and learning to discipline urself and learn time management is way better than being stuck in a room all day with 29 other kids who procrastinate and waste time, making the teacher stop every 15 minutes to get them refocused. besides, im graduating 2 years before i would have in public school & i get to enroll for college courses at 16. . . sincwe im doing 2 yr nursing, i will be starting work before the rest of my old peers get outta hi school. now try and make socializing with a buncha awkward teenagers 8 hours a day everyday better than that...

and i agree homeschoolers are the same socially than public schoolers. if u just have friends at school what are u going to do when u all graduate and go ur separate ways
?

Dkprincess6 says:

I think we need public schooling rather than homeschooling. Yes, the way we teach could be updated, but book learning isn't the only thing school is for. Children get socialized, find friends, and can join groups. All good for normal development.

smiley93 says:

homeschooling is for losers that dont want a social life, my friend got homeschooled and she never have been the same, she isnt crazy anymore like i knew her in the fourth grade, and her mom watches everything she does i cant even hang with her anymore really. Parents dont do this to your kids keep them in public school!!!!!!

Baily says:

Oh GEEZ! your kidding ME! I have the most AMAZING friends becase i go to public school i used to go to private school too it was fun...i have friends tat are homeschooled and all...i respect both opinions in this debte thing a bob. its all up to the kids way of learning weather it is in a public enviroment or a privte enviroment or even wit just 1 person around you(homechooled)

Shanon says:

I wil have to say public schools. A agreee with the whole homeschooling thing its just that there are disadvantages and advantages to both homeschooling and public schooling.

justanopinion says:

I have to say public school. Not only for the education but some of the people I have come to love the most I met through school and I wouldn't be who I am today without them.

JJBoBachika says:

Home school is fine IF you can correctly and appropriately socialize your children....if you can't develop a child's social IQ you have NO business keeping them at home.
... If you can (which is not easy)- then go for it - but realize that they are missing out on stuff (good and bad) because of YOUR choice. There is no black and white to any question but I admit that even as an educator I will not home school my child (yet) because he needs to learn how to work and play well with others. Social IQ is a more accurate measurement of a person's potential ability to be happy and successful.

JustAls says:

HAHAHAHAHhahaha this is a funny funny debate... give me a break!!! Homeschoolings a JOKE.... I always see the homeschooled kids on those "Nanny Help Me" shows... scary....

lolaloliepop says:

normal schools are way better. homeschoolers always end up having no social skills or know how to deal with anything in life. plus not only do normal schools teach 'book smarts' better and more efficiently but you also learn 'worldly smarts', a good work ethic and so much other things that you could never learn homeschooled

Ralf says:

Home Schooling is for crazy religious people who think regular school isn't fundamentalist enough for them. Facts? Our kids don't need to learn facts! We've got the Bible/Koran/Qu'ran!

Haley says:

Public Schooling all the way. I had a friend who was homeschooled and she did not know most of the things I knew. Plus public school teaches you how to deal with social problems and how to make friends. Homeschooling, you are with the people you see all of the time anyways. Homeschooling is not the right way to go. Plus public school has big tests and teaches you repsonsibility and hardworking skills.

 
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  • wordstock Sep 3, 2011 @ 11:26 am | delete
    Came back to bless this lens. Great job
  • MinRu Aug 31, 2011 @ 7:07 am | delete
    I think the best way is having best of both worlds. This way, the parents are able to catch up with their children and the school authority are able to cooperate with the parents in understanding the child's needs.
  • wordstock Aug 16, 2011 @ 10:42 am | delete
    1st year of homeschooling about to start. I was worried that I would not be able to do a good job but honestly, we looked at the textbooks and they are boring. We will supplement them with other activities and now, we are already ahead of what he would have learned in school.
  • ShellB Jun 3, 2011 @ 4:15 pm | delete
    Great lens!

    I currently home school one of my kids (10th grade) and it's going great. I also "After-School" my son (4th grade), who has learning disabilities. In the past two months of my working everyday a few hours after school with him, with my own ciriculum, his reading had moved up almost a full level! I will probably keep him in school for the next two years, until he finishes 6th grade, then I will remove him from school and homeschool him.
  • Tilly4Family Dec 13, 2010 @ 3:31 pm | delete
    This lens is GREAT! I am really glad that you created this discussion! I don't want to get myself spammed, so let me know if I am or am not allowed to say this, but I am hoping to post a lens soon I think you can all benefit from on this very topic. Thanks for creating this valid and constructive debate on this topic! I am new to Squidoo, but I SO appreciate this lens, trying to figure out how to ad it to my lens so others can read and be informed. thanks!
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