Homeschool vs. Public School

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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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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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Homeschool vs. Public School

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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.

Brooke says:

I'm taking gr 10 online and it's the only schooling that's worked for me at all. "Any time, any place, any pace." That's my school's motto. I'm acing all of my classes, moving way faster through courses than I would have been able to in a brick-and-mortar school, and I'm getting MUCH more one-on-one attention. My social life isn't affected at all, in fact I'm glad I have more options on how to spend my days. I'm getting much more work babysitting now, too.

Mama B says:

Home school. Do you realize that our newspapers are written at the 4th grade level? I had some PS kids with me for the summer. I got curriculum for the year that they had just completed. Now, they come from a very good school district. I had to teach them something they should have already know. There are too many students to the number of teachers. There are different learning styles and if the teacher teaches one way and the student LEARNS a different way, you'll lose them. Schools teach the kids how to take standardize tests. No critical thinking skills. And if your a slower learner, you lose. They also force government mandated curriculum on them (and us as parents)I, as a parent want to be the MAJOR influence in my kids lives. You end up doing hours of homework anyway (why is that? Maybe because there isn't enough time for the teachers to thoroughly cover everything) so you might just as well take those hours and teach them yourself. I had children so I could teach and nurture them. I want to show them all different things and do tons of hands on activities. Schools can't and won't duplicate that. And socialization? Go to any school playground at recess and show me what behavior you want your child to duplicate? Home schoolers interact with a variety of different age groups from very young to adults and thus learn hove to behave and communicate with all types of people. We don't still in a box all day and night. And I know my kids are safe. Too much craziness in the PS. And it gets worse by the day. No thanks.

GrowWear says:

Homeschooling, done properly, gives a child so much more than could ever be gotten in public schools -- which are full of bullies, cliques, and commercialism (not to mention what's wrong with the actual school system). Betting that the majority of adults have "baggage" from their school days. Kudos to parents who take control of their child's well-being.

joubess says:

I pulled my son out of school in 5th grade. Why? He was so stressed out and on so much medication that he been an adult, he would have been advised to get a new job. We've been homeschooling ever since, and I have no plans to put him back into school. School is getting to be no place for sane kids.

Dan Luther says:

Public Schools are a DISASTER ! God Bless the parents who are willing to invest in their childrens future by providing them a proper education ! Nuff Said !

Kate says:

I am in grade nine. I wish that my mom and could homeschool me (or send me to a private school), but they can't. I live in Canada and I'm in French Immersion (we spend 4/5 of the day in French an 1/5 in English). It is a bit like an enrichment program, because it is harder. Also, the smarter kids tend to do it. Although, the English and French programs are still full of slackers. We spend too much time on games! In an average day (of 5 hours), at least one hour is filled of garbage! We listen to teachers fail at teaching, play games, watch movies and etc. I want a better education!

Ashley says:

If parents are willing to put in the time and effort with their child(ren), then homeschooling can often be the best way to educate. As with all forms of education, the result depends on the student and the teacher. With homeschooling, children often learn not only facts but how to learn. With extracurriculars: sports, music, drama, co-ops, etc. there are many opportunities for children to learn the valuable social skills that many public school parents apparently send their children to school to gain. When homeschooled, a child has the opportunity to learn in a real world environment. Learning about the stars? Go outside at midnight and look at them. Learning about Washington, D.C.? Get on a plane and go visit. For my non-religious family, homeschooling is the most valid option.

amandascloset0 says:

Homeschooling is by far the best way to educate your children 'if' you have the time and patience to devote to it. All studies show that homeschooled children out test public schooled children in every area. Public school systems have exceeded the boundaries as to what is considered public learning.

Nashten says:

I do go to public school. And i want to be home schooled and am getting home schooled. My best friend was home schooled and hes way smarter than me. Plus i don't like other people bossing me around at school I believe that only your parents should boss you around. And did you know that home schooled kids are 85 to 95% smarter than publicly schooled kids. Says CBC or CBN or whatev. And plus i want to learn Russian and home schooling allows me to do that. :)

tandemonimom says:

It's always amusing to see the responses to questions like this from people who know nothing about homeschool. Rather than tout the benefits of public schools, they choose to bash erroneous stereotypes of homeschoolers. Social IQ? Give me a break, all public school kids learn is how to fit in and how to ostracize kids who don't. My four homeschooled children are comfortable interacting socially with ALL ages of children, not just those in their own grades, and adults as well. Two of my children are introverted as I am, and if they had been in school most likely would have been as shy as I was - morbidly so! Since they are not, they do not have any trouble with shyness! Homeschool is better not just academically, but socially as well.

dncresearch says:

I've tried public schools, and a private school, and it seems the best fit for us is homeschooling. My son's second grade Student Support Team (composed of teachers from his school, some of whom had never met my son) "diagnosed" him with ADD and encouraged me to put him on Ritalin. I put him in a local private school, where he finally came to enjoy learning again. And now, we're homeschooling so that he can add Latin and French, subjects not taught in any local school at his grade level. I have nothing against traditional schools, public or private. Some students do well there. But that choice is not the right one for us. Thanks for launching this debate!

Li-Li-ThePinkBookworm says:

Un/Homeschoooling all the way! Public school kids are basically little robots who do what they are told to do the school's way. Yes, many are creative spirits, BUT, if you do have a good life is it AFTER school or in YOUR spare time? See, school is not that great. Oh, and socialization stinks, so even if I am unsocialized, then I am WAY better then the normal teenager.

No way, Monkeybrain!

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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  • Reply
    Evelyn_Saenz Evelyn_Saenz Sep 14, 2009 @ 7:12 am
    Great debate on homeschooling!
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    kitty222 kitty222 Sep 12, 2009 @ 12:00 pm
    Very good relevant lens...I think my main problem with public schools has to do with the teachers who don't care, the undersupervised playgrounds...The playgrounds were always a madhouse at the elementary school I went to; I eventually got permission from the teacher to just stay in the classroom during recess so I could work on stuff instead of having to deal with that jungle.
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    ajgodinho ajgodinho Aug 15, 2009 @ 1:34 am
    Great lens and debate - you've got some wonderful lens on topics that interest me, so I'm a fan and will return to read your other lenses. Great job with this one!
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    SemperFidelis SemperFidelis Jul 30, 2009 @ 11:41 pm
    Also, I have to add that your avatar is perfect. I'm a sucker for a genuine smile on a pretty face! :-)
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    SemperFidelis SemperFidelis Jul 30, 2009 @ 11:17 pm
    We have 5 kids. We've done classic education, charter school, private school, public school, but mostly home school. Whatever is best for the child. So far our theory is working as our oldest, 19, graduates with a bachelors in education from WSU this year, our second is 18 and has a year of college under his belt while playing in a private Christian school that took 5th in state in basketball. We'll keep hoping and praying for the remaining 3 kidlings!
    Blessed by a SquidAngel today!
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