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Popularity -

In recent years, homeschooling has gained popularity as an alternative to traditional schooling. After all, it allows parents to take full responsibility for their child's education and tailor the learning experience to fit their individual needs.

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Statistics -

In the United States alone, as many as 3.7 million students from kindergarten to 12th grade are homeschooled, according to 2024 data. That is about 7% of school-age children in the country, a number that has only increased in recent years.

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Academic performance -

The average academic score for homeschooled children in the US is actually higher than children in public schools. In a score range of 1 to 99, homeschoolers have an average of 65% to 75%, while public schoolers achieve an average of about 50%.

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Homeschooling -

One of homeschooling's key advantages is personalized learning. Parents can customize the curriculum and teaching methods to align with their child's strengths, weaknesses, and interests. This often leads to potentially more effective learning.

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Schedules -

Homeschooling provides flexibility in both schedules and curriculum choices. Parents can adjust the time spent on subjects and select the curriculum that best suits their child's learning style.

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Learning environment -

Homeschooling allows parents to control their child's learning environment. Distractions are greatly minimized, and children can focus on specific subjects without feeling overwhelmed by external stimuli.

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Family bonding -

Homeschooling can strengthen family bonds by providing more opportunities for parents and children to spend time together. This close interaction fosters deeper relationships and understanding.

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Negative influences -

Homeschooling can protect children from negative influences commonly found in traditional schools, such as bullying and peer pressure. Studies have shown that children who have been taught at home feel safer and more supported, resulting in more self-actualized adults.

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Socialization challenges -

While homeschooling has many positives, there are a few downsides, one of which is that a child’s socialization opportunities are limited. Children may miss out on interacting with peers and developing essential social skills necessary for personal and professional growth.

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Teaching perspectives -

Homeschooling may also lack diverse teaching perspectives, since the education is typically led by a parent who tends to be biased in what they believe is appropriate teaching material. This could result in a narrower educational focus and limited exposure to different cultures and ideas.

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Motivation and discipline -

Homeschooling requires significant self-discipline and motivation from both the child and the parent(s). Maintaining consistency in education while balancing other responsibilities can be challenging for homeschooling families.

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Financial costs -

Homeschooling can be quite expensive due to the costs of educational materials, resources, and technology. Although tuition fees are non-existent, other expenses can add up quickly, making homeschooling a financial strain for some families.

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Extracurricular activities -

Homeschooling may restrict children's access to extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art programs. Where traditional schools tend to offer these programs, homeschooling parents need to seek out alternative opportunities to ensure their children can explore their interests and talents.

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Parental qualifications -

Homeschooling often relies on parents' teaching abilities, which could be a hindrance. While parents can tailor education to their child's needs, they may lack the qualifications and expertise of professional teachers, potentially impacting the quality of education.

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Traditional schools -

Traditional schools are statistically the most sought-after option, and they do have their own pros and cons. A pro is that traditional schools offer regular socialization opportunities that allow students to interact with peers, form friendships, and develop social skills that will prove useful in adulthood.

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Diverse teaching -

Traditional schools typically have a range of teachers with different backgrounds and experiences. This diversity enriches the learning experience and helps students develop broader understanding and critical thinking skills.

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Extracurriculars -

Traditional schools provide access to a wide range of extracurricular activities, enabling students to pursue their interests and build skills that are valuable for college/university applications and future careers.

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Advanced courses -

Another advantage of traditional schools is that they often offer advanced courses (such as AP and IB programs), which can give students a competitive edge in college/university admissions. Specialized courses, like vocational programs, are also available.

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Structured learning -

Traditional schools provide a structured learning environment with a standardized curriculum, assessments, and grading. This structure helps students develop discipline and responsibility that prepares them for college/university and the workforce.

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Standardization -

On a negative note, the one-size-fits-all approach seen in traditional schools can be challenging for students, especially for those who need a more personalized learning experience. Struggling students may not receive the additional support they need to succeed.

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School schedules -

The fixed schedules and predetermined curriculum found in traditional schools can be restrictive for students with other obligations or interests. This lack of flexibility may impact their engagement, as well as their motivation.

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School culture -

Traditional schools may expose students to negative aspects of school culture, such as bullying and peer pressure. The long-term mental and emotional well-being of a person can be severely impacted during these formative years.

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Limited teacher attention -

Large class sizes in traditional schools can make it difficult for teachers to give individual attention to students who need extra help. Delayed feedback and support also have the possibility of hindering a child’s progress.

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Health risks -

One factor that many parents do not consider with traditional schools is the health risks that they can pose. Children can easily be exposed to the spread of illnesses and infections (especially during flu season), which can negatively affect academic performance.

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Trial period -

Any parent who is unsure about whether or not to homeschool their child should consider taking various approaches before deciding. For example, they can experiment with both schooling types by setting a trial period for each, which allows them to experience both options and make an informed decision.

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Blended learning -

Families can also consider a hybrid model that combines homeschooling and traditional schooling elements. This could involve part-time enrollment in a traditional school while homeschooling for specific subjects or periods.

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Consultation -

Before making a decision, parents can consult with educators, including teachers and homeschooling advisors, to gain insights into how each option might fit their child's learning style and needs.

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Child involvement -

It's incredibly crucial to involve one’s child in discussions about their education. By understanding their preferences, learning styles, and concerns, parents and children can collaborate to choose the best educational path so that the child feels comfortable and motivated.

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Local resources -

Many towns and cities have resources available (such as extracurricular activities, community groups, and educational support systems) that can help families make the most informed decision. After all, the education method chosen is meant to maximize a child’s growth and development.

Sources: (Medium) (Crimson Education) (QAHE) (National Home Education Research Institute) (Brighterly) (Home School Headquarters)

See also: Things you won’t believe have been banned in schools

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