In the last couple years, many parents have made the switch from sending their children to public school to homeschooling. While it’s a wonderful option for some, here are a few reasons why public school maintains an edge over homeschooling.
Help Foster Independence
When they’re younger, school helps a child get comfortable with spending time apart from their parents. In preschool, it may start with half a day which can help prepare children for full day school. As they get older, they will be responsible for their schedules. They will have to determine the best times to use the restroom and visit their locker while still arriving on time to class. Not only will they learn independence, they’ll also learn responsibility and time management as well.
Cost
Public school is free! It costs zero dollars to have your child attend school. Homeschool curriculum, on the other hand, can cost upwards of $1,000. This price tag isn’t realistic for some families. Cost is definitely an area where public school has an edge on homeschool.
Separation of Roles
Being a parent is challenging on its own. When you’re already responsible for filling so many different roles, (i.e. chauffeur, maid, chef, etc.) adding teacher to that list can feel overwhelming. There’s a huge difference between being a parent and being a teacher. If you’re having issues working or communicating with your child already, becoming their teacher might add more fuel to the fire. You have to decide whether a potential strain on your relationship is worth it.
Built In Structure
Public school is a great option because of the daily structure it facilitates. An article written by Kate Barrington for publicschoolreview.com explains, “Public school has a built-in structure. Children, particularly young children, thrive on routine and they require a lot of attention and care. If you are trying to homeschool your children while also being a stay-at-home mom, you may find it more challenging than you imagine.” Life with children is often unpredictable. You may have a vision for how you think your day will play out, only to have it destroyed within the first hour of the day. The inability to provide structure for your child throughout their education experience can severely impact the amount of material they absorb.
Extracurricular Activities
Homeschooling has come a long way. The stigma associated with homeschooled kids and their lack of socialization is slowly changing. Many parents have formed co-ops so their children can hang out and learn with other kids their age. While homeschool has improved in that aspect, it still doesn’t have many alternatives to replace certain extracurricular activities and electives. For example, music and art might not be available with your homeschooling program. There will be some areas of your curriculum that won’t receive as much attention as they would in public school.
Homeschooling is a great option for some. However, there are still a plethora of benefits to be found in attending public school.