benefits of homeschooling essay

• Publications
• Get Involved

The Academic and Social Benefits of Homeschooling

Homeschooling works. The roughly 2 million children who currently learn at home join a millennia-old practice supported by many government officials, scholars, college officials, and employers.

While mainstream America has embraced homeschooling as a viable and positive educational option—and as 55 million K-12 students and their parents have been thrust into “crisis-teaching at home”—the angst of some academics over homeschooling has abruptly emerged.

Professors Elizabeth Bartholet of Harvard University and James Dwyer of William and Mary School of Law organized a summer meeting to “focus on problems of educational deprivation and child maltreatment that too often occur under the guise of homeschooling, in a legal environment of minimal or no oversight.” In a highly controversial article in Harvard Magazine , Erin O’Donnell advanced Bartholet’s arguments in favor of a homeschooling ban.

Yet, what does the evidence tell us about homeschool educational and social outcomes? Is there any sound corpus of evidence that homeschooled children are actually educationally deprived or maltreated? And what worldview drives anti-homeschoolers such as Bartholet and Dwyer?

Most reviews of homeschooling research reveal generally positive learning outcomes for children.

Joseph Murphy and Brian Ray provide quite optimistic reviews, while other appraisals present positive, albeit more tentative , conclusions. A one-of-its-kind review of only peer-reviewed research by Ray revealed that 11 of the 14 peer-reviewed studies on academic achievement found that homeschool students significantly outperformed conventionally schooled children. Both of the publicly available state-provided data sets showed higher-than-average test scores for homeschooled children.

A similar pattern emerges for the social, emotional, and psychological development of the homeschooled.

The clear majority of peer-reviewed studies show that homeschoolers often have better parent-child relationships and friendships than conventionally schooled children. Homeschoolers are happy, satisfied, and civically engaged .

A growing body of research indicates that graduates of home-based education excel. Eleven of the 16 peer-reviewed studies on success into adulthood (including college) showed that homeschoolers had better results for political tolerance, college GPA, and college retention than students in conventional schools. After reviewing the relevant literature, Gloeckner and Jones concluded that the “comparative results of the studies reported in this review, combined with the data collected from college admission officers provide evidence that homeschooling is an effective alternative path to college for the children of many families.”

Homeschoolers are not being educationally deprived, maltreated, or abused. On the contrary, the research literature suggests that rates of abuse (e.g., physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect) are lower among homeschoolers than institutionally schooled children.

Although there are certainly cases when homeschoolers are abused (and such cases should be prosecuted), banning homeschooling is not the answer, nor will it improve education or make children safer.

As a society we do not, for example, close public schools when a child is abused there. When scholars like Bartholet, Fineman and Worthington, and Dwyer and Peters advocate for a total or presumptive ban on homeschooling, they do so without solid support from the empirical literature. When Bartholet and others advocate for forcing children to enter the public school system, they are ignoring evidence that only approximately 40 percent of conventionally schooled students are at, or above, proficiency in reading and mathematics.

Certainly, many public educators are engaged in terrific efforts to provide high-quality education, but it is also clear that the public school system has significant limitations.

Why, then, do some academics want more government control and restrictions on homeschooling? We think it is not hard to perceive: They do not approve of the values and beliefs of the parents who choose to homeschool.

One of us partially addressed the answer in a scholarly journal some years ago. Ray identified four classes of negativity toward parent-led home-based education. Some scholars make theoretical arguments that government schools are the gold standard of education that advances the common good, while private schooling is bad for society. A second group argues that homeschooling is an attempt to “cocoon” one’s children from ideas and people that the parents disdain. Another category holds that homeschooling harms children philosophically, psychologically, religiously, physically, and educationally. And the fourth group goes against homeschooling by theorizing why the state should have more domination over children and their parents.

In the end, however, all of those categories of opposition are founded on different values, beliefs, and presuppositions than those at the core of parent-led homeschooling. Dwyer and Peters , for example, presuppose that “[t]he state must have the ultimate authority to determine what children’s interests are” and that the state is the entity that shall decide over what aspects of a child’s life his parents have authority.

In a similar vein, Bartholet argues that the state, not the parent, shall have the ultimate authority to decide what and how children shall be taught. Parents, in her world, must prove to the state that they deserve permission to educate their children outside of the government’s control. Fineman’s philosophical zeal is so clear that anything other than state-funded and state-controlled education must be banned by the government.

These kinds of ideas simply stem from their philosophical and religious worldviews. It is “natural” for them to conclude that the civil government must control children’s teaching, training, and indoctrination. It is natural because their worldviews cannot comprehend or tolerate a worldview such as classical liberalism or Christianity that holds the state should not control boys’ and girls’ educational formation, unless parents are abusive.

While the relevant research has limitations , scholarly research shows that homeschooling has positive outcomes for children. There is certainly no body of clear evidence that homeschooling undermines children’s academic and social development and should be restricted. Certain academics’ agitation over homeschooling appears to be based on their perspective that the state—and not parents—should control the education of all children.

Compared to conventional students, homeschool graduates are more likely to

• have higher college GPAs,
• be politically tolerant,
• be agreeable and conscientious,
• have a more positive college experience, and
• be self-employed.

In summary, opponents of homeschooling lack empirical data for their arguments, and judges and governmental officials consistently hold that parents have the right to educate their children at home.

Those arguing for state domination lost their major battles in legislatures, courts, and the public mind in the 1980s and 1990s. Homeschooling advocates have strong support in protecting their freedom to educate outside state-run systems.

College personnel, employers, and independent business advocates should be glad about homeschooling. It is a form of free enterprise. It costs taxpayers less than public schooling and its graduates are well-equipped to be the next generation of entrepreneurs, leaders, parents, householders, creators, and everyday citizens. In summary, we agree with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s analysis of this issue: “The risk to children is not from homeschooling. The risk is from radical leftist scholars seeking to impose their values on our children.”

Brian D. Ray, Ph.D., is president of the National Home Education Research Institute and is internationally known for his research on homeschooling.

Carlos Valiente, Ph.D., is a Professor in the T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics at Arizona State University.

May 13, 2020 › Academics , Politicization

More Articles

› Academics , Politicization

The Effects of Homeschooling: Essay Example and Writing Tips

Introduction

Welcome to The Knowledge Nest, your ultimate source for valuable insights into various topics. In this article, we will explore the effects of homeschooling, providing you with an essay example and essential writing tips. Whether you are a student, parent, or educator, understanding how homeschooling impacts academic, social, and emotional development is crucial in making informed decisions.

What is Homeschooling?

Homeschooling refers to the practice of educating children at home, typically conducted by parents or guardians. It offers an alternative to the traditional classroom setting, allowing students to learn in a personalized and flexible environment. Homeschooling can be implemented for various reasons, such as religious beliefs, safety concerns, and dissatisfaction with traditional schooling methods.

The Academic Impact

The academic impact of homeschooling is a topic of significant interest and debate. Proponents argue that personalized instruction, tailored curriculum, and individualized pacing can lead to enhanced academic performance. Homeschooled students often have the freedom to explore their interests, which can foster a love for learning.

On the other hand, critics raise concerns about the lack of standardized testing, potential gaps in knowledge, and limited exposure to diverse educational settings. However, it is important to note that homeschooling can be supplemented with online courses, co-op classes, and community activities to address these concerns and provide a well-rounded education.

The Social Impact

One of the frequent criticisms of homeschooling revolves around the social aspect. Critics argue that homeschooled children may miss out on opportunities for social interaction and development of essential social skills. However, this perception is often misconstrued.

Homeschooled students have various avenues to engage with their peers and the community. Local homeschooling groups, extracurricular activities, and sports teams provide opportunities for socializing and collaboration. Additionally, homeschooling allows for deeper familial bonds and meaningful relationships with a diverse range of individuals by interacting with those from different age groups and backgrounds.

The Emotional Impact

The emotional impact of homeschooling is closely intertwined with academic and social development. Critics may argue that homeschooled children may experience social isolation or lack exposure to diverse opinions and perspectives, potentially hindering emotional growth.

However, homeschooling provides a nurturing environment where emotional well-being is prioritized. Students can avoid negative peer influences, bullying, and other challenges regularly found in traditional schools. Additionally, homeschooling allows flexibility in addressing individual emotional needs, promoting self-confidence, and emotional intelligence.

In conclusion, homeschooling has various effects on students' academic, social, and emotional development. While it provides personalized education and flexibility, addressing potential concerns such as standardized testing and socialization is essential. By actively participating in homeschooling communities, utilizing online resources, and engaging in extracurricular activities, homeschooled children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

At The Knowledge Nest, we strive to provide you with valuable information and resources to make informed decisions. We hope this essay example and writing tips on the effects of homeschooling have been helpful to you. Stay tuned for more insightful content on a wide range of topics.

Good Topics to Write About ✏️ Essay Themes

Come Up With an Amazing Case Study Template - Studybay

How Do You Write An Argumentative Essay For Middle School

Creative Research Proposal Topics

The Jodi Huisentruit Disappearance - Creative Writing Example

How to Write an Article Review: Guide with Examples - Studybay

How to Write a Good Term Paper (Format, Structure, Outline)

Buy College Papers Online - High-Quality and Affordable

Pay For Case Study - Studybay

Derivative of Sec x: A Quick Math Tutorial

• Trying to Conceive
• Signs & Symptoms
• Pregnancy Tests
• Fertility Testing
• Fertility Treatment
• Weeks & Trimesters
• Staying Healthy
• Preparing for Baby
• Complications & Concerns
• Pregnancy Loss
• Breastfeeding
• School-Aged Kids
• Raising Kids
• Personal Stories
• Everyday Wellness
• Safety & First Aid
• Immunizations
• Food & Nutrition
• Active Play
• Pregnancy Products
• Nursery & Sleep Products
• Nursing & Feeding Products
• Clothing & Accessories
• Toys & Gifts
• Ovulation Calculator
• Pregnancy Due Date Calculator
• How to Talk About Postpartum Depression
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Review Board

The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling

 Fabio Principe / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Choosing to homeschool your kids is not a new concept. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, the phrase “school choice” took on a whole new meaning as more and more parents considered homeschooling a solution for their families.

To curb the spread of the virus, school districts around the country offered a variety of educational possibilities , from in-person school with masks to full online school to a delayed start to the academic year to a hybrid model that offered some days in a physical classroom and other days virtually.

Even as things opened back up and returned to normal, some schools continued to offer a virtual option. And since some younger kids are still unable to get the vaccine, some families feel uncertain about sending their kids back to brick-and-mortar schools.

UPDATE: November 2022

On October 20, 2022, the Center for Disease Control's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to add COVID-19 vaccination to the childhood immunization schedule. While the CDC makes vaccine recommendations, each state will determine which ones are required for school entry. The updated schedule is set to be released in early 2023.

If you’re thinking of teaching your child at home for the first time, or you've always considered this option for your family, you likely know there are many pros and cons.

We’ve rounded up a list of common advantages and pitfalls you may encounter—with input from real-world homeschooling parents. As you weigh your decision, give some thought to how each of these might impact your own circumstance and trust that whatever decision you make will be the right one for your family.

Flexibility

Individualized education

Strong relationships

A lot of work

Less time for yourself

Inability to work

Too much togetherness

Missing out on certain opportunities

Facing judgment and bias

Whether you call it self-determination, freedom, or control, one clear advantage of homeschooling is the ability to make your own choices. As a homeschooler, you’ll be able to freely travel or move, include religious teaching in day-to-day learning, and not worry about social pressures or bullying your child may encounter at school.

Plus, in home-based education, all subjects are fair game, from sailing to sewing to science. Practical skills, volunteering , artistic pursuits, and traditional trades can all fall under the broad umbrella of homeschooling. According to some homeschoolers, teachable moments are always happening, and "school" isn't limited to school hours.

Who doesn’t like to set their own schedule? By educating at home, you determine the structure of your day. If your child struggles to wake up by 7:00 a.m., for example, you can start school later. And, since homeschool timing is fluid, you can go ahead and make your child's dentist appointment on a Tuesday at noon.

You even have room to push back a lesson when you (or your kids) just aren’t feeling it. There are many ways to make it up later.

Individualized Education

Every child is different. Unfortunately, in the larger group setting of regular school, teachers can’t always tailor lessons to your child’s unique needs. At home, on the other hand, you can meet your child right where they are, customizing lessons to their particular interests.

Does your younger child need a little extra help with math ? Take an extra 15 minutes to help them understand fractions. Is your older kid into outer space? Start an astronomy unit!

Homeschooling also lets you vary your approach from child to child if you have more than one—in terms of learning styles and grade levels. Plus, you get to celebrate any success or achievement together in real time.

Strong Relationships

The more time you spend with your kids, the more opportunities arise for bonding. If you’ve always wished for more hours in the day as a family, perhaps homeschooling is the boon you’ve been craving.

Positive experiences like fun field trips , a-ha moments in learning, and “recess” at the park can all build closer parent-child and sibling-to-sibling relationships . 

In some cases, homeschooling’s flexible schedule can even allow for more time with both parents—if work schedules usually limit time together on weekends or holidays.

A Lot of Work

In addition to the domestic responsibilities of your role as a parent, you’re now a teacher, tutor, curriculum researcher, and principal.

It’s quite possibly the humdinger of all reasons not to homeschool: Teaching your kids at home is simply a lot of work.

Creating, teaching, and grading a day’s or week’s worth of learning on multiple subjects takes serious time and effort. (However, many prepared curriculum packages do exist.) Plus, as delightful as it can be to tailor education to each child’s learning style, this can add to your workload, too.

And if you have younger children at home who aren’t school age, you may also struggle to keep them occupied while you sit down to teach older kids.

Less Time for Yourself

Not surprisingly, the workload of homeschooling—and kids home all day—is likely to leave you with less time for yourself. Some homeschooling parents say they don’t have time to shower, let alone exercise or take care of their own needs.

For parents who are used to a quiet, kid-free environment during the day, this aspect of homeschooling can be a major adjustment. 

Inability to Work 

All the work of homeschooling is guaranteed to take up hours of your day. Therefore, as a homeschooling parent, you may not be able to work outside the home, or you may have to cut your hours significantly. For some households, this may be a financial deal-breaker.

Too Much Togetherness

While many families find that homeschooling boosts good vibes between siblings and parents, there is such a thing as too much togetherness.

You may find that spending all day, every day, with your kiddos (and they with each other) leads to feelings of frustration or confinement . You may also go through an adjustment period as your kids learn how to view (and respect) you as their teacher.

It’s important to work in breaks, both for yourself and your kids. Or, depending on the resources in your area, you might try a homeschooling co-op or enrichment program one day a week to provide your kids socialization with others outside the family.

Missing Out on Certain Opportunities

Despite the enormous flexibility of homeschooling, in some ways, it can limit opportunities for your child. For high schoolers, for example, a homeschool curriculum may not be able to provide the same variety of electives as a large public school. (After all, most of us don’t have a metal shop in the backyard.)

If your child wants to pursue subjects you can’t easily teach at home, you’ll have to be diligent about seeking alternatives.

The same holds for social opportunities. As a homeschooler, it’s up to you to provide social interaction your child won’t get from school dances, assemblies, and everyday classroom partner work.

Facing Judgments and Biases 

Let's be honest: Homeschooling doesn’t necessarily have a reputation for being cool and modern. Unfortunately, plenty of biases and stereotypes exist around homeschooling and the folks who choose it.

If you decide to educate at home, you might get some flak from family members (or even strangers) who think you’re going full Little House on the Prairie mode or that your kids won’t actually learn anything. You may need to develop a thick skin toward other people’s judgments of your decision to educate at home.

A Word From Verywell

When more and more parents are exploring the wide world of homeschooling, it’s wise to look at the many advantages and disadvantages of this type of education.

Do some soul searching and have a serious discussion with your partner about whether this could be the right choice for your child's and family's needs. And don’t forget to find out how your kids feel about the subject! With everyone’s thoughts and feelings on the table, you can determine if homeschooling is best for you and your family.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ACIP Immunization Schedule Vote .

By Sarah Garone  Sarah Garone, NDTR, is a freelance health and wellness writer who runs a food blog.

Environment

The research on homeschooling, the academic, social, and long-term outcomes for children in home schools..

Posted September 1, 2021 | Reviewed by Gary Drevitch

About 4 to 5 million children in the United States (or approximately 8 to 9% of school-age children) were homeschooled in March 2021. This statistic increased dramatically during the pandemic: Only 2.5 million (or 3 to 4% of school-age children) were homeschooled in spring 2019.

The most common reason cited for homeschooling (before the pandemic) was concern about the local school environment, including safety and negative peer pressure . Many parents also choose to homeschool due to dissatisfaction with the educational quality of local schools, or for religious reasons.

However, many parents and caregivers considering homeschooling may be especially concerned about how homeschooling might impact their child’s academic progress and social development. Does the research find any differences between children who were homeschooled versus children in conventional school?

Academic Performance

Homeschooled students tend to score higher on tests of academic skills when compared to children in public schools across most studies. However, it is difficult to draw any conclusions from these studies since most do not control for important family demographic factors and compare self-selected homeschooling families’ test scores (from tests proctored by parents) to national averages. Interestingly, children in a “structured” homeschool program — that is, a homeschool program with organized lesson plans — tend to score higher on academic tests than children from conventional schools, while children in “unstructured” homeschool environments without organized lesson plans tend to score lower than children in conventional schools.

Social Skills

The findings on social skills seem to be more mixed. Some studies have found no difference in social skills between children in homeschool environments versus conventional schools, some studies have found that homeschooled children score higher on measures of social ability, and some have found that homeschooled children score lower on overall social skills. Not surprisingly, homeschooled students who have had more opportunities for peer interactions tend to show improved social skills.

Long-Term Success

Most studies find that homeschooled children tend to have higher college GPAs than children from conventional schools. In addition, most studies have found no difference between homeschooled and conventional students in college graduation rates. However, most homeschooled students do not attend competitive four-year colleges and one study found that homeschooled students may have lower math GPAs in college than children from conventional schools. Children who are homeschooled may also be more likely to work in a lower-paying job.

Limitations of this Research

It is important to note that this research is difficult to interpret because families that choose to homeschool are different from families who do not in many other ways — for example, they may have parents with higher income or educational levels — and these factors likely contribute to the results as well. For instance, we cannot conclude that homeschooling will improve your child’s test scores since homeschooled children may have more educated mothers and it may be the mother’s educational level that drives the higher test scores, not homeschooling itself.

Almasoud, S., & Fowler, S. R. (2016). The difference in the academic achievements of homeschooled and non-homeschooled students. Home School Researcher, 32(1), 1-4.

Cogan, M. F. (2010). Exploring academic outcomes of homeschooled students. Journal of College Admission, 208, 18-25.

Coleman, R. E. (2014). The homeschool math gap: The data. Coalition for Responsible Home Education.

Drenovsky, C. K., & Cohen, I. (2012). The impact of homeschooling on the adjustment of college students. International Social Science Review, 87(1/2), 19-34.

Kunzman, R., & Gaither, M. (2020). Homeschooling: An updated comprehensive survey of the research. Other Education, 9(1), 253-336.

Martin-Chang, S., Gould, O. N., & Meuse, R. E. (2011). The impact of schooling on academic achievement: Evidence from homeschooled and traditionally schooled students. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science/Revue Canadienne Des Sciences du Comportement, 43(3), 195.

McKinley, M. J., Asaro, J. N., Bergin, J., D'Auria, N., & Gagnon, K. E. (2007). Social Skills and Satisfaction with Social Relationships in Home-Schooled, Private-Schooled, and Public-Schooled Children. Online Submission, 17(3), 1-6.

Medlin, R. G. (2006). Homeschooled Children's Social Skills. Online Submission, 17(1), 1-8.

Montes, G. (2006). Do Parental Reasons to Homeschool Vary by Grade? Evidence from the National Household Education Survey, 2001. Online Submission, 16(4), 11-17.

Montes, G. (2015). The social and emotional health of homeschooled students in the United States: A population-based comparison with publicly schooled students based on the national survey of children’s health, 2007. Home School Researcher, 31(1), 1-9.

Pearlman-Avnion, S., & Grayevsky, M. (2019). Homeschooling, civics, and socialization: The case of Israel. Education and Urban Society, 51(7), 970-988.

Ray, B. D. (2017). A systematic review of the empirical research on selected aspects of homeschooling as a school choice. Journal of School Choice, 11(4), 604-621.

Redford, J., Battle, D., & Bielick, S. (2017, April). Homeschooling in the United States: 2012. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved August 1, 2017, from. (NCES 2016-096.REV) https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2016096rev

Sikkink, D., & Skiles, S. (2015). Homeschooling and young adult outcomes: Evidence from the 2011 and 2014 Cardus Education Survey. The Cardus Religious Schools Initiative.

Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in translating scientific research into information that is useful, accurate, and relevant for parents.

• Find a Therapist
• Find a Treatment Center
• Find a Psychiatrist
• Find a Support Group
• Find Online Therapy
• United States
• Brooklyn, NY
• Chicago, IL
• Houston, TX
• Los Angeles, CA
• New York, NY
• Portland, OR
• San Diego, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Seattle, WA
• Washington, DC
• Asperger's
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Pain
• Eating Disorders
• Passive Aggression
• Personality
• Goal Setting
• Positive Psychology
• Stopping Smoking
• Low Sexual Desire
• Relationships
• Child Development
• Therapy Center NEW
• Diagnosis Dictionary
• Types of Therapy

Understanding what emotional intelligence looks like and the steps needed to improve it could light a path to a more emotionally adept world.

• Emotional Intelligence
• Gaslighting
• Affective Forecasting
• Neuroscience

Homeschooling could be the smartest way to teach kids in the 21st century — here are 5 reasons why

Homeschooling isn't what it used to be.

What largely started in the 1980s and '90s as a way for Catholic parents to infuse religion into their kids' education now has more mainstream appeal.

Homeschooled kids have the same access to online learning, friendships , and extracurricular activities as the typical public school student — but without many of the drawbacks, like standardized lesson plans and bullying.

Here are a handful of reasons homeschooling makes sense in 2018.

Personalized learning is a strong method of instruction.

The core idea of homeschooling is the idea that kids need to learn at the speed, and in the style, most appropriate for them. In the education world, enthusiasts call the approach "personalized learning," and it's in place in a number of schools already.

Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg are big fans of personalized learning, since it tends to use technology as a way to tailor lesson plans to students. In a recent blog post , Gates pointed to research that personalized learning helps boost scores in reading and math.

Homeschooling parents can take the method a step further. As parents, many are in the best position possible to know, and provide, the right kind of instruction.

Students can learn more about what they really care about.

Without formal curricula to guide their education, homeschoolers get the chance to explore a range of topics that might not be normally offered until high school or college. They can study psychology in fourth grade, or finance in eighth grade.

Some parents are capable enough to pass on this knowledge themselves. But many parents Business Insider has spoken with rely on online learning platforms like Khan Academy  or workbooks. Some take their older kids to local community colleges.

While many homeschool families do teach English, math, science, and history, education is by no means limited just to those subjects.

Social media gives kids a way to form lasting friendships.

The most common misconception about homeschoolers is that they lack social skills. Before the internet, there was some truth to the stereotype.

But today's students have just as much opportunity to see kids their own age as those in private or public schools, and often without as much distraction. Homeschoolers still use apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook — which may foster unhealthy and even addictive relationships to tech — but also lets them meet up with other homeschoolers or those from traditional schools. 

"They're doing just as well or better," Brian Ray, a homeschooling researcher at the National Home Education Research Institute, told Business Insider.

Students don't deal with cliques or bullying.

Homeschoolers don't deal with all the downsides of being around kids in a toxic school environment.

Plenty of critics argue these downsides are actually good for toughening kids up, but kids who are bullied more often face symptoms of depression and anxiety, do worse in class, and show up to school less frequently.

Homeschooled kids are able to learn in a more harmonious environment.

Schooling isn't set apart from the "real world."

Contrary to the name, homeschooling takes place in an actual home only a fraction of the time. A great deal of instruction happens in community colleges, at libraries, or in the halls of local museums.

These experiences have the effect of maturing kids much more quickly and cultivating "a trait of open-mindedness," as Harvard junior and former homeschooler Claire Dickson told Business Insider .

Since kids spend more time around adults in the "real world," they rarely come to see school as set apart from other aspects of life.

Students may achieve more in the long run.

Homeschooling makes sense from an achievement point of view.

Research suggests homeschooled children tend to do better on standardized tests , stick around longer in college, and do better once they're enrolled. A 2009 study showed that the proportion of homeschoolers who graduated from college was about 67%, while among public school students it was 59%.

Students from Catholic and private schools fell even lower in college graduation rates, with 54% and 51% of kids, respectively, completing all four years.

• Main content

30,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Meet top uk universities from the comfort of your home, here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

• School Education /

Essay on Home Schooling in 150, 250 and 400 words

• Updated on  
• Jan 8, 2024

Homeschooling refers to the practice of education at home or any other place outside the school premises. Over the years, the popularity of homeschooling has increased quite a bit. It is much more convenient for both students as well as parents. It saves time, is efficient, and de-stresses children, unlike normal schools that distress children. But just like everything else, along with the pros, homeschooling too has some cons. 

A lot of people believe that education in homeschooling is confined to home boundaries only. These students are not able to develop social skills and find it hard to socialise with others. Some of them become introverts too. These are just misconceptions. We have provided below samples of essays on homeschooling. Let’s have a look at them.

Table of Contents

• 1 Essay on Home Schooling in 150 words
• 2 Essay on Home Schooling in 250 words
• 3 Essay on Home Schooling in 400 words

Also Read:- Importance of Internet

Essay on Home Schooling in 150 words

Homeschooling is a concept that has been becoming quite popular over the years. Especially in times of natural calamities and pandemics such as COVID-19, it has gained quite a reputation for being an alternative to traditional schooling. Some of the benefits of homeschooling include convenience for both, children as well as parents. It provides tailor-fit learning education to children as every child has his/her own learning pace. 

Homeschooling de-stresses children, unlike schools that distress them. But just like any other thing, homeschooling too has some drawbacks. One of the drawbacks that most concern parents is that their child would not be able to have social interaction. Children need to have social interaction in the early stages of childhood to develop their minds. Hence, it’s up to each child and parent whether to take up homeschooling or not. 

Essay on Home Schooling in 250 words

One of the aspects that has been gaining quite a lot of attention and popularity is homeschooling. Over the years, it has been gaining quite a reputation of becoming an alternative to traditional schooling. Homeschooling is a good way to deliver tailor-fit education to children as every child has his/her own pace of learning. 

So for children who are unable to cope with the pace of school education, homeschooling is a great option for them. Homeschooling is extremely convenient for both, children as well as parents. It saves time and money as well. The children who are homeschooled have to deal with less stress as traditional schooling gives them a lot of stress. By tracking the progress of their child on their own, parents get to understand their child better and hence make necessary adjustments for them. 

But just like any other thing, homeschooling too has some drawbacks. One of the major drawbacks is that children who are homeschooled lack social skills. Having social international for children in their early stages of childhood is essential for developing their minds. Children who are homeschooled may even become introverts. Parents might find it stressful for them in the long run to have to homeschool their child if they do it on their own.

They might also not be able to have any time for themselves. Homeschooling is a choice that requires assessing the situation. It might be suitable for some, while others may not find it fit for them. Hence, the decision to homeschool should be made judiciously.

Also Read:- Essay on Pollution

Essay on Home Schooling in 400 words

Over these past few years, the concept of homeschooling has gained quite a lot of attention. Especially in a time like the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become an alternative to traditional schooling for many parents. Parents can hire a tutor for the same or can even teach their children themselves. Homeschooling has a lot of pros for both, parents as well as children. 

Pros of Home Schooling

Homeschooling is much more convenient than traditional schooling. It also saves commuting time and a little money too given what the situation is. Homeschooling allows parents to tailor-fit education for their child. This is great because every child has his/her own learning pace and this way they can easily cope with the learning. In traditional school, all have to learn at the same pace irrespective of whether or not they are learning. 

Also for many students, the school environment can become quite stressful making it difficult for them to get comfortable and hence causing them stress. Homeschooling, on the other, de-stresses children. They are safe from even getting bullied and have the comfort of their own home. Parents get a chance to track their child’s progress and hence, get to know them better. Such a thing generates positivity all around. 

Cons of Home Schooling

But just like any other thing, homeschooling too has some drawbacks. One of the major drawbacks that concern parents the most is that their children would not be able to have proper social interactions. Social interactions are very important in the early stages of childhood to develop a child’s mind properly. 

Failure in that can even lead to a child becoming introverted. Some of the homeschooled children also face problems in mixing with others. For parents, depending on the situation, homeschooling can turn out to be costly as the tutors they hire may charge high fees from them. Parents may also find that they are not able to have time for themselves, which, in the long, can become quite stressful for them.

The decision of homeschooling shouldn’t be just opted for the convenience of it. Parents should take into account every scenario of their current as well as to some extent, their near future situations to make a correct decision. Hence, it would be fitting to say that the decision to homeschool should be made judiciously.

Related Reads

Homeschooling is much more convenient than traditional schooling. It also saves commuting time and a little money too given what the situation is. Homeschooling allows parents to tailor-fit education for their child. This is great because every child has his/her own learning pace and this way they can easily cope with the learning. In traditional school, all have to learn at the same pace irrespective of whether or not they are learning. Also for many students, the school environment can become quite stressful making it difficult for them to get comfortable and hence causing them stress. Homeschooling, on the other, de-stresses children. They are safe from even getting bullied and have the comfort of their own home. Parents get a chance to track their child’s progress and hence, get to know them better. Such a thing generates positivity all around. 

Some of the benefits of homeschooling include convenience for both, children as well as parents. It provides tailor-fit learning education to children as every child has his/her own learning pace. Homeschooling de-stresses children, unlike schools that distress them.

In some aspects, homeschooling is better than traditional schooling. It is more convenient, children can learn at their own pace, it de-stresses them, etc. but on the other hand, it does have some cons too such as no social interaction which can lead to less developed minds, no healthy competition, etc. 

This brings us to the end of our blog Essay on Homeschooling. Hope you find this information useful. For more information on such informative topics for your school, visit our essay writing and follow Leverage Edu.

Deepansh Gautam

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

Connect With Us

30,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today.

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

January 2024

September 2024

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

Have something on your mind?

Make your study abroad dream a reality in January 2022 with

India's Biggest Virtual University Fair

Essex Direct Admission Day

Why attend .

Don't Miss Out

An Introduction to Homeschooling

Homeschooling is an educational option that allows parents to teach their children at home instead of sending them to school. There are today a wealth of resources and opportunities available to homeschooling families, and in a landscape of increasing school choice homeschooling has become more and more accepted by the public at large. Parents choose homeschooling for a variety of reasons. Modern homeschooling began in the 1970s and 1980s, championed by progressive educational reformers hoping to free children’s inner creativity and conservative evangelical leaders concerned about the environment of public schools. There are now around two million children being homeschooled, and in the early twentieth century homeschooling has become increasingly diverse, both in terms of race and class and in terms terms of parental motivations. See Homeschooling Numbers and and Homeschool Demographics .

Parents choose homeschooling for a wide variety of reasons. Some parents have concerns about the social environment or academic quality of local public schools. Some want to ensure that their children are educated in accordance with their religious beliefs. Some believe their children will learn better through child-directed learning outside of a classroom setting. Some have children who were bullied in school or have health problems or demanding practice schedules. A growing number of families enjoy the flexibility homeschooling offers, and many children may find that homeschooling is a good fit for their natural learning styles or personalities. If there is one thing that can be said about parental motivations for homeschooling, it is that they are anything but monolithic. For more, see Reasons Parents Homeschool .

While homeschooling is legal throughout the United States, the level of oversight for homeschools varies from state to state. Most states require parents to notify state or local education officials of their intent to homeschool, and half of all states have some form of assessment requirement. Most states have days of instruction or subject requirements and a smaller number of states have parent qualification and bookkeeping requirements. Some states require none of the above. The patchwork and often woefully inadequate nature of homeschool oversight means that there are few protections in place safeguarding the interests of homeschooled children. For more, see  Current Policy .

Research has shown that children who are homeschooled can succeed academically, especially when given support and resources from their parents. Many homeschool parents are driven and motivated, and are extremely involved in their children’s education. They educate themselves as they go along and seek out resources, tutors, or classes for those subjects they may not be able to teach themselves. In many ways these parents are more facilitators or coordinators than teachers. However, while homeschooled children can succeed academically, that success is not guaranteed. In cases where homeschool parents are not driven and motivated or do not place as much importance on their children’s academic progress, homeschooled children may struggle academically or even not receive any education at all. For more, see Academic Achievement .

Homeschooled children are typically involved in an array of social activities, including homeschool cooperatives, dance and music lessons, church and Sunday school, field trip groups, and other classes, clubs, and groups outside of the home. With the networking potential of the internet and the greater social acceptance of homeschooling, the opportunities available to homeschool families have grown in recent years. If parents put in the effort to find social outlets for their children, homeschooled children can be well socialized and can integrate well into society. In contrast, if parents do not ensure that their children have adequate opportunities to meet their social needs, homeschooled children may be lonely, develop social phobias, or have difficulty integrating into society. For more, see Homeschooling & Socialization .

An increasing number of states allow homeschooled children to enroll in public school part time to take individual classes or to participate in public school athletics and other extracurricular activities. Some studies have found that as many as 20% of homeschooled students enroll in public school part-time.  Some states have public school at home or public or charter correspondence programs that allow children to be taught at home while receiving benefits from enrollment in public school. “Cybercharters” have become popular among some homeschoolers, and a number of charter schools have developed programs where children come to an actual school for classes once or twice a week and are otherwise educated at home. In an increasingly educationally diverse world, homeschooling offers a variety of flexible and creative options.

Feedback from the first generation of homeschooled students, now in their 20′s and 30′s, indicates that those who are homeschooled responsibly frequently do well in college and professional life while those who were neglected or subjected to an abusive homeschooling environment often face low-wage job prospects, poor integration and connection with their communities, and struggles with poverty and dependency that could have easily been prevented. For more, see Homeschool Outcomes and Abuse and Neglect . The quality of a child’s homeschool experience depends almost entirely on the parents’ dedication to providing a functional, nurturing environment with optimal conditions for education and healthy child development.

Read more about homeschooling:

• What Is Homeschooling?
• Homeschooling by the Numbers
• Who Homeschools?
• Motivations for Homeschooling
• Academic Achievement
• What about Socialization?
• Homeschool Outcomes
• What Scholars Say
• A History of Homeschooling
• Our Research
• For Parents
• For Policymakers
• For Researchers
• Abuse & Neglect

Stay Informed

• Make a Gift
• Take Action
• Bill of Rights
• Find Your State
• Homeschooling’s Invisible Children

Copyright © 2024 · All Rights Reserved · Coalition for Responsible Home Education

Nonprofit Website by GivingPress · RSS Feed · Log in

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

The Freedom and Fulfillment of Home-Schooling

Nine families shared with us why they chose to educate their children outside the traditional school system.

A small but growing portion of American children were home-schooled before the pandemic hit — almost 1.7 million children, according to the most recent national data . Families choose to home-school for a diverse and highly personal array of reasons, from a disenchantment with mainstream academics, to a desire to pass on specific cultural values. Here are nine families from across the United States (and one in Canada) with their home-schooling stories.

[This piece is part of our exploration of home-schooling. Read the full package here. ]

What home-schooling looks like:

A co-op for black and multiracial families ‘de-schools’ children., with few public school options, a mom of five home-schools., frustrated with a school, a mother turns to home-schooling., a brooklyn collective teaches pro-black and african-based lessons., a program allows for a flexible schedule for a child actor., home-schooling keeps her kids safe from shootings, a mother says., a family reconnects with their values by exposure and experience., worldschoolers tap into their natural curiosity., a mennonite family wants to keep kids away from bad influences..

Cambridge, Mass.

When her son was 4, Ashley Herring stopped sending him to the Montessori program near their home in Cambridge, Mass. The academics at the school weren’t an issue, but Herring worried that her son, Lamont Herring Seidel, wasn’t learning enough about himself. “The teachers looked at you with glassy eyes when you said ‘What’s the antiracism work? How are you talking about queerness and ableism?’ It was all masked in love and kindness,” Herring said. “That’s not helping Lamont be safe in the world.”

Herring, 43, is a teacher, with two decades of experience in elementary and middle school classrooms. Around that same time, she was questioning her own role as an educator. In the Boston charter school where she worked, the culture prioritized conformity and obedience, she said. “Straight lines, silent hallways, detentions for breathing,” she said, describing the place.

Last summer, Herring and Rhea Gibson, a former elementary-school music teacher who has three Black sons, began planning their own home-school co-op, which they called Blackyard Learning Community. Herring left her job and now works full-time as a co-facilitator of learning alongside Gibson. They don’t use the word “teacher” and eschew hierarchies typically found in schools. The co-op includes six boys from four Black and multiracial families. One child is 11 and the others are between the ages of 5 and 8; Lamont is the youngest.

Herring uses “deschooling” to describe the co-op’s philosophy. They are rethinking what and how young people learn, and the pace at which they do it. “We wanted to make it clear that we were on a different path, and we were getting away from ‘math hour,’” she said. Instead, Herring and Gibson emphasized the math skills needed to build a complex structure with Legos or make a purchase at the neighborhood store.

Before the stay-at-home orders, the group took weekly field trips on “Worldly Wednesdays.” They spent two days a week in Herring and her partner’s home and two days at a nearby church that offered space for free. On Fridays, they did chores, such as washing the linens they had used that week. They also spent the day preparing a meal and eating it together. “Things they should know for life,” Herring said.

The boys take turns leading each morning’s group check-in, then some might construct and play with a marble run, while others do online reading and math programs using laptops.

The co-op follows Cambridge public schools’ calendar. With the first year complete, Herring is happy with the results. “I see him living much more radically,” she said of Lamont. He asks peers if he can hug them, and he asks new friends for their preferred pronouns. Herring appreciates that the families involved share the same values. “We can talk through things with dignity and a different kind of love and respect because of what we decided on together,” she said. “We’re accountable to each other. We’re accountable to the young people, to Black folks.”

The hardest part is trusting herself, she said. She’s wondered whether they’re doing enough science, and if the reading curriculum is appropriately rigorous. She’s had to remind herself to focus on the learning that is happening rather than on what’s not yet developed, Herring said. “The way he is able to tap into treating people in their fullest dignity is just as important to me as him being able to form his letters.”

— Dani McClain

GET MORE NYT PARENTING Sign up for this newsletter and follow @nytparenting on Instagram and Twitter .

Portland, Ore.

Karen Young, who lives in Portland, Ore., with her five children, started home-schooling in her search for, of all things, freedom.

She first began home-schooling her oldest son, now 20, when her family lived in Sicily, Italy, in 2004. Her then-husband was in the military and there was only one school on the base. They wanted to travel, so they decided to home-school and have “the freedom to take school on the road.” Because her son was only in kindergarten, she remembers thinking, “Let’s home-school and kind of play by our own rules.” They did that for about a year.

As the years passed, and one child turned into a brood of five, Young, 43, found herself returning to home-schooling off and on when she wasn’t satisfied with the public school options in her district. When she was living in Lexington Park, Md., in 2009, she opted to do things her own way again with her second and third children, who were 10 and 8 at the time.

“Originally, I had them in a Montessori school, which I was fairly happy with, but we got to the point where it wasn’t financially feasible anymore, and I didn’t like our one public school choice,” Young said. With her eldest happy in public high school, she pulled her third and fourth-graders out to home-school for a couple of years until they got into the local charter school. “We were happy with that option,” she said.

Her last experience with home-schooling happened when her family moved to Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn in 2018. “Everyone went back to school because I went back to work. It was not feasible for me to school the little ones,” she said.

Her 14-year-old daughter had a hard time transitioning from “the rest of suburban America to going to an inner-city school.” Young said her daughter was bullied and physically attacked in seventh grade, and although “her grades were great,” it was time for a change.

She decided to home-school her for eighth grade during the 2019-20 school year, even though she was working. Because her daughter was “self-motivated and self-directed,” Young said she could rely on her to guide herself. Young enrolled her daughter in Oak Meadow School , a virtual school, and paid extra so that her daughter could have the support of a teacher who she could email throughout the year.

“Oak Meadow was all books — there was no online. It was not what we’ve been doing for the last few months, with remote learning, which I hated,” Young said.

In March, Young lost her job as the manager of a cinema department for an independent theater in Brooklyn. The family relocated to Portland this month.

Young has mixed feelings about her time home-schooling. She remembers taking fun car rides, learning history via audiobooks on the road, and having the flexibility to drive her daughter back and forth to “this really intense ballet school” an hour and a half away, which otherwise would have been impossible. But she also remembers “a little bit of a grind aspect to it.”

“I got to enjoy my kids in a way that I wouldn’t have gotten to had they gone to school, but I was also up till 1 in the morning grading and planning for the next day, a good four days a week,” she said. “You’re always on. That can get a little grinding.”

— Alex Van Buren

Port St. Lucie, Fla.

When Diana Fox was working as a student teacher in college, she met plenty of teachers whom she admired. In different systems, she recalls thinking, they might have provided great educations for kids. She remembers one of her mentors saying to her, “They don’t pay me to educate. They pay me to graduate.”

After Fox, 38, had children herself, she knew she would keep them out of Florida’s public schools. For elementary school, she sent them to a small Christian private school where she also taught. The setting was intimate, but Fox quickly became wary of the administration; a new principal didn’t seem quite up to the task of planning and hiring in the thoughtful ways she had hoped for, and she grew frustrated with the inconsistency of the curriculum, she said. When her kids, now 16 and 14, were in fifth and fourth grade, she decided to home-school. Her husband works 12-hour shifts and this would become her full-time job.

Fox said she loves home-schooling. “Ten out of 10,” she rated it. She and the kids make their own schedule. Her son, a late sleeper, often doesn’t start on schoolwork until lunchtime. Her daughter is usually done by then. They foster newborn kittens that often require round-the-clock care, which Fox has embedded into the curriculum schedule; some weeks they’re up every hour to feed the kittens and can take time off during the days to recuperate. And particularly since the Parkland shooting, Fox has felt relieved that “if anyone has to take a bullet for my kids, it will be me.”

On Mondays, Fox drives them 45 minutes to their private music lessons; Fridays are math days; and on Wednesdays they go to a co-op school, populated mostly by a religious group. Fox, who is no longer religious and considers herself a progressive, has taught her kids to respect the opinions of others but not be afraid to express their own, too.

Her kids do science labs and take history and literature classes at the co-op school. They do this for three and a half hours on Wednesdays. They complete most of the work assigned on Thursdays. They seldom do more than two or three hours of schoolwork most days and are able to easily finish the curriculum they find online each year between early September and late May.

If the kids have questions, Fox often searches for the subject online until she finds a tutorial she likes, then offers it to them. Her son still has the same three friends he met in his elementary school. Her daughter, who is much more social, has friends from the co-op school as well as from a dance class.

As a child, Fox said she had a handful of teachers growing up who really made a difference in her life. When she first set out to become a teacher, she wanted that same impact “on at least one kid.” She’s managed instead, she said, to have it on two.

— Lynn Steger Strong

West Orange, N.J.

The school search process can be one of the most grueling and confusing journeys for a parent, particularly parents of color. The ghosts of redlining and segregation, as well as biased and incomplete curriculum models, present real problems for parents who would like to rest assured that their children are being offered a complete and culturally responsive education. A broad swath of factors — district zoning, family income, accessibility, commute times, to name just a few — can shut students out of an institution where they might otherwise thrive.

Six years ago, Kendall Albert, 38, a father of six in West Orange, N.J., decided to take matters into his own hands.

Originally from St. Lucia, Albert grew up in an Afro-centric, majority Black educational system, which made his move to the United States in 2001 and enrollment in master’s program in education at New York University much more difficult than he had anticipated. He said that assimilating to a society he found to be rife with racism and issues of identity constituted culture shock, particularly as a father and high school science teacher to mostly Black public school students. Albert said he found the educational system in New York “demeaning.”

“After being in the school system, watching the young Black men, inspiring them, talking to them, seeing their issues,” Albert said he decided to create his own curriculum.

He founded the Light and Peace Learning Center, a home-school collective in Brooklyn in 2013.

Albert said he was not satisfied with the curriculum and the disciplinary model at the public school that his then 5-year-old son attended, so he pulled him out. It was crucial to Albert that his son be exposed to the kind of positive, pro-Black and African-based curriculum that he had grown up with as a child.

Before the pandemic, Light and Peace, run cooperatively with about 15 other families at its height, offered the kind of teaching he felt was sorely missing from neighborhood schools. “I would plan classes and teach them from an African perspective,” Albert said. The collective offered languages such as Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia, and Kemetic yoga, from ancient Egypt. The collective, he said, “focused more on the ideology of kinship and origin from creation from Africa, and knowing history from there.”

Before making the transition to remote learning because of the pandemic, Light and Peace ran its collective out of a building in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, where the students would gather every day for instruction that Albert had planned. Albert, some parents of the students and members of the community taught the lessons and shared their knowledge or special skills, such as African dance and creative writing. He also offered after-school homework help for children in the community who attended other schools nearby. Along with activities like martial arts and chess, Light and Peace also ran a daily “eco-adventures” summer camp in which Albert would take students and parents on botanical tours of the city, where students would learn to identify different plant species.

Now, Light and Peace is run exclusively online. Albert tutors and teaches chess to the kids. But the collective mostly serves as a resource for parents, offering them webinars on how to effectively develop their own academic curriculum and how to work with local community organizations to enrich the children’s learning at home. Albert moved to New Jersey in 2018 and is pursuing a doctoral degree in education leadership at North Central University. His graduate course load has required him to step away from teaching full time, he said. He still works with four students online, in addition to teaching his own six children, whose ages range from 2 to 11.

Most of the families learned about the Light and Peace collective because they were already connected to Albert in some way, either as a friend or a friend of a friend. “It was more like a personal type of home-schooling collective,” Albert said. “Because my children were involved, I kept it real personal.”

When Albert completes his doctorate, he plans to move away from the home-school collective model and establish Light and Peace as a school for African-centered learning.

— Carla Bruce-Eddings

Los Angeles

For some parents, school shutdowns have been a crisis. For Amy Anderson, it’s just a return to what she’s done for almost a decade. Her daughter, Aubrey Anderson-Emmons, 13, better known as Lily on the ABC sitcom “Modern Family,” is one of hundreds of show business kids who have to get creative with education.

Some child actors are schooled by on-set tutors paid for by their production companies, some go-to special schools and others are home-schooled by their parents. Anderson has tried many kinds of schooling for Aubrey since she was first cast at age 4.

“You name a type of schooling and she’s done it,” Anderson, 47, said. Aubrey was in a private preschool, then did part-time studio schooling, then entered a public school in first grade, but it didn’t work with her schedule. “It was just too hard to miss a third to a half of a school day,” Anderson said.

She heard from other on-set parents about Oak Park Independent School , or O.P.I.S., a public school with an independent home-school program in California designed for “kids who work,” often child performers or athletes. The program is free for any student in the wider Los Angeles area.

Curriculum in hand, Anderson home-schooled her daughter over the dinner table when she wasn’t on set. They followed the traditional school year and she hired tutors a few hours per week.

Because “Modern Family” would wrap production each spring, Anderson and Aubrey traveled when most schools were in session. “We can go to Disneyland in the middle of the week. We can do all the work early, and do special things together.”

A full school day for Aubrey was about three hours. “Because you’re not spending part of the day commuting and eating lunch and changing clothes for gym class, it’s pretty efficient,” Anderson said.

Still, the school has a science fair, field trips, writing and math labs for the older kids, and even a student council. As the years went on, Aubrey worked more independently — participating in writers’ workshops over video chats with classmates. She competed in horse shows and did ballroom dancing.

The online teachers were accommodating. “They know that many of their kids are working in extraordinary situations — on location as actors, training for international sports competitions, on tour as performers,” Anderson said. “So they give them as normal of a school experience as they can.”

Both Anderson and Aubrey sometimes found schoolwork challenging. “I did fine, but I didn’t enjoy school,” said Anderson, who is a comedian and actress. She and her daughter struggled with algebra and multiplication tables. “There was this light bulb — that we have the same brain.”

“Modern Family” finished shooting its final season last year, and last fall Aubrey enrolled in an in-person private school. Now, in seventh grade, she was eager to have peers and friends — and it went smoothly for the four months until the pandemic hit. Now Anderson is back at the dining room table, writing a review of a music album to fulfill a reading and writing module.

“It’s been a turbulent year for everyone,” Anderson said. “But at least I knew what I was getting into.”

— Katharine Gammon

Sending our kids to school this fall has become inextricably tied to a fear of what they may be exposed to. But for many parents, safety concerns were top of mind even before the pandemic.

The National Center for Education Statistics asked parents of home-schooled children in 2016 to identify the most important reason for educating their kids at home. The most popular was “a concern for the school environment, such as safety, drugs or peer pressure.”

When Elisabeth Miller, 38, decided to home-school her kids in 2018, she considered a lot of reasons. Among them was her ability to limit their exposure to dangerous situations — one in particular.

“It’s frightening how common school shootings seem to have become,” said Miller, who lives in a suburb of Boston. Since 1970, researchers have recorded a total of more than 1,300 cases of gunfire at K-12 schools in the United States, according to an analysis by The New York Times last year.. In 2018, The Washington Post calculated that in the two decades since the Columbine High massacre in 1999, more than 240,000 children at primary, secondary and college campuses had experienced gun violence at school.

But along with reducing their threat of danger, Miller said, home-schooling puts her in charge of how her children, ages 7, 5 and 3, are confronted with that threat. Nearly all U.S. public schools — 95 percent in 2015 and 2016 — conduct regular active shooter safety drills, which can often be traumatic for students.

“I hate the idea of kindergartners doing lockdown drills,” she said. “I don’t want my kids going to school every day worried that someone’s going to bring a gun into class.”

Home-schooling allows her to help calm that worry, by controlling how her children are made aware of the possible dangers.

“There are hard things to talk about, but I want to talk about them in my home, on my terms,” she said. “It’s not that I’m scared. It’s that I don’t want school to feel like a scary place for my kids.”

As part of her children’s home-based curriculum, Miller incorporates frequent lessons on personal safety, including what to do in the event of a fire or an intruder. “If something happens, I want my children to feel like they’re in control and know what to expect,” she said.

Miller said fear is not the main reason she home-schools. “I don’t keep my kids home to shelter them. I know they have to be able to live in the real world and they’re going to be exposed to scary things wherever they are.”

But, she said, if she can reduce anxiety around that exposure, it helps “open up more space for learning and creativity and play.”

Miller, who was home-schooled through eighth grade, added that the decision to home-school “was just a really logical, non-intimidating solution.”

Though she and her husband plan to assess the decision on an annual basis, for now they’re happy having their children at home

“Obviously, I don’t think you ever eliminate all risk,” she said. “But the one thing kids don’t need in their education is worry.”

— Holly Burns

Sooke, British Columbia

Karissa Parish wasn’t raised in the tradition of her people, the Haida nation. Her grandmother, who attended a government-funded cultural assimilation boarding school like so many other Indigenous children in Canada, married a white man and her family lived a nontraditional life off the reservation. But Parish’s generation has reclaimed its Indigenous Haida identity, which is a big part of how and why she home-schools in the small coastal town of Sooke, British Columbia.

Home education allows her family to embrace Haida values, Parish, 39, said. “I let my kids ‘unschool’ or learn through experience and exposure for the first 10 years,” she said. “That’s a traditional Haida method.”

Parish’s curriculum is also multigenerational, since Haida children are raised collectively by extended family. In Haida, which only a few dozen people still speak, the word for “mother” and “maternal aunt” is the same. Her mother, a keen gardener and local expert in native plants, passes that knowledge on to her grandchildren.

Parish’s journey into home-schooling began in 2008, when she was pregnant with her second child and her eldest was entering kindergarten. She looked at the steep hill between her house and the school and thought of the winter ice and the baby to come. “I didn’t think I could handle it,” she remembered. Home-schooling seemed a better option.

That simple decision blossomed into a 12-year career as she raised five children, now ages 7 to 17, navigated a messy divorce and launched a business as a divorce coach. When I met Parish on my own maternity leave in 2012, she was known as a “super mom” in our community, giving advice on everything from breastfeeding to sleep. Being a home educator only cemented her expertise in our eyes.

“Once I dipped my toe into it, I found home education gave us an incredible amount of freedom,” Parish said. Her kids can learn about what excites them independent of the “one point of view from a government published textbook,” she said. “We can explore issues like Black Lives Matter, Indigenous issues, from a broad place.”

Parish enrolled her kids in the Heritage Christian Online School, or H.C.O.S., which offers a support teacher to guide parents in creating curriculums and evaluating students. The school had particularly appealing resources for her child with special needs, Parish said.

On a typical day, Parish’s kids rise between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. After a few hours of piano, reading, writing and math in the morning, they often explore nature and science through projects like bird watching. She said the kids appreciate the freedom of just a few hours of formal instruction. Her eldest opted for a traditional school starting in seventh grade. Another tried school for a year in fifth grade but was overwhelmed and frustrated by the chaos in the classroom, and returned to home-school.

Parish also takes advantage of community-based programming and online classes, particularly for specialty subjects, like languages, visual arts and science. She said this variety is particularly useful for “reluctant learners,” who would rather whine and evade than buckle down.

“The most wonderful thing is that you’re home with your kids all the time. And the worst thing is that you’re home, with your kids, all the time,” Parish laughed. “A lot more parents may understand that now.”

— Nicola Jones

Vancouver, Wash.

Angela Maguire had no problem with her sons’ education back in 2017. Her two boys were going to a progressive, independent school with no grades and plenty of outdoor time in their hometown Vancouver, Wash. — a suburb just north of Portland across the Washington-Oregon border.

It was her life she couldn’t stand.

“I had been a yearbook rep for a publishing company and I was working tons, 60-hour weeks, and the kids were always complaining that they never saw me,” Maguire, 45, said.

This chronic stress was business as usual until, one day, it occurred to her that she could stop. In 2017, Maguire quit her job of 17 years as a yearbook rep and began pursuing an evergreen fantasy: What if her family left everything behind and traveled the world?

By August 2019, the family had sold their house and many of their possessions, and set off to be both unschoolers and worldschoolers.

Unschooling is an educational movement based on the idea that children learn best when their education is self-directed. Worldschooling works from the belief that the best way to learn is by interacting with the world. Many worldschoolers also unschool, allowing families to travel to tap into their kids’ natural curiosity.

The Maguires started worldschooling in La Herradura, Spain, where Angela discovered that her new approach to education conflicted with her instinct to structure their days. Before long, this structure became a burden.

“It somehow turned into me making these check boxes,” Maguire said, and it wasn’t going well. Her sons, Oliver and Jamison, then ages 9 and 7, “resisted doing their work with groans, and my relationship with them started to look like what it did at home.”

Maguire decided to make Mondays “choice day” and her kids loved it, she said. Her kids had full control over what they were learning. If there was a mutually appealing historical site nearby, they could decide to spend a whole day there.

Choice Monday soon became every day, and breakfast is now followed with “How do you want your learning to look today?” Her husband, Christopher, a software developer who has continued to work while they’re abroad, joins in when he can.

So far, the Maguires have traveled to the Netherlands, Spain, England, Bulgaria and Morocco. School tends to include a mix of creative projects, reading, math and board games, mixed with video games to socialize with friends back home. Some outside-the-house activities are more structured, like visits to the British Museum, and some are more informal, like trips to the park.

Maguire said that even simple activities, like navigating the local playground, come with lessons in “socializing and cooperation and perseverance.”

The cost of worldschooling — a couple of tablets, online subscriptions, plane tickets and Airbnbs — are less than their old mortgage and car payments, Maguire said. Emotionally, the kids are “so happy!”

The hardest part of unschooling for Maguire has been getting out of her kids’ way.

“I’m having to completely transition my approach with them — to not just focusing on getting something done, which was the essence of our relationship at home, but to stepping back and watching and supporting and encouraging them,” she said. Maguire said she’s convinced her sons are getting a good education based on research and the boys’ responses.

Still, the expectations of their old life, the one they may or may not return to depending on their desires and the state of the world, continue to creep up.

“It’s hard, but I just have to remember to trust, and let go of my fear.”

— Elissa Strauss

Myakka City, Fla.

For many parents, schooling is about exposing their children to the wider world. For Marilyn Byler, a Mennonite from the conservative heartland of Lancaster, Pa., home-schooling her three sons is about protecting them from the world’s unwanted influences.

In 2009, Byler moved with her husband to Sarasota, Fla., where a vibrant Amish and Mennonite resort community, called Pinecraft, lives. They later moved to Myakka City. But Mennonite schools are harder to find there, she said. The only school run by her church was an hour away.

And the nearby public school was out of the question for her. Secular schools would lead to unwanted influences, including teachings about evolution, and entertainment, such as secular music and video games, that might contradict their Christian beliefs, Byler, 40, said.

A child is “like a tender plant,” she said. “We would prefer to keep them in a more sheltered environment and be able to teach them and help them to grow properly before they’re faced with a lot of big things in life that they have to decide against.”

Like the Amish, conservative Mennonites maintain a separation between themselves and the rest of the world. Notably, they dress differently. Women in more orthodox groups, like the one Byler belongs to, wear dresses and head coverings; women in more liberal groups wear pants.

Unlike the Amish, conservative Mennonites can have electricity in their homes, drive cars and use modern amenities. Mennonites often have their own private schools that teach a curriculum that aligns with how they interpret the Bible.

Byler is in her fifth year as a home-school teacher. She said one of her biggest reasons for avoiding public schools is because the theory of evolution is taught.

To embrace evolution is to say that humans descended from something apelike, rather than by the hands of God, she said. That’s an irreconcilable problem for Byler. And she has taught her sons, ages 9, 7 and 5, accordingly.

“We’re OK with them knowing that stuff and knowing what people think about it,” Byler said of evolutionary theory. “But in the context of the safety of our teaching.”

Byler uses a combination of DVDs and personal teaching for her sons. Her family doesn’t watch TV in their home, though they indulge on occasion in Christian-themed movies (Mennonites avoid entertainment such as non-Christian music, TV and video games.)

Home-schooling, she said, also helps ensure her sons spend time with friends who share their values.

“We’re not against befriending our neighbors,” Byler said. “But the day-to-day influence — there are things like video games, videos, TV, those things that a lot of the kids in public schools would be exposed to, the kind of games, the kind of things that they talk about — that we don’t want ours to be exposed to.”

So they gather with families who share their values.

Every other week, Byler’s children play kickball or softball with other home-schooled Mennonite children. On alternate weeks, they join a Mennonite-led singing group.

There may be less personal time for her and her husband but the benefits of teaching their children at home outweigh the challenges, Byler said.

“We’re building a strong foundation,” she said. “We would love if they stay in the Mennonite circle, and the most important thing for us is their relationship with Jesus.”

— Steve Fisher

An earlier version of this article misstated the surname of the actress known for her work in "Modern Family." She is Aubrey Anderson-Emmons, not Emmons-Anderson.

How we handle corrections

Our Services

College Admissions Counseling

UK University Admissions Counseling

EU University Admissions Counseling

College Athletic Recruitment

Crimson Rise: College Prep for Middle Schoolers

Indigo Research: Online Research Opportunities for High Schoolers

Delta Institute: Work Experience Programs For High Schoolers

Graduate School Admissions Counseling

Private Boarding & Day School Admissions

Online Tutoring

Essay Review

Financial Aid & Merit Scholarships

Our Leaders and Counselors

Our Student Success

Crimson Student Alumni

Our Reviews

Our Scholarships

Careers at Crimson

University Profiles

US College Admissions Calculator

GPA Calculator

Practice Standardized Tests

SAT Practice Test

ACT Practice Tests

Personal Essay Topic Generator

eBooks and Infographics

Crimson YouTube Channel

Summer Apply - Best Summer Programs

Top of the Class Podcast

ACCEPTED! Book by Jamie Beaton

Crimson Global Academy

+1 (646) 419-3178

Go back to all articles

Homeschooling vs Traditional Schooling: pros and cons

As a vast majority of the world went remote in early 2020 at the dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic, students had to quickly adapt to remote learning from home. Due to this, many parents began to consider homeschooling for their child rather than return children to their traditional schooling methods. But what are the pros and cons of homeschooling versus traditional schooling?

Homeschooling: the pros

• No commute: Very often, students can only attend certain public schools if they reside in the right district. Alternatively, if they attend a private school further from home, the commute can be long during peak school run hours. As such, homeschooling saves time which can be spent doing further coursework, exploring personal interests, or spending more time with friends and family. 
• Tailor-made Curriculum: Although certain states/countries may have specific requirements on what it takes to graduate from high school if homeschooled, the option does give students and their parents the luxury of exploring personal interests, going at their own pace, and taking advanced courses where the student is able to. 
• Custom Schedule: The typical 8am-3pm does not have to hold true with homeschooling! While some legal requirements for a minimum number of hours may be present, students are able to have flexibility to pursue other goals such as competitive gymnastics, travel the world with their families, etc. 
• Higher performance: According to ThinkImpact, public school students received an average score of 21 out of 36 on the ACT, whereas homeschooled students received an average of 22.8. As for the SATs, homeschoolers scored a nationwide average of 72 points more than their traditional schooled counterparts in the United States in 2020. 
• Safety: The risks of COVID-19, school shootings, and other unfortunate situations are minimized at home. The extent of safety will also vary upon the neighborhood the school and home are located in. 

Homeschooling: the cons

• Social life restrictions: Students who are homeschooled do not have classmates with them daily. As such, they can be lonely unless a solid effort is made to interact with peers their age through other activities such as attending a church or place of worship, sports teams, community events, etc. 
• Pressure on parent’s time: Working a job and raising a child is already a huge time commitment for most adults. As such, being the child’s teacher is an additional burden on parents which not all are able to undertake. Furthermore, a parent will have to ensure that healthy boundaries are set between the parent and child now that the “teacher and student” dynamic is also present. 
• Cost: The cost of a homeschool curriculum can be a few thousand dollars, whereas public school is free. However, it should be noted that homeschool can be cheaper than private school, so it is up to a family to decide how to best use their educational budget here. 

Traditional Schooling: the pros

• Social life and development: At school, teens get to spend dozens of hours each week with peers their age, thus giving them a platform to develop their social skills.
• Professional instruction: Teachers at schools are qualified, trained professionals who have mastered their craft and in the later grades specialize in their area of instruction. 
• Structure:  Many children thrive on having a set routine and structure in their daily schedules, and schools are the greatest source of structure in a youngster’s life. 
• Extracurriculars: Schools, especially those with a larger student population, tend to offer extracurriculars which a student is not able to acquire at home. Be it being a part of the chess club, trying out for the football team, or running for student government, certain activities cannot be done in a home setting.
• School spirit: Being a member of a school helps develop a youngster’s identity, and students are able to obtain a sense of belonging (provided the school is a good fit for them, of course!). 
• Fostering independence: From keeping track of their own timetable (deadlines, bus schedules, etc), purchasing/bringing their lunch, and finding their way from classes, traditional schooling helps build valuable life skills which shall help students once they graduate. 

Traditional Schooling: the cons

• More traditional curriculum: Instead of exploring their own interests, students are forced to study subjects at the same pace as their classmates and course selection is more limited.
• Peer pressure: Be it wearing the latest Nike shoes, fitting in with the cool crowd, or dealing with bullies, peer pressure plays a big part of a teenager’s life and is more present in traditional schooling environments.
• Overwhelmed teachers: Many teachers have dozens of students on their roster and getting each student’s individual needs met is not often accomplished. 
• Fitting in: Perhaps the school is simply not a good fit for who your child is – be it the type of curriculum offered, the crowd present, or the overall management of the school. 

While these are just a few of the pros and cons seen in traditional schooling vs homeschooling, I would like to remind you that there is no direct answer as to which option is better. A family needs to consider their own needs to make this decision, including their time, teaching capabilities, educational budget, location, future goals, and resources. Here at Crimson we are always happy to discuss these options and also work together to advise a hybrid model if necessary – where students may take some courses outside of school in addition to the courses in their regular schooling. The pandemic has made more families consider homeschooling after seeing how their child has been handling remote learning – but before you jump the gun, make sure to consider all the pros and cons thoroughly! 

Your friendly neighbourhood Rise blogger, 

Learn more about Crimson Rise’s strategic mentorship, academic support, and extracurricular coaching for young students, and request a free consultation on your child’s journey!

More Articles

Coalition app: everything you need to know.

How to Show Intellectual Curiosity on Your Top College Application

Best Senior Project Ideas for High School Students + 42 Real Student Examples

Why Homeschool?

Why should I homeschool? Why are more choosing to school at home? What are homeschooling advantages and benefits? Many parents have questioned if public school is best for their child. “Is my child receiving the best education possible?” “Is the public school environment where my child will learn my values?” “Is my child receiving a quality education or are the educational values being taught and social distractions steering them in the wrong direction?” “Who should be in control of what my child learns?” “Who can raise my child better than or as well as I can?”

Only you can decide what is right for your family and your children. Homeschooling gives you a viable alternative allowing you to be the one to raise your children in such an important aspect of their lifelong education, their schooling.

Sounds like something every parent would do if they could, right? So you would think the decision to homeschool should be easy, but it is not. The decision to homeschool your children does not manifest lightly. It involves wholehearted dedication of efforts and means by the entire family.

Many families have several individual reasons for homeschooling their children, each one with a little different meaning for each child’s experiences. Families turn to homeschooling for a variety of benefits: learning, teaching, control, time, socialization/self-identity, protection, college, family, and religion/faith.

“I can do it better myself,” is a common reason among homeschooling moms.

Teaching: Teaching partners with learning. When effective teaching is missing from our schools, parents turn to homeschooling. “I can do it better myself,” is a common reason among homeschooling moms who have fled public school corrals where their child was falling through the cracks, or just simply bored and not learning. It is not always the teacher’s fault. Public schools attempt to educate mass numbers of students with a one-size-fits-all system with time restraints, discipline challenges, and ineffective curriculum which inhibit the teacher’s ability to meet individualized student needs. Homeschooling allows for one-on-one tutoring with effective curriculum and quality literature, while giving more time and opportunity for history and science related field trips to museums and a variety of hands-on experiences, along with “outside world” “out of the box” opportunities that help create a lasting learning environment.

Time: Anyone who has a teenager has heard that “school is a waste of time.” Your defiant teenager may be onto something. Children learn best by practicing worthwhile skills while receiving immediate individual feedback. In a traditional school setting, effective learning techniques are limited because of time restraints with large classes and classroom discipline. Homeschooling allows for direct learning, reflection, and immediate feedback needed to effectively learn new skills and create a lasting concept map of the new skills. Public schools also limit what can be done outside of school because of the limited number of hours available in a day. Homeschooling gives the freedom and flexibility to adjust schedules for extra curricular activities, special events, outings, vacations and unexpected times without upsetting your child’s educational progression.

Parents of homeschooled children have the opportunity to guide their children to make better social decisions.

Children are not ready to self-govern their lives. They mimic whoever they admire and are around on a regular basis when handling social interactions. School-age children need and crave the guidance of adults. Parents of homeschooled children have the opportunity to guide their children to make better social decisions by directing their social experiences to more positive situations with well-behaved and like-minded children who are likewise taught good decision making and individual choice in social situations. While challengers argue that all parents have this opportunity, taken or not, since homeschooled children are with their own family more hours of the day, they are taught how to make decisions and are held accountable for their decisions with more parental guidance.

Protection: Proponents of homeschooling believe protecting children is important, while others worry that homeschooled children are too “sheltered” from reality. Parents should be very concerned about sheltering their children from reality. Keeping children from the reality of guns and drugs at school, bullies, emotional abuses tied to not fitting in, having the right clothes, being affluent or not, accelerated sexual promiscuity, and other realities that go with the culture of public and private school can be often altogether avoided or at least restricted and deferred for a few years until the child is more mature and better prepared to handle situations school children are subjected to at younger and younger ages.

College: Homeschooling grooms kids for college academically in many cases with a higher caliber of education, and also the homeschool lifestyle prepares kids for college and life. All parents should teach their children how to be responsible adults, which means becoming responsible for their own actions. Homeschoolers have the opportunity to learn so much more about biblical Christian principles, values and morals while learning how to be themselves, how to question and think critically, how to learn individually, and how to be responsible for their own learning.

The homeschool environment is conducive to the Christian learning environment, incorporating qualities we want to instill in our children that public school ignores or is prohibited from teaching.

Religion: Faith is an important part of many homeschooling families. This is not to shelter our children from secular ideas, but to continue the example of faith in our lives. Many faiths have turned to homeschooling to incorporate their values in their families. The homeschool environment is conducive to the Christian learning environment, incorporating the rituals, habits, and priorities we want to instill in our children that public school ignores or is prohibited from teaching. Qualities such as serving others, praying together, and other moral guiding principles are instilled in our everyday teaching and our examples which we are privileged to set for our children.

Many articles perpetuating lists of reasons to homeschool your child are a general accounting of ideas that won’t offend anyone on either side. The fact is homeschooling is a way of life. It is a choice with in-depth, personal reasons that go beyond saving money on private school or hoping your child doesn’t get bullied or into drugs. Homeschooling involves changing the upbringing of your child, focusing your whole home, your whole family, and whole life on the future of that child.

Questions or Comments?

Recent articles.

• Correcting Run-on Sentences
• How Does Skipping the Writing Process Affect your Writing?
• Graduating Homeschooling
• Is My Child Ready for Formal Writing?
• Teaching Spelling
• Evaluating Homeschool Writing Curriculums
• How to Teach Essay Writing
• Why Most Writing Curriculums Fail (and How to Make Sure your Homeschooler Doesn't!)
• Top Five Reasons Students Hate to Write (and How You can Help!)
• College Preparation for Homeschooled Students

H e is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. Luke 6:48

View, Print, and Practice the Sample Lessons

(We're here to help you teach!)

Now Available!

Free Reading Lists Get your copy today!

Have a struggling writer? Maybe he hates writing? Does your student just need to learn how to write? Long for teacher-friendly lesson plans you can quickly prepare and teach? Desire a writing curriculum your children will enjoy while learning creatively?

• Complete Lesson Plans
• Free Assessment Tests
• Free Reading Lists
• Organization for Writing
• Checklists & Guidelines
• Brainstorm & Outline Forms

Open doors to writing success!

Contact Rebecca . Rebecca Celsor will answer your questions regarding how to easily teach your child to write.

" Its step-by-step approach to writing was helpful to my daughters. It was also very easy to use the curriculum with both my daughters, even though they are in different grades. Since most of the work is done independently, students do not need to be at the same grade or ability level. "

• Course Selection Assistance
• Suggested Age Levels for Homeschool Writing
• Entry Level I - Prepare to Write
• Entry Level II - Creating Sentences
• Level 1 - Sentence to Paragraph
• Level 2 - Paragraph
• Level 3 - Essay
• Free Curriculum Writing Samples
• Example Teaching Videos
• Online Grading Service
• Writing Skills Reference Folder
• How to Present a Lesson
• Grading Writing
• Key Points for Grading Writing
• MindBenders®
• Order Curriculum Packages
• Order Worksheets Only
• Refund/Return Policy
• Selecting Home School Curriculum
• Writing Preparation
• Writing Development
• High School and Beyond
• Homeschool Co-ops
• Homeschool How To
• The Story Behind TWF
• Why Another Writing Curriculum?
• Copyright Information

He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock . Luke 6:48

Dedicated to equipping God's children with the ability to communicate His Truth to the world.

• Teaching Tools
• Curriculum Ordering
• homeschool writing curriculum
• home school writing samples
• Mind Benders®
• Online Grading

Copyright © 2021 TheWriteFoundation.org

web site design - evolvethebrand.com

• 0 Shopping Cart $ 0.00 -->

Research Facts on Homeschooling

Research facts on homeschooling, homeschooling: the research.

Research Facts on Homeschooling, Homeschool Fast Facts

Brian D. Ray, Ph.D. May 8, 2024    Copyright © 2024 National Home Education Research Institute

This article gives key research facts on homeschooling

General facts, statistics, and trends.

• There were about 3.1 million homeschool students in 2021-2022 in grades K-12 in the United States  (roughly 6% of school-age children). There were about 2.5 million homeschool students in spring 2019 (or 3% to 4% of school-age children) [note 1]. The homeschool population had been growing at an estimated 2% to 8% per annum over the past several years, but it grew drastically from 2019-2020 to 2020-2021.

• Homeschooling – that is, parent-led home-based education; home education – is an age-old traditional educational practice that a decade ago appeared to be cutting-edge and “alternative” but is now bordering on “mainstream” in the United States. It may be the fastest-growing form of education in the United States. Home-based education has also been growing around the world in many other nations (e.g., Australia, Canada, France, Hungary, Japan, Kenya, Russia, Mexico, South Korea, Thailand, and the United Kingdom).
• A demographically wide variety of people homeschool – these are atheists, Christians, and Mormons; conservatives, libertarians, and liberals; low-, middle-, and high-income families; black, Hispanic, and white; parents with Ph.D.s, GEDs, and no high-school diplomas. One nationwide study shows that 41% of homeschool students are Black, Asian, Hispanic, and others (i.e., not White/non-Hispanic) (U.S. Department of Education, 2019).
• Taxpayers spend an average of $16,446 per pupil annually in public schools, plus capital expenditures (National Education Association, 2023). The roughly 3.1 million homeschool students of 2021-22 represented a savings of over $51 billion for taxpayers. This is $51 billion that American taxpayers did not have to spend.
• Taxpayers spend nothing on the vast majority of homeschool students, while homeschool families spend an average of $600 per student annually for their education. Families engaged in home-based education are not dependent on public, tax-funded resources for their children’s education.
• Homeschooling is quickly growing in popularity among minorities. About 41% of homeschool families are non-white/non-Hispanic (i.e., not white/Anglo).
• It is estimated that over 9 million Americans had experienced being homeschooled as of February of 2020.

Reasons and Motivations for Home Educating

Most parents and youth decide to homeschool for more than one reason. The most common reasons given for homeschooling are the following:

• customize or individualize the curriculum and learning environment for each child,
• accomplish more academically than in schools,
• use pedagogical approaches other than those typical in institutional schools,
• enhance family relationships between children and parents and among siblings,
• provide guided and reasoned social interactions with youthful peers and adults,
• provide a safer environment for children and youth, because of physical violence, drugs and alcohol, psychological abuse, racism, and improper and unhealthy sexuality associated with institutional schools, and
• as an alternative education approach when public or private institutional schools are closed due to acute health situations such as related to disease (e.g., Covid-19, Coronavirus)
• protect minority children from racism in public schools or lower expectations of children of color (e.g., black) (e.g., Fields-Smith, 2020; Mazama & Lundy, 2012).
• teach and impart a particular set of values, beliefs, and worldview to children and youth.

Academic Performance

• The home-educated typically score 15 to 25 percentile points above public-school students on standardized academic achievement tests (Ray, 2010, 2015, 2017; Ray & Hoelzle, 2024). (The public school average is roughly the 50 th percentile; scores range from 1 to 99.) A 2015 study found Black homeschool students to be scoring 23 to 42 percentile points above Black public school students (Ray, 2015).
• 78% of peer-reviewed studies on academic achievement show homeschool students perform statistically significantly better than those in institutional schools ( Ray, 2017 ).
• Homeschool students score above average on achievement tests regardless of their parents’ level of formal education or their family’s household income.
• Whether homeschool parents were ever certified teachers is not notably related to their children’s academic achievement.
• Degree of state control and regulation of homeschooling is not related to academic achievement.
• Home-educated students typically score above average on the SAT and ACT tests that colleges consider for admissions.
• Homeschool students are increasingly being actively recruited by colleges.

Social, Emotional, and Psychological Development (Socialization)

• Research facts on homeschooling show that the home-educated are doing well, typically above average, on measures of social, emotional, and psychological development. Research measures include peer interaction, self-concept, leadership skills, family cohesion, participation in community service, and self-esteem.
• 87% of peer-reviewed studies on social, emotional, and psychological development show homeschool students perform statistically significantly better than those in conventional schools ( Ray, 2017 ).
• Homeschool students are regularly engaged in social and educational activities outside their homes and with people other than their nuclear-family members. They are commonly involved in activities such as field trips, scouting, 4-H, political drives, church ministry, sports teams, and community volunteer work.
• The balance of research to date suggests that homeschool students may suffer less harm (e.g., abuse, neglect, fatalities) than conventional school students.
• Adults who were home educated are more politically tolerant than the public schooled in the limited research done so far.

Gender Differences in Children and Youth Respected?

• One researcher finds that homeschooling gives young people an unusual chance to ask questions such as, “Who am I?” and “What do I really want?,” and through the process of such asking and gradually answering the questions home-educated girls develop the strengths and the resistance abilities that give them an unusually strong sense of self.
• Some think that boys’ energetic natures and tendency to physical expression can more easily be accommodated in home-based education. Many are concerned that a highly disproportionate number of public school special-education students are boys and that boys are 2.5 times as likely as girls in public schools to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Success in the “Real World” of Adulthood

The research base on adults who were home educated is growing; thus far it indicates that:

• 69% of peer-reviewed studies on success into adulthood (including college) show adults who were home educated succeed and perform statistically significantly better than those who attended institutional schools ( Ray, 2017 ).
• they participate in local community service more frequently than does the general population (e.g., Seiver & Pope, 2022 ),
• these adults vote and attend public meetings more frequently than the general population
• they go to and succeed at college at an equal or higher rate than the general population
• by adulthood, they internalize the values and beliefs of their parents at a high rate

General Interpretation of Research on Homeschool Success or Failure

It is possible that homeschooling causes the positive traits reported above. However, the research designs to date do not conclusively “prove” or substantiate that homeschooling causes these things. One hypothesis is that the positive findings might be due to the demographics of the homeschool students and families in the studies. The “sources” (articles) below explain limitations and caveats regarding the studies. More methodologically stronger research needs to be done to find whether homeschooling is what leads to or causes better outcomes.  At the same time, there is no empirical evidence that homeschooling overall causes negative things compared to institutional schooling. Future research may better answer the question of causation.

1. For more detail, see How Many Homeschool Students Are There in the United States? The March of 2021 estimate is based on data from state governments (e.g., Delaware, Florida, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, and Virginia), the U.S. Census Bureau (2021), and the U.S. Department of Education (2019). See McDonald (2020). The spring 2019 estimate was based on an estimate of about 2.5% per annum growth from estimates of 2 million home-educated children during the spring of 2010 and 2.3 million spring of 2016 in the United States (Ray, 2011). The estimate of 2.3 million in 2016 was calculated by Brian D. Ray, the author of this fact sheet, on April 7, 2016. He based it on publicly available research findings.

The above findings are extensively documented in one or more of the following sources, and most are available from www.nheri.org:

• Cheng, Albert. (2014). Does homeschooling or private schooling promote political intolerance? Evidence from a Christian university. Journal of School Choice: International Research and Reform , 8(1), 49-68 [a peer-reviewed journal].
• Fields-Smith, Cheryl. (2020). Exploring single black mothers’ resistance through homeschooling . Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan Cham.
• Mazama, Ama; & Lundy, Garvey. (2012, August 26). African American homeschooling as racial protectionism. Journal of Black Studies, 43 (7) 723–748.
• McDonald, Kerry. (2020). Homeschooling more than doubles during the pandemic: State-level data show just how dramatic the surge in homeschooling has been. Retrieved December 29, 2020 from https://fee.org/articles/homeschooling-more-than-doubles-during-the-pandemic/
• Mead, Sara. (2006). The truth about boys and girls.
• Medlin, Richard G. (2013). Homeschooling and the question of socialization revisited. Peabody Journal of Education, 88 (3), 284-297 [a peer-reviewed journal].
• Murphy, Joseph. (2012). Homeschooling in America: Capturing and assessing the movement . Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin, a Sage Company.
• National Education Association. (2023). Rankings of the States 2022 and Estimates of School Statistics 2023,  https://www.nea.org/sites/default/files/2023-04/2023-rankings-and-estimates-report.pdf
• Ray, Brian D. (2004). Home educated and now adults: Their community and civic involvement, views about homeschooling, and other traits. Salem, Oregon: NHERI.
• Ray, Brian D. (2004). Homeschoolers on to college: What research shows us. Ray, Journal of College Admission , No. 185, 5-11 [a peer-reviewed journal].
• Ray, Brian D. (2010). Academic achievement and demographic traits of homeschool students: A nationwide study. Academic Leadership Journal, 8, www.academicleadership.org [a peer-reviewed journal]. For a free copy, contact us .
• Ray, Brian D. (2013). Homeschooling associated with beneficial learner and societal outcomes but educators do not promote it. Peabody Journal of Education, 88 (3), 324-341 [a peer-reviewed journal].
• Ray, Brian D. (2015). African American homeschool parents’ motivations for homeschooling and their Black children’s academic achievement. Journal of School Choice, 9 :71–96 [a peer-reviewed journal]. For a free copy, contact us .
• Ray, Brian D. (2017). A systematic review of the empirical research on selected aspects of homeschooling as a school choice. Journal of School Choice , 11 (4), 604-621 [a peer-reviewed journal]
• Ray, Brian D.; & Hoelzle, Braden R. (2024). Reasons for homeschooling and the correlates of home-educated students’ academic achievement: A new U.S. nationwide study. Presented at International School Choice and Reform Conference, Madrid, Spain, January 6, 2024.
• Ray, Brian D.; & Shakeel, M. Danish. (2022). Demographics are predictive of child abuse and neglect but homeschool versus conventional school is a nonissue: Evidence from a nationally representative survey. Journal of School Choice, https://doi.org/10.1080/15582159.2022.2108879  [a peer-reviewed journal]
• Seiver, Jillene Grove; & Pope, Elisa A. (2022). The kids are alright II: social engagement in young adulthood as a function of k-12 schooling type, personality traits, and parental education level. Home School Researcher , 37 (2), 1-9.
• Sheffer, Susannah. (1995). A sense of self: Listening to homeschooled adolescent girls .
• United States Department of Education. (2019) Homeschooling in the United States: Results from the 2012 and 2016 Parent and Family Involvement Survey (PFINHES: 2012 and 2016). Retrieved November 3, 2020 from https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2020/2020001.pdf

About the Author

Brian D. Ray, Ph.D. is an internationally known researcher  (see Google Scholar Profile for many of his publications), educator, speaker, and expert witness, and serves as president of the nonprofit National Home Education Research Institute. He is a former certified teacher in public and private schools and served as a professor in the fields of science, research methods, and education at the graduate and undergraduate levels. He holds a Ph.D. in science education from Oregon State University, a M.S. in zoology from Ohio University, and a B.S. in biology from the University of Puget Sound. Dr. Ray has been studying the homeschool movement since about 1984.

For more homeschool research and more in-depth interpretation of research, media, journalists, and others please contact:

National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI)

PO Box 13939 Salem OR 97309 USA

tel. (503) 364‑1490 [email protected] www.nheri.org

Copyright © 2024 by National Home Education Research Institute

About nheri.

NHERI conducts homeschooling research, is a clearinghouse of research for the public, researchers, homeschoolers, the media, and policy makers, and educates the public concerning the findings of all related research. NHERI executes, evaluates, and disseminates studies and information (e.g., statistics, facts, data) on homeschooling (i.e., home schooling, home-based education, home education, home school, home-schooling, unschooling, deschooling, a form of alternative education), publishes reports and the peer-reviewed scholarly journal Home School Researcher, and serves in consulting, academic achievement tests, and expert witness (in courts and legislatures).

PO Box 13939 Salem, OR 97309 503-364-1490 503-364-3837 fax contact NHERI

• Academic Leadership Journal
• Bibliography of Research on Homeschooling
• Education Resources Information Center
• Home School Researcher journal
• NHERI on Research
• NHERI Research News
• Journal of School Choice review of research

About Homeschooling

• Classical Conversations
• Home School Legal Defense Association
• Homeschool Freedom in your state
• Homeschool World
• Homeschooling Today
• State Homeschool Organizations
• The Old Schoolhouse
• The Teaching Home

You must be logged in to post a comment.

93 Homeschooling Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best homeschooling topic ideas & essay examples, ⭐ good research topics about homeschooling, 📝 simple & easy homeschooling essay titles, ❓ homeschooling research questions.

• Home School Versus Public School These two types of schools are also similar in that most of the subjects taught in public schools and home schools are the same.
• Is Homeschooling Better? The points forwarded by the proponents of homeschooling like flexibility, excellent performance and individualized learning should be disregarded since it is not in conformity with government’s policy on education.
• Homeschooling is a Viable Alternative to Public School General information: In public discourse, homeschooling can be seen as inferior to mainstream education and criticized as unregulated and ineffective from the standpoint of socialization.
• Home Schooling From the Nursing Perspective Much to the credit of both sides, one must admit that the proponents of homeschooling and the supporters of the traditional teaching approach act on behalf of the child and in the latter’s interests.
• Sociology: Home School Environment Homeschooling may also cause stress in a child because when the contents get tough, the child may have no peer to talk to, and the guardian is not suitable for such talks.
• Homeschooling Is Changing in America Such a publication seems to be relevant for the ongoing study because it sheds light on the diversity of homeschooling in the United States to a great extent.
• The Success of Homeschooling and How the Program Can Be Increased One of the first steps to undertake is to develop a proper assessment framework in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of current homeschooling methods.
• Homeschooling Growth in the United States and Its Legalization In a recent study in America, it was found that eighty-five percent of parents enrolled their children in home schools because of fear about the environment of other schools.
• Selection of Literature on Homeschooling The main achievement is the explanation of the very essence of the term homeschooling. The current culture is fighting for the fulfilment of the educational standards.
• Home Schooling and Children’s Social Development Going back in time, the victory of the 13-years old Rebecca Sealfon in the contest Scripps National Spelling Bee in 1997, brought the attention of the country to the phenomenon that is called homeschooling.
• Homeschooled Kids in the U.S. The increase in the amount of interest is due to the increased number of homeschoolers in America. This paper aims to understand this growing trend in the US and the reason behind the increasing popularity […]
• Advantages Arguments of Homeschooling According to the Education Resource Centre, Home schooling is providing education to children based at home as opposed to public and private schools.
• Home Schooling and Public Schooling Comparison Before the introduction of compulsory education laws in the 19th century, education of children was conducted mainly in their homes and families.
• After-School Program and Homeschooling: Comparison Visits to cultural sites and memorials to encourage the knowledge of history and the education of spirituality an hour and a half.
• Public School Access for Homeschoolers First of all, there should be enough space for homeschool students in the class, and a teacher should be able to provide them all with the necessary materials.
• Homeschooling, Its Advantages and Disadvantages Nowadays, education is extremely important because it provides the representatives of the general public to receive the knowledge needed to live an independent life to the fullest.
• Homeschooling as a Valid Alternative to Formal Education One of the main questions that should be examined is the academic performance of children who were educated in this way.
• The Significance of Home Schooling This article examines the concept of home schooling. 4, 2002, p.197.
• The Arguments and Debates of the Home Schooling System The learner and the facilitator are able to twist or manipulate the learning times in a way that satisfies their comfort and schedule.
• Positive Development: Home School vs. Public School The decision on whether to home school or take a child to a public school is vital to the future of the child.
• Homeschooling Factors in America A number of people fathom that the only way to restore the value of education in reference to the requirements of Christianity is when people home school their children.
• Homeschooling as an Option for Formal Education This is because of some of the disadvantages that come with homeschooling. This is because of the challenges that come with it.
• Homeschooling and Depriving Children of Social Development
• Homeschooling vs. Public School: Which Is More Beneficial
• High School Kids and Homeschooling: Stereotypes and Perks
• Social Factors That Affect Homeschooling
• The Misconception About Homeschooling and the Benefits of Learning at Home
• Preference for Homeschooling Over Traditional Schooling
• Homeschooling: Alternative Education and Independent Study
• Compelling Reasons for Homeschooling
• Homeschooling: Left Behind, Jumping Ahead
• The Benefits of Homeschooling – Education and Public College
• Homeschooling: Academics, Socialization and College
• Homeschooling: Education and Supervision
• Ethical Questions Regarding Homeschooling
• Homeschooling Versus Public Schooling
• Reasons Why Parents Are Choosing Homeschooling
• Differences Between Homeschooling and Public Education
• Homeschooling Prepares Students for College
• Homeschooling and the Community
• Homeschooling and Family Education
• Technology Business Opportunity for Homeschooling
• Homeschooling and Saving Children From Destruction
• Homeschooling and Its Effect on Children
• The Benefits and Factors of Homeschooling
• The Legitimacy and Advantages of Homeschooling
• Good Homeschooling and Public School in the United States
• Homeschooling and Childhood Socialization
• Should Homeschooling Replace Regular Schooling
• Homeschooling: Are Parents Really Helping Their Children
• Homeschooling and Traditional Education: Advantages and Disadvantages
• Public Education and Homeschooling: The Best Known Techniques
• Homeschooling Advantages and Disadvantages
• Public Schools Should Take Ideas From Homeschooling
• Homeschooling Laws What You Should Know
• Tips for Successful Homeschooling
• What Homeschooling Can Do for Public Schooling
• Homeschooling Pros and Cons
• Positive and Negative Aspects of Homeschooling
• Homeschooling: Solution for Educating Girls in Afghanistan
• The Homeschooling: Mom Needs to Socialise Too
• Homeschooling – Not the Better Choice
• Does Homeschooling Deprive Children of Social Development?
• How Can Homeschooling Get You Into a Lot of Trouble?
• What Does Homeschooling Mean to Me?
• Homeschooling: Yes, No, Maybe So?
• What Are the Pros and Cons of Being Homeschooled?
• What Are the Disadvantages of Homeschooling?
• Is It a Good Idea to Be Homeschooled?
• What Is Homeschooling, and How Does It Work?
• Is Homeschool Expensive?
• Is Homeschooling Free?
• Why Shouldn’t You Homeschool Your Child?
• What Do Psychologists Say About Homeschooling?
• Are Homeschoolers Socially Awkward?
• Are Homeschooled Kids More Confident?
• Is Homeschooling Better for Mental Health?
• Are Homeschoolers Happier?
• Are Homeschoolers More Successful?
• Is It Too Late to Start Homeschooling?
• Is Homeschooling Difficult?
• What Are the Five Benefits of Homeschooling?
• Is Homeschool Better Than Public School?
• What Is the Biggest Challenge of Homeschooling?
• Are Homeschoolers Brighter Than Public Schoolers?
• Can You Go to Harvard if You Were Homeschooled?
• Do Colleges Prefer Homeschooled Students?
• Is Homeschooling Good for Anxiety?
• Why Is Homeschooling a Controversial Issue?
• Are Homeschoolers More Likely to Be Abused?
• Why Does Germany Not Allow Homeschooling?
• Why Do Parents Choose to Homeschool?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, September 26). 93 Homeschooling Essay Topic Ideas & Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/homeschooling-essay-topics/

"93 Homeschooling Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." IvyPanda , 26 Sept. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/homeschooling-essay-topics/.

IvyPanda . (2023) '93 Homeschooling Essay Topic Ideas & Examples'. 26 September.

IvyPanda . 2023. "93 Homeschooling Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." September 26, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/homeschooling-essay-topics/.

1. IvyPanda . "93 Homeschooling Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." September 26, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/homeschooling-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "93 Homeschooling Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." September 26, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/homeschooling-essay-topics/.

• Classroom Management Essay Topics
• School Violence Ideas
• Children’s Rights Research Ideas
• Philosophy of Education Paper Topics
• College Students Research Ideas
• International Studies Ideas
• Online Education Topics
• Pedagogy Topics

Home — Essay Samples — Education — Educational System — Homeschooling

Essays on Homeschooling

When it comes to homeschooling, essay writing can be a valuable tool for students to develop critical thinking and communication skills. However, choosing the right topic is crucial to ensure that the essay is engaging, informative, and relevant to the homeschooling experience. In this article, we will discuss the importance of selecting appropriate homeschooling essay topics and provide a detailed list of recommended topics for students to consider.

Choosing the right homeschooling essay topic is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it allows students to explore and express their thoughts and opinions on relevant homeschooling issues, which can contribute to their personal and academic growth. Secondly, a well-chosen topic can make the writing process more enjoyable and meaningful for the student, leading to a higher quality of work. Lastly, the chosen topic should be relevant and engaging for the intended audience, whether it's the student's teacher, classmates, or the wider homeschooling community.

When selecting a homeschooling essay topic, students should consider their personal interests, experiences, and knowledge. It is essential to choose a topic that is meaningful and relevant to the student's homeschooling experience. Additionally, students should consider the audience and purpose of the essay, as well as the availability of credible sources and research materials. By carefully considering these factors, students can choose a topic that will allow them to showcase their critical thinking, writing, and research skills.

Recommended Homeschooling Essay Topics

If you are looking for some interesting homeschooling essay topics, you have come to the right place. Below is a list of 30 different topics structured by categories, to help you find the perfect topic for your essay.

Educational Benefits of Homeschooling

• The impact of individualized learning on homeschooling students
• The role of parents as educators in the homeschooling environment
• The benefits of homeschooling for students with special needs
• Comparing the academic achievements of homeschooled students to traditional school students
• The effectiveness of homeschooling in fostering creativity and critical thinking

Social and Emotional Development in Homeschooling

• The socialization of homeschooling students in comparison to traditional school students
• The impact of homeschooling on the development of social skills and emotional intelligence
• Addressing the misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding homeschooled students
• The role of extracurricular activities and community involvement in homeschooling
• The influence of the homeschooling environment on mental health and well-being

Homeschooling Curriculum and Methods

• Comparing different homeschooling curriculum options
• The benefits and challenges of online homeschooling programs
• The impact of technology on homeschooling education
• Exploring alternative teaching and learning methods in the homeschooling environment
• The role of field trips and hands-on learning in homeschooling

Homeschooling and Legal/Social Issues

• The legal requirements and regulations for homeschooling in different states
• The impact of homeschooling on the public education system
• The influence of cultural and societal attitudes towards homeschooling
• The rights and responsibilities of homeschooling parents and students
• The role of homeschooling advocacy and support groups

Personal Experiences and Reflections on Homeschooling

• The impact of homeschooling on family dynamics and relationships
• Challenges and successes of transitioning from traditional school to homeschooling
• The role of self-motivation and discipline in homeschooling education
• Personal growth and development through the homeschooling experience
• Addressing misconceptions and stereotypes about homeschooling through personal narratives

Global Perspectives on Homeschooling

• The prevalence and acceptance of homeschooling in different countries
• Comparing homeschooling practices and policies in different cultural and social contexts
• The impact of globalization and technology on homeschooling education
• Exploring the role of homeschooling in addressing educational inequality and access to quality education
• The influence of international trends and movements on the homeschooling community

Parental Involvement

• The role of parents as educators in homeschooling
• Challenges and benefits of homeschooling for parents
• Effective communication between parents and children in homeschooling
• Parental support for extracurricular activities in homeschooling
• Balancing work and homeschooling as a parent

Cultural and Diversity Perspectives

• Homeschooling in different cultural contexts
• The impact of homeschooling on religious and cultural beliefs
• Addressing diversity and inclusion in homeschooling
• Homeschooling and multicultural education
• The role of language and heritage in homeschooling

These essay topics should give you a good starting point for exploring the various aspects of homeschooling. By considering these categories and the suggested topics within each, students can identify a relevant and engaging topic for their homeschooling essay. Whether they choose to explore the educational benefits of homeschooling, reflect on their personal experiences, or delve into legal and social issues surrounding homeschooling, there are ample opportunities for students to showcase their critical thinking and writing skills in the context of homeschooling.

Homeschooling Vs Public Schooling: a Comparison and Contrast

The advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling: a comprehensive analysis, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

Each essay is customized to cater to your unique preferences

+ experts online

Argumentative About Homeschooling

Homeschooling and traditional education: advantages and disadvantages, benefits and advantages of homeschooling children, why homeschooling is better than public schools, let us write you an essay from scratch.

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Home Schooling: Today’s Need

Exploring homeschooling as an alternative to public education, why homeschooling is the smartest way to teach kids today, advantages of homeschooling as a holistic approach to education, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

Expert-written essays crafted with your exact needs in mind

Homeschooling as an Alternative Educational Method

Homeschooling: the best or worst idea ever, what are the positive effects of homeschooling, home schooling positive efficacy, intergenerational effects of residential schools on indigenous people, homeschooling vs. public schooling: navigating educational choices, disadvantages of homeschooling: a comprehensive analysis, homeschool vs. public school: educational choices, homeschooling vs public schooling: a debate, public school vs. homeschool, relevant topics.

• Middle School
• High School
• Online Vs. Traditional Classes
• Extracurricular Activities
• Single Sex Schools
• Academic Challenges
• Critical Thinking
• College Experience
• Studying Abroad

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Benefits of Homeschooling

Introduction, school performance, economic benefit, religious advantages, disadvantage, works cited, video voice-over.

Homeschooling refers to the process of a parent or parents schooling their youngsters at home, rather than enrolling them in the nearest public or private academic institution. The US government approximates that about 3% of school-going children were homeschooled either all or mostly in 2012 (“Fast Facts: Home Schooling”). It also found distinct races embraced homeschooling differently. For example, homeschooling uptake was highest among white mothers (83%) and lowest among Asian and Pacific Islanders (2%) (“Fast Facts: Home Schooling”). Debates have arisen concerning whether homeschooling is better than enrolling the youth in new facilities, with experts suggesting it denies them the convenience to learn social and communication skills. Despite the arguments against homeschooling, this essay proposes that teaching kids at home are better than registering them to traditional institutions. In particular, it is safer because it protects children against school shootings, and homeschooled students perform better than their counterparts in education centers. It is also economically beneficial because it saves parents school fees money, and provides guardians with the opportunity to instill their ideal beliefs in their minors.

Some mothers prefer schooling their adolescents at home because it is much safer than attending public or private educational institutions. Homeschooling confines the child within the house environment, reducing social interactions with individuals who might suddenly become violent. However, when guardians enroll pupils in learning facilities, the young adults interact with different people, increasing the infants’ risk of being hurt in dining halls, classes, and school playgrounds. For example, Wolfe and Walker state that “in 46 weeks this year, there have been 45 school killings. That’s nearly an average of one school shooting a week” (para.2). Among the reported cases, the majority were intentional shootings, while the minority were accidental. Either way, undergraduates were harmed in all those incidents, sometimes losing their lives. This evidence insinuates academic centers are riskier regarding children’s safety than homes. Therefore, it is safer to educate children at home than in schools because their chances of suffering physical or emotional harm from their peers are highly reduced.

It is also more beneficial for parents to teach their young ones at home than taking them to ordinary schools because homeschooled children perform better in exams than school-going students. For instance, they outperform school-going children in Scholastic Aptitude and American College tests when applying for colleges and in the overall regular school exams. Brewer and Lubienski found “the home-educated typically score 15 to 30 percentile points above public-school scholars on standardized academic achievement tests” (26). Learners who are taught by their parents manage such exemplary performance because their parents take moments to ensure they grasp a topic before proceeding to the next one. Teachers in schools do not have adequate time to concentrate on one student because they have many pupils to teach per class. Therefore, slow learners are sometimes left to study for themselves, allowing the pupils to remain behind in certain studies and possibly lose interest in difficult subjects. Hence, guardians should teach their youths at home than registering them in public schools.

Homeschooling is also a better option than enrolling children in either public or private schools because it saves parents money, which they can use in other activities. For example, parents are required to pay school fees at the beginning of every term for their children to attend classes. However, school fees are not applicable when homeschooling pupils, which provides guardians with the extra money they can use to finance other educational activities, such as buying revision materials. Brewer and Lubienski discovered that “the cost to educate three children at home is approximately $2,030 for curriculum materials, supplies, a home library, etc. for the year” (29). The cost can be even lower if the parent registers in a public library to borrow relevant books instead of buying them, making homeschooling cheaper than taking children to educational institutions. Therefore, instructing young people at home is better than registering them in learning organizations.

Tutoring students at home is also advantageous than taking them to school because it provides parents with the opportunity to instill ideal religious beliefs in their children. For instance, most students are taught the evolution theory as the ideal explanation for how the Universe was formed. However, not all parents believe in the theory, and the school curriculum does not offer students the opportunity to learn other religious theories that attempt to explain how the universe came into existence. Parents can inform their children about these theories and other ideological ideals, which they deem acceptable to them when homeschooling students. This argument is supported by many parents who stated that they preferred to teach their children at home because it allowed them the opportunity to “use a school curriculum that reinforces their family’s religious beliefs” (Brewer and Lubienski 29). Allowing guardians to instill their ideologies in the children makes homeschooling the best method of providing an education than taking students to school.

Despite the evidence, some people argue that taking young ones to educational facilities is better than tutoring them at home because it prevents children from suffering parental inflicted emotional and bodily harm. For instance, Brewer and Lubienski point out that a family, which homeschooled all its children, “failed to report instances of abuse to law enforcement” (30). The abuse took place at home, when a member of the family sexually abused their siblings, proving that students are not necessarily safer at home than in school. This argument is wrong because it implies that children who go to school are not exposed to parental and another kind of harm prevalent at home. Many parents prefer to teach their children because they care about their academic performance, safety, and personal development. Therefore, they keep the young ones at home to prevent other violent people from harming them. Even the students that attend schools are at risk of parental abuse because they go back home at some point. Therefore, it does not imply that students are safer in school than at home.

In conclusion, there has been an increase in the number of homeschooled children over the last decades because of the advantages it offers to both parents and young ones compared to attending schools. Teaching young people at home provides guardians with the opportunity to spend extra time on topics that the children find difficult, an opportunity that teachers do not have in school. It also helps guardians protect their children against harm, such as school shootings, which are prevalent in educational facilities. Further, it saves parents’ money by removing school fees obligations, which they have to meet at the beginning of every school term. Finally, it allows guardians to instill religious and social ideals that they view as fit for their children. Therefore, more parents should consider homeschooling their children to enjoy these benefits.

Brewer, T. Jameson, and Christopher Lubienski. “Homeschooling in the United States: Examining the Rationales for Individualizing Education.” Pro-Posições , vol. 28, no. 2, 2017, pp. 21-38.

“Fast Facts: Home Schooling.” National Center for Educational Statistics. Web.

Wolfe, Elizabeth, and Christina, Walker. “In 46 Weeks This Year, There Have Been 45 School Shootings.” CNN , 2019. Web.

Cite this paper

Select style

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

ChalkyPapers. (2023, October 10). Benefits of Homeschooling. https://chalkypapers.com/benefits-of-homeschooling/

"Benefits of Homeschooling." ChalkyPapers , 10 Oct. 2023, chalkypapers.com/benefits-of-homeschooling/.

ChalkyPapers . (2023) 'Benefits of Homeschooling'. 10 October.

ChalkyPapers . 2023. "Benefits of Homeschooling." October 10, 2023. https://chalkypapers.com/benefits-of-homeschooling/.

1. ChalkyPapers . "Benefits of Homeschooling." October 10, 2023. https://chalkypapers.com/benefits-of-homeschooling/.

Bibliography

ChalkyPapers . "Benefits of Homeschooling." October 10, 2023. https://chalkypapers.com/benefits-of-homeschooling/.