the disadvantages of home schooling essay

Homeschooling, Its Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

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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. At school, children have an opportunity to learn how to communicate with different people, obtain basic skills and knowledge required for further education or work, and become real members of their communities. However, more and more parents today focus on the benefits of homeschooling.

They believe that such an approach provides their children with the possibility to learn better and base their decision on pedagogical and/or family-related reasons (Guterman & Neuman, 2017). However, even though homeschooling provides freedom, flexibility, and control over the activities aligned with the learning process, it prevents a child from socialization, requires many resources, and excessively increases togetherness.

Homeschooling is rather advantageous because it provides the representatives of the general public with an opportunity to experience freedom. This point includes both the freedom to decide what to do and when and the freedom from adverse situations. For instance, parents have the possibility to change the planned organization of lessons if they are under the pressure of particular circumstances or believe that a child needs to focus on something more.

In addition to that, receiving education at home, children have the possibility to avoid bullies and problems with peers, which influence their mental state negatively. It is also possible to consider religious freedom. In this way, parents are free to decide whether religion should be included in the curriculum or not.

A flexible schedule and an opportunity to change the pace of learning is another advantage of homeschooling. Parents can decide what information to discuss and how to do it. In this way, they can provide their children with “wonderful educational experiences” and ensure “a very stimulating learning environment” (Fedele, 2010, para. 62). Thus, kids are likely to have positive views on education.

Homeschooling provides a lot of control to parents. They are able to make decisions regarding children’s curriculum, diet, and extra-curriculum activities. As a result, parents can devote more hours to studying and ensure that their children eat healthy food (Guterman & Neuman, 2017, p. 303). Thus, homeschooling is the best option for children who have some health issues.

Nevertheless, it is more difficult for those who receive education at home to enter society. Socialization is critical for the future because people need to constantly interact with one another. The school allows children to learn coping mechanisms and understand how to approach various people.

Being educated by parents only, children fail to learn all the information they can receive at school. As a rule, people are good at a limited number of subjects, which means that parents tend to lack knowledge in various spheres. As one of the individuals who practiced homeschooling said, “I’m English, their dad is political science. There are some things we don’t know” (Martin, 2013, para. 24). Still, the situation can be improved if to involve the community but not only parents (Martin, 2013). In this way, practices similar to those maintained at school will be held.

Moreover, family relations can be worsened by excessive togetherness. Spending almost all the time with one another, parents and children may become tired and unwilling to communicate. Conflicts may occur without any significant reasons. This rationale may be appropriate only if a child is “not socially and emotionally ready for school” (Fedele, 2010, para. 7).

Thus, homeschooling is a great option to receive an education without attending school, but it is not its substitute. It seems to be better for children to follow the way of the majority to be aligned with them in the future. Parents are not able to teach everything, they need some time for themselves, and children should be socialized. Homeschooling is the best option if a family faces issues, but it is not the best for a general situation.

Guterman, O., & Neuman, A. (2017). Different reasons for one significant choice: Factors influencing homeschooling choice in Israel. International Review of Education, 63 (3), 303-318.

Fedele, R. (2010). When it comes to schooling, there’s no place like home . Web.

Martin, M. (2013). Parents on the pros and cons of homeschooling . Web.

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The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling

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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.

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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!

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The Disadvantages Of Homeschooling: 11 Things To Consider

Homeschooling can be a wondrous thing. There is so much flexibility! You can study anything your child is interested in, you’ll create unbreakable family bonds, and allow your kid to uniquely flourish on their own. Now, while there are many advantages like these, the disadvantages of homeschooling may not be so obvious to those who are considering transitioning to this way of life. Plus, here’s a helpful handbook to help you decide between homeschool vs. traditional school

What are the Cons of Homeschooling you may want to Consider

Homeschooling is a method of educating children from the comfort of your own home (or on the road!). It can be done at home by parents or through an organized program funded by your state. Deciding if homeschool is for you can come down to many things. Everything from the type of homeschooling you prefer to do, your actual homeschool daily schedule , and your child’s individual needs.

The Disadvantages Of Homeschooling Your Children

Now, homeschooling is a great alternative for many families, but it isn’t perfect. There are disadvantages to homeschooling that you should consider before making your decision. In this post, we will discuss 11 disadvantages of homeschooling children. We hope that this article will help you make the right decision for your family!

Knowing what may lie ahead will make you that much more prepared.

1. Socialization Difficulties

One of the first disadvantages of homeschooling that comes to mind for most is the difficulty in socializing children. We all know the importance of having our child interact with other children their own age.

As part of their developmental health and ability to form social skills, kids need to learn to form bonds with others.

Of course, they can make friends outside of school, but it will take more effort for both you and your child. You will have to ensure they are a part of group activities and must actively arrange meetings/playdates.

In a traditional school, kids spend hours with each other every day, so these bonds form quickly. It may take a little longer for your child to form bonds when they can’t see them each day of the week!

2. Requires More Organization

You’re wearing two hats when it comes to homeschooling: teacher and parent. Without a homeschool schedule or planning, things can quickly feel out of control, and the stress piles on.

Homeschooling parents need to set aside time to plan lessons, hands-on experiences, and activities for the kids to do. Also, some kids cannot do independent learning, and you may need to be with them every step of the way.

While you’re being an active teacher, you also still need to manage the house, cook meals and have time to do the things you enjoy as a parent yourself.

Between planning and implementing, many underestimate the true time commitment of homeschooling. It is a full-time commitment in order for the child to receive a quality education.

3. No Big Events To Look Forward To

Many of life’s biggest moments happen when you’re in school. Just look at any movie set in high school! They almost always revolve around prom, graduation ceremonies, homecoming, or going to the first big game of the season.

These events are exciting for kids to look forward to at any age. Think of everything from field trips to band camp to sports tournaments.

Similar events can happen for those who are homeschooled, but it certainly takes extra effort from the parents to make it a bang.

4. Homeschooling Materials Can Get Expensive

Cost is one of the many disadvantages of homeschooling that people don’t think about. Public school, of course, is free, with the checkbook having to come out for things, such as sports uniforms or tickets to the school play.

What you don’t think about are all the free materials being provided, from textbooks from the library all the way to computer software you don’t have on the laptop at home.

This can also include additional resources the school provides, such as guidance counselors, support teachers, and even all the extracurriculars. If your child wants to join the track team or learn an instrument, that will come out of pocket rather than the schools.

Since coming up with a curriculum can be so time-consuming for the parent, many parents opt to choose programs that already have it all laid out . And, those sure can get pricey!

Also, due to the time commitment, one partner often forgoes full-time employment in order to educate the kids. Losing an entire income stream is a big sacrifice for many families.

Lastly, when your child is ready to graduate from homeschool and move out into the big world of college, they may have access to fewer scholarships. This can include sports scholarships (as it is harder to be recognized), scholarships from the high school, school district scholarships, etc.

5. Lack Of Facilities

Schools certainly put tax dollars to good use. Many public schools have great facilities that you just can’t replicate at home. This means no gyms, running tracks, band rooms, chemistry labs, theatres, lunch programs, and more.

You can find many of these facilities outside of school, but it doesn’t come without a little effort. It can be difficult to find certain team sports, especially for younger kids.

These facilities for extracurricular activities also expose kids to hobbies they never thought to try before. As a parent, it is up to you to ensure they try as many new experiences as possible…even if you’re not good with the paintbrush yourself!

6. Requires More Discipline

Anyone who has tried to work from home will know that distractions are everywhere. Why wake up early if you don’t have to make it to your first class? Why read a book when the TV is only a few steps away? Work for another ten minutes or have a snack now?

You can never wait for motivation to strike. Unfortunately, that sucker is unreliable. Instead, you have to learn to evoke discipline to get things done even when the desire is simply not there.

At school, you just have to show up. Even those who gaze out the window surely must hear some of the words the teacher says at the front of the room!

Some kids even thrive being around others where the competition helps them excel. But, as a parent, you have to be your kids’ own personal cheerleader and motivate them when they’re down.

7. Fewer Breaks for Parents and Kids, Too! 

A moment of realness here… homeschooling likely means you’re going to be with your kid 24/7. It’s one of the disadvantages of homeschooling some parents might not like to admit.

Practically free child care, you will have to pay for a babysitter or arrange for someone to look after the kids. Or, you will have to get a heck of a lot done in the hour they are at Girl Scouts!

There are ups and downs to being with your kids all the time. For many, the bonds of a parent and child who is homeschooled are unbeatable. But, it can also be lonely and isolating for parents, as they no longer have much free time to be with their own friends and support systems.

Online homeschooling support systems can help with this.

The exhaustion factor for not having a break from the kids going to school will also creep up on you. Making food, keeping the house in order, and working for some can get pushed to the wayside. Hobbies and nights out are a whole other concern!

8. Dealing With Criticism

Anything outside of the norm, people will have qualms about. Without a doubt, it is hard to break the mold and do your own thing.

People may not understand your decision to homeschool and understand the benefits it is providing your child. Everyone from trained professionals to other parents may not like to see homeschooling succeed.

Overcoming a stigmatism surrounding homeschool will be something you will have to deal with for years. Be prepared to answer lots of questions and handle criticism.

Your child, too, will experience these questions, though hopefully gentler.

9. It’s Difficult To Keep The House Clean

When you’re in a house all day, you will notice how much more difficult it is to keep it tidy. Every minute it seems as though you wash dishes only to have them magically reappear again.

And the more people around, the messier it’s going to be.

10. Stressful For The Parent

Homeschooling is a lot to take on. Anytime something goes wrong, it’s hard not to take things personally. When a child can’t grasp something, you may be quick to blame yourself.

Or, you have to restrain frustration when they don’t understand something, and you can’t find another way to explain it.

A child’s education is a big responsibility, and all of it gets loaded on the parent when homeschooling. There will be times when you lose patience, have a lack of motivation, and moments where you might even want to cry in the pantry.

The lack of support from the community (AKA criticism mentioned above) can also be a heavy burden to carry. Stress is a matter of fact, but how you manage it will be key.

11. Record Keeping

This one tends to slip by for most. Schools take care of all the record keeping for you, providing everything your child needs upon graduation, so you don’t have to think twice about it.

Since transcripts are required for college, you should know what you will be responsible for keeping a record of all grades, even from elementary.

We use this particular homeschool planner and have really liked it!

The Takeaway

Even though homeschool disadvantages exist, parents should consider these disadvantages against what is best for their child before making the decision about whether or not they want to home-educate them.

Homeschooling can provide more one-on-one attention from educators than traditional schooling does, which many kids need as opposed to large classrooms. It is important that parents educate themselves fully about all advantages and disadvantages when deciding if this type of education will work best for their family’s needs.

After reading this list of disadvantages of homeschooling, you’re probably feeling a little dismayed. Now, make sure to go read some of the advantages ! While it may not be suited for everyone, some homeschooling parents wouldn’t change a thing about their decision!

No matter what you decide, always have your kids’ best interests at heart.

More Homeschool Inspiration

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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.

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Homeschooling Pros and Cons for Kids and Parents

Jess Faraday

Before the COVID-19 pandemic , just over three percent of American families homeschooled their children. In the years since, that number has jumped to just over 11 percent overall, and as much as 16 percent among Black and Hispanic families (Eggleston and Fields, 2021).

Today, families considering homeschooling h ave a wide range of resources at their disposal. From packaged homeschool lesson plans to websites and meetups, and even activity groups just for homeschoolers, all of the ingredients are there to help homeschooling parents make the most of their child’s education.

But doing homeschooling right can be a huge commitment and a lot of work. It’s definitely not for everyone, and that’s okay.

Is homeschooling right for your family?

Related: Can Homeschoolers Go to College? Learn How to Apply

Academic Benefits of Homeschooling

Homeschooling has some distinct advantages over traditional school. For families who homeschool during the early years and send their children to a traditional high school, the benefits are still there.

Homeschool families like to point out that students with a homeschooling education often score higher on academic achievement tests than students from conventional schools. This is true — at least when students follow a structured homeschool curriculum. Though the opposite is true for students who have not followed a structured program (Goodwin, 2021).

Smaller Class Sizes and Individualized Attention 

Academic benefits come down to a combination of small group size and individualized curriculum.

Homeschooled children can learn at their own pace rather than being chained to the progress of a larger group. This means that students who struggle with some subject areas are free to go over the material as often as they need to. It also means that students can move more quickly through the material that’s easy for them.

Personalized Lessons That Meet Kids’ Needs 

Another benefit is that families can tailor lessons to an individual student’s interests, needs, and learning style . The current educational system simply doesn’t have the resources to do this for every student.

More Educational Freedom

Some parents choose to homeschool out of concern for the learning environment: what is being taught and how.

Educating children at home gives families control over both of these factors. Many states require homeschooled students to study certain core subjects, such as math, reading and writing, but homeschool families can decide how to approach subjects such as moral and religious education.

Social Benefits of Homeschooling 

Proponents of traditional schooling often express concern that homeschooled kids are missing out on opportunities to bond with their peers. This isn’t necessarily true.

A Strong Homeschooling Community 

As home education becomes more widespread, homeschool groups for study and extracurricular activities have appeared for just this purpose. Homeschool networks allow parents to organize get-togethers for study, play, field trips, and more.

Less Peer Pressure and Bullying 

Families concerned about peer pressure or problems with their local public schools no longer need to choose between educational and social development

Homeschooling families have greater control over their children’s social interaction — who, where, when, and how. So rates of bullying are far less in a homeschool environment. 

Flexible Schedules and Special Accommodations 

Home education can be the best option for families with certain concerns, including:

• Professional or family obligations that require a flexible schedule
• Religious or moral concerns
• Special needs that can’t be met by the school system or at a private school

Academic Disadvantages of Homeschooling

Homeschooling is hard work, and it’s not right for everyone. Before embarking upon this journey, it’s important to understand some of the challenges that you might face.

It’s easy to underestimate how difficult the job of teaching can be—in a lot of ways.

Lack of Structure

One of the benefits of home study is a flexible schedule. But that shouldn’t mean “anything goes.” A lack of structure can mean wasted time, and that can mean falling behind very quickly.

Setting up up a home schoolroom and having dedicated school hours can help to keep your family on track.

Limited Resources

Homeschoolers have a lot of resources and options, especially online. However, if you’re living in an isolated area, you may have a lot less opportunity for social activities and field trips.

Potential for Knowledge Gaps

Credentialed teachers study specialized techniques for teaching reading, writing, numeracy, and more. It’s harder than a lot of people think. And as your children grow older, the gaps between what you know and what they will need to know will grow. 

Moreover, if your kids have special needs, such as learning disabilities, you may have to hire outside professional assistance. After a long day of working with your kids, you may find yourself using your “free time” to play catch-up.

Access to Higher Education 

Finally, some universities accept academic credit from homeschool study, but many do not . You’ll need to plan ahead to make sure your child has the most options when they reach adulthood.

Emotional and Social Disadvantages of Homeschooling

Homeschooling also poses emotional challenges for both parents and kids. 

Homeschool Parent Burnout 

We all love spending time with our kids, but for homeschool parents, that time can seem endless.

Being a homeschool teacher can mean always being “on.” Burnout is common, and when you are the teacher, principal, social director, and janitor, it’s hard to find time for a break.

Social Isolation 

Homeschooling can also be isolating. Most other kids will be at school, and many other parents will be at work. Being a homeschool parent means carving out the time for self-care and for adult social interaction , and that can be challenging.

Logistical Challenges of Homeschooling 

Schools have lots of different personnel to facilitate academics, field trips , sports, social activities, teaching life skills , and so forth. But when you’re homeschooling, it’s all you.

You will have to make the opportunities for socializing. You will have to direct sports activities. You will have to organize field trips. And on and on.

This can be daunting, but it’s not impossible. If you’re not naturally organized, however, you may need a crash course in organization and time management.

You’ll need plans for each day. You’ll need yearly plans to make sure your kids meet state requirements for each grade. And you’ll want to plan in the long term so that your kids learn what they need to learn and gather the necessary credits for university or career education.

Financial Challenges of Homeschooling 

Homeschooling can be expensive.

Pre-made homeschool lesson plans can run as high as $600 per year per child. If you want to join a homeschool group (or “learning pod”), that can cost several hundred dollars a week (Guha, 2022).

Other expenses may include:

• School supplies like pens, books, etc.
• Tutors or special needs learning specialists
• Field trips (museum admissions, transportation, and so on)
• Sports activities
• Outside classes

You’ll also have to factor in having one unpaid adult at home, rather than the two incomes that many families have.

How to Make an Informed Decision About Homeschooling 

Is a homeschool education the right learning experience for your family? Ask yourself a few questions.

Do You Know the Law?

Many states have laws and requirements to make sure that students who study at home learn the subjects they need to succeed in adult life. Some states also require homeschool instructors to pass a general knowledge test. Other states test homeschooled students periodically to make sure they’re keeping up with their peers.

Those laws vary by state. The Homeschool Legal Defense Association has a state-by-state breakdown here .

Are You Organized?

A homeschooling parent is a teacher, curriculum designer, school psychologist, activity director, social director, and more. You will have to have organized lesson plans that give your children the knowledge they’ll need to succeed.

 You’ll also have to make opportunities for them to engage with their peers and develop appropriate social skills.

You may also have to provide records of what, when, and how you teach your students, to state authorities, or later to colleges and universities.

That’s a lot of balls to juggle. But if you can do it, you may have what it takes to be an excellent homeschool parent.

Are You Willing to Study?

Do you remember everything you were taught as a child? Me, either. But if you want to homeschool your kids, you’re going to have to learn, or re-learn school subjects well enough to teach them. Even the subjects you hated.

And you’ll have to familiarize yourself with your child’s study materials so you can answer the questions that will inevitably arise.

You might also consider taking child development courses through your local community college so that you’re familiar with the educational milestones and techniques to help your kids to meet them.

Do you love to learn? You could be an awesome homeschool teacher!

Can Your Family Afford it?

Doing homeschooling right is a full-time job. It’s unpaid, and materials and field trips can get expensive. Can your family afford to have one full-time unpaid teacher at home? If not, are you willing to get creative to make it happen? If so, you’ll be in good company!

Do You Have a Solid Social Network?

Education isn’t only academics. One of the most important parts of education is learning social skills . In school, opportunities to interact with other kids and adults are built in. But if you’re educating your kids at home, you’ll need to seek out regular social opportunities for your kids.

This can be hard if you’re not naturally outgoing, or if there are limited social opportunities in your area. Homeschool groups, sports clubs, youth groups, and service organizations are a few places to start.

Are You Willing to Work Hard?

For many homeschooling parents, educating their children is the most rewarding and important thing they will ever do. And like everything that’s important and rewarding, it can be nonstop.

Are you ready to spend a lot of time organizing and interacting with your kids? Are you prepared to constantly seek out new academic and social opportunities? Are you prepared to do these things even when you’re frustrated, burnt out, and just don’t feel like it?

Then you just may be a homeschooler!

Resources for Families Considering Homeschooling

Curious? Here are a few resources to start your research.

The Homeschool Legal Defense Association should be your first stop for learning about the laws in your area. They also have resources for putting together lesson plans, addressing special needs, preparing your child for the real world, and more.

The Homeschool Mom has a variety of resources about types of home education, curricula, planning your school year, and so forth.

The Homeschool Resource Room has a handy roundup of free resources for homeschooling families.

Eggleston, C. and Fields, J. (2021, March 22). Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey Shows Significant Increase in Homeschooling Rates in Fall 2020. Census.gov. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/03/homeschooling-on-the-rise-during-covid-19-pandemic.html

Goodwin, C. (2021, September 1). The Research on Homeschooling. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/parenting-translator/202109/the-research-homeschooling

Guha, N. (2022, January 26). How Much Does Homeschooling Cost? Parents. https://www.parents.com/kids/education/home-schooling/homeschooling-costs/

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Home Schooling: Pros, Cons, What You Need to Know

Just a few weeks into COVID-related distance learning, Lauren Pelissier’s 11-year-old son, Jack, started really struggling. “Being on a screen with 20 to 30 kids and not being able to connect with another student or the teacher was really hard on him,” says the Georgia mom and event planner. “There was a lot of confusion, tears, and sadness.”

They stuck it out for the rest of the year. But in the spring, when their school district was waffling on a return to in-person learning for fall, Pelissier took action. She wanted to find an option that was “solid and consistent.” But she also knew she wasn’t prepared, or even able, to home-school Jack herself. So she did what any desperate parent does: She went to Google.

Pelissier “typed in ‘private homeschool instruction’” and quickly found her way to a small home school created by two local parents. And with that, she joined a national trend of families struggling with virtual school who are looking to home-school for the first time.

Jamie Heston, a home-school consultant in the Bay Area of California and a former board member of the Homeschool Association of California, has been hosting “Homeschool 101” a few times a year to an audience of 20 to 30 people. Since last April, she’s “been doing them weekly and getting 100 people every time.”

We put together a Homeschool 101 to answer common questions for any family that’s home-school-curious.

What Is Home Schooling?

“Home schooling is a broad umbrella,” says Blair Lee, founder of SEA Homeschoolers, the nation’s largest secular home-school organization. What started as a grassroots movement among Christian and “hippie” families has become a booming industry.

“More families are drawn to home schooling because they feel the public education system is not a good fit for their child,” Heston says.

“At its heart,” Lee says, “home schooling is education with a focus on the individual.”

Why Home Schooling?

“The most profound benefit of home schooling is there is no timeline for learning anymore,” Lee says. That means if, for any reason, the pace of traditional school doesn’t work for your child, you can create a pace tailored to them. This might mean moving faster through material and getting to additional areas of study or having focused time in challenging areas.

Pelissier says Jack is doing really well in an environment that lets him tap into his creativity. “The public school system kind of put him in a box,” she says. “Looking back, he was really stifled; there was no room for his brain to expand beyond what was being provided to him.”

In his new “school,” Pelissier says, there’s room for him to grow in relation to his interests.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Home Schooling?

“Anyone can benefit from this approach,” says Blair. But home schooling could really be a good fit if your child:

• Is gifted or has a learning challenge and would benefit from more individual teaching
• Has sensory issues and finds the school environment overwhelming
• Is an actor or athlete who needs a more flexible schedule
• Is being bullied at school
• Learns better at their own pace
• Has behavioral issues in school. These are often related to movement and behavior. They disappear in a home-school setting.

It can also help if someone in your family has a medical condition that requires limiting germs in the home ( pandemic or no pandemic).

Where Do I Start?

Home schooling is regulated by states, so there isn’t any one-stop shopping. Getting set up can be confusing.

Search for your state’s home-schooling organization to find out what it looks like where you live, Lee says.

“Every state is different,” Heston says. “Some you have to file a letter of intent. Some states have charter programs that are still under the public school system.”

They also vary in what they expect your kids to learn. “Some are completely hands-off, and you have a lot of autonomy,” Heston says. Others require you to submit a plan that the superintendent has to review. California, for example, says you need to provide an equivalent education to public school and cover the main topics. But, Heston says, you have complete flexibility in how you do that.

Once you know what your state requires, reach out to home-school groups (most of which are on Facebook) to find out what people are doing in your area. “Find two or three groups with descriptions that seem like they would be a good fit for your child or family, and join them, and ask questions,” Heston says. You’ll likely find like-minded folks who can serve as mentors, sharing resources for curriculum, local programs, and more.

How Do I Know What and How My Kid Should Learn?

You can buy an all-in-one curriculum and just “open the box and do it,” Heston says. But she encourages families to experiment before they spend money on anything. “It takes some time to find out what works for your kid and your home and your schedule -- and you can get overwhelmed with all the choices out there.”

“I usually see home school fail when people try to duplicate school at home -- when I see people making out long, specific schedules,” says Richmond, VA., home-schooler Alycia Wright. “For most people, that’s not real life, and that’s exactly what you’re trying to get rid of. You don’t need a classroom. A kitchen table will be fine.”

“Just start somewhere covering your major topics and then fine-tune it,” Heston says.

“Embrace the freedom and try it,” says Wright. “If it doesn’t work, you can change it up.”

Don’t Home-Schoolers Get Left Behind?

When parents are worried about keeping their kids “on track,” Heston tells them, “topics like math, reading, and writing are linear, so any program you use is going to keep you ‘on track.’”

For subjects like science and history, which aren’t necessarily covered every day in school, “there are a million and one websites out there that will tell you what the typical topics are and what kinds of experiments you can do.”

History was one of the main reasons Wright, a mom of three and former public school teacher, began home schooling. “In school, they start talking about African Americans in 1619 with slavery,” she says. “So, your whole lens starts with these traumatic events.”

Wright, who is Black, wanted to give her kids a fuller view of history that reflects her culture and community. She’s part of a movement among African Americans who are finding freedom in home schooling where they “can research and find all the stories that we wish we had when we were children, all the stories that are missing from the books.”

Can Home-Schooled Kids Get Into College?

“You can go to college as a home-schooler, no problem,” Heston says. “Most colleges now have special admissions officers just for the home-schooling set, and they covet home-schoolers because they know they are more autonomous.”

“Colleges have become very home school friendly,” says Lee, whose son got scholarship offers from all but one of the colleges he wanted to go to. And Wright says home schooling helped her oldest daughter enter college at 15. “Even though she didn’t get a traditional education, she was able to move at her own pace, which is what enabled her to get to such an advanced place,” she says.

What if I Don’t Want to -- or Can’t -- Teach My Kids?

You aren’t alone. But there are many small programs such as the one Pelissier found. It’s more like a mini-school, she says. “There’s been real growth in that area,” Lee adds.

Pelissier researched home schools with an outside teaching component. She found a hybrid home school, “which is 2 days a week in person, taught by teachers, and 3 days a week independent work, at home with little to no screens.”

Or you can look into a co-op like the one Wright founded. When she started home schooling, she says, she did a lot of networking to find other home-schooling families of color. As a result of her efforts, she launched the Cultural Roots Homeschool Co-Op. Her goal was to create a broad network of home-schoolers that can help culturally diverse kids learn more about their own backgrounds.

Co-op members can share teaching responsibilities or pool resources to hire a teacher for some or all of the subjects.

Other options include:

• Using outside “vendors” that offer math, science, nature, and other programs, much like an afterschool program. Your child attends those for a portion of the day or the week.
• Looking for public school programs that offer 2 days a week in a more typical school environment, and the other days you home-school

The bottom line, Heston says, is that “there are all kinds of different programs out there.”

Will Home Schooling Isolate My Kids?

Home-schooling folks hear lots of concerns about kids not interacting with others their age.

And while that’s true to some extent, they say home-schoolers still have plenty of opportunities to connect with other kids. It just takes some work.

“Everything that schools have, we have as well, just in smaller groups,” says Heston, who helps organize teen parties, moms’ nights out, Nerf battles, park days, field trips, and team day competitions.

With the home-school population growing during the pandemic, Heston says, “there’s going to be an even larger contingency of people clamoring for connection.”

And one of them will be Jack Pelissier. “This has worked out significantly better than I could have ever imagined,” his mom says. “I was exposed to it as a byproduct of COVID, but he will probably stay there, because the format works better for him as a person.”

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Homeschooling

Looking for advantages and disadvantages of Homeschooling?

We have collected some solid points that will help you understand the pros and cons of Homeschooling in detail.

But first, let’s understand the topic:

What is Homeschooling?

Homeschooling is when parents teach their children at home instead of sending them to a traditional school. They plan the lessons, activities, and often follow a curriculum to make sure their kids learn everything they need.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Homeschooling

The following are the advantages and disadvantages of Homeschooling:

Advantages of Homeschooling

Also check:

Disadvantages of Homeschooling

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Homeschooling

Varying lengths of radical change define the present society. For example, brick-and-mortar classrooms, which have for the longest time dominated learning, are now being challenged by unconventional learning methods such as homeschooling. However, part of the problem with homeschooling is that it faces financial constraints. It also limits the children’s level of socialization and requires parents to spend considerable time with their children. This paper details both the benefits and disadvantages of homeschooling.

Homeschooling continues to gain appeal because it offers an opportunity for individualized learning while solving many of the problems faced by the conventional public and private learning models. Technology has made it even easier to teach outside the classroom. The number of homeschooled children continues to increase at a rate corresponding that of technology growth. In 1999 there were an estimated 850,000 homeschooled children compared to 1.7 million in 2016 (Silva, 2018). Furthermore, homeschooling has transformed from a possible alternative to brick and mortar classrooms and evolved into a hybrid form of learning. Children that choose the homeschooling option have at their disposal an array of avenues through which they can access educational material. For instance, a homeschooled child may be enrolled in online courses as well as regular school-based sessions. To further illustrate the popularity of homeschooling, Silva (2018) indicates that over 30% of middle school and high school were enrolled in some form of an online course. These statistics are an indication that as technology continues to challenge established methods of doing things, more and more people are likely to adopt novel trends such as homeschooling.

Homeschooling solves many of the problems faced by the conventional public and private learning models. Public and private schooling comes with unique difficulties. For instance, the public may be an easy way to get the appropriate education. However, public schooling is accompanied by problems such as large class sizes. According to research (National Center for Educational Statistics, 2018), some public institutions may have as many as thirty students for every instructor. These resource inadequacies translate into low-quality education. Private schools, on the other hand, are accompanied by a budget that is admittedly out of reach for many people (Urquiola, 2016). Another problem with conventional learning models is that some parents feel they have minimal control over the syllabus to which their children are exposed. A homeschooling arrangement is one that would appeal to this group since it would give them control over what their children learn.

Besides consuming time and resources, Homeschooling requires spouses to spend a lot of time with their kids, which means less time for each other. According to Sen (2016), Parents who are not teachers by profession might need to learn how to prepare lessons as well as teaching techniques. It calls for parents to research ways to achieve higher standards for their kids constantly. What is more, parents must learn to be innovative and adaptable in order to help slow learner kids and those who require special attention. Even though more and more families continue adopting homeschooling, most parents cannot fully figure out the concept of not taking their kids to regular schools (Sen, 2016). It implies, therefore, that those who choose this route have to justify it once and again to their counterparts, which can be pretty frustrating. Others who disapprove of homeschooling even question the level of knowledge and intelligence of your kids since they believe that they cannot learn properly in a homeschooling setup.

Socialization, especially with children of the same age, is probably the biggest challenge facing homeschooled children. Although some parents attempt to address the socialization challenge by organizing for play dates with other homeschooling families, these children still miss out big on many sporting activities which can make their school life worth remembering (Jolly & Matthews, 2018). For parents with limited resources, little commitment, and patience to help their children successfully learn outside a conventional school environment, homeschooling is not an ideal education system for them. It also means that either you or your spouse will not engage in meaningful employment so that you can take the children through homeschooling. However, given that the kids require books, sporting tools, and other facilities, homeschooling can become too expensive.

In a nutshell, homeschooling is among contemporary ideas slowly gaining immense attention. It is considered the future of education because it is in line with developments in the area of technology, learning theory, as well as in the ideals held by society regarding education. However, homeschooling might not be ideal in proving the most effective education to children whose parents face financial challenges and those who cannot be available to guide their children 24/7. Such parents can, however, ensure that their children still get decent education by organizing for supplemental lessons at home and other forms of learning that occur outside the classroom.

Jolly, J. L., & Matthews, M. S. (2018). The chronicles of homeschooling gifted learners.  Journal of School Choice ,  12 (1), 123-145.

National Center for Educational Statistics. (2018). Fast facts. Retrieved from: https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=28

Sen, V. (2016). Towards Customized Privatization in Public Education in British Columbia: The Provincial Education Plan and Personalized Learning.  Canadian Journal of Educational Administration and Policy , (180).

Silva, E. (2018). What is the future of homeschooling?  New America . Retrieved from: https://www.newamerica.org/weekly/edition-218/future-homeschooling/

Urquiola, M. (2016). Competition among schools: Traditional public and private schools. In  Handbook of the Economics of Education  (Vol. 5, pp. 209-237). Elsevier.

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7 Homeschooling advantages and disadvantages

Discover the 7 homeschooling advantages and disadvantages in this detailed guide. Learn about the benefits and challenges of homeschooling, along with valuable insights and FAQs.

As parents and guardians consider the best ways to educate their children, it’s important to weigh the homeschooling advantages and disadvantages.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the benefits and challenges of homeschooling, providing valuable insights and answering frequently asked questions.

What is Homeschooling?

Homeschooling, also known as home education, is an alternative to traditional schooling in which parents or other adult guardians educate their children at home. This educational approach entails creating and providing a curriculum that is tailored to the requirements, interests, and learning styles of each kid.

Why do people choose to homeschool?

Homeschooling has gained significant popularity as an alternative form of education, with many families opting for this approach. The decision to homeschool is influenced by a variety of factors, each reflecting unique values, beliefs, and circumstances. We’ll explore the different types of individuals and families who choose homeschooling as their preferred mode of education.

Tailored Learning Experience

One of the primary reasons people choose homeschooling is the desire to provide a tailored learning experience for their children. Homeschooling allows parents to customize the curriculum to match their child’s individual learning style, interests, and pace. This personalization fosters a deeper understanding of subjects and encourages a lifelong love of learning.

Flexibility and Freedom

Homeschooling offers unparalleled flexibility and freedom in terms of scheduling. Families can design learning routines that suit their lifestyle, incorporating field trips, vacations, and unique educational opportunities. This flexibility allows for a well-rounded education that extends beyond the confines of a traditional classroom.

Individualized Attention

Smaller class sizes are a hallmark of homeschooling, enabling parents to provide focused, individualized attention to each child. This one-on-one interaction helps identify learning gaps early and addresses them effectively, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding of concepts.

Safe and Nurturing Environment

Some parents choose to homeschool their children due to worries about safety and harmful peer pressure in traditional schools. Parents can educate their kids at home, fostering a secure and supportive setting that fosters emotional health and lessens exposure to potentially harmful or bullying behaviors.

Morals and Values

For many families, homeschooling allows them to instill their own morals, values, and beliefs into their child’s education. They have the autonomy to integrate religious teachings or ethical principles that align with their family’s convictions.

Special Needs and Learning Differences

Children with unique needs or learning impairments may benefit the most from homeschooling. Parents can cater to their child’s specific requirements, adapt teaching methods, and provide additional support to ensure optimal learning outcomes.

Academic Excellence

Some families opt for homeschooling to provide a challenging academic environment that goes beyond standard curricula. They can accelerate learning in subjects of strength and explore advanced topics, fostering a pursuit of academic excellence.

Negative Experiences in Traditional Schools

Negative experiences, such as bullying, inadequate teaching quality, or a lack of suitable extracurricular activities, may prompt parents to seek an alternative education through homeschooling. They aim to create a positive and enriching learning environment that addresses these concerns.

Cultivating Strong Family Bonds

Homeschooling offers the unique opportunity to spend more quality time together as a family. Shared learning experiences, collaborative projects, and engaging discussions can cultivate strong family bonds that last a lifetime.

Health or Medical Reasons

Children with chronic health conditions or medical needs might find homeschooling a practical choice. It allows them to receive an education while managing their health conditions without the added stressors of a traditional school setting.

Who’s Homeschooling?

Homeschooling is a growing educational trend that encompasses a diverse range of families from various backgrounds. We’ll explore the different types of individuals and families who choose homeschooling as their preferred mode of education.

Parents Seeking Personalized Education

One group that frequently embraces homeschooling consists of parents who believe in personalized education tailored to their child’s unique learning style and pace. These parents recognize that traditional schools may not fully accommodate their child’s individual needs and strive to provide a more customized educational experience.

Families Embracing Flexibility

Families that value flexibility and the ability to create their own schedules often find homeschooling appealing. Whether due to travel commitments, work arrangements, or personal preferences, these families appreciate the freedom to design a learning routine that suits their lifestyle.

Parents with Special Needs Children

Homeschooling can be an excellent option for parents of children with special needs or learning differences. These parents can adapt the curriculum and teaching methods to address their child’s specific requirements, ensuring optimal learning outcomes and a supportive environment.

Individuals Seeking Values-Based Education

Homeschooling allows families to infuse their educational approach with their own values, morals, and beliefs. Parents who prioritize imparting specific religious or ethical teachings to their children may opt for homeschooling as a means of aligning education with their family’s convictions.

Children Pursuing Unique Passions

Some children possess unique talents or passions that traditional schools might not fully nurture. Homeschooling provides the flexibility to allocate more time and resources to developing these areas of interest, whether it’s art, music, sports, or a particular academic subject.

Families with Travel or Remote Work Lifestyle

Families with a travel or remote work lifestyle often find homeschooling to be a practical choice. This approach allows them to provide a stable education while accommodating their nomadic lifestyle, ensuring that education remains a constant regardless of location.

Parents Seeking Safer Learning Environments

Concerns about safety and negative peer influence can prompt parents to choose homeschooling. They aim to create a secure learning environment free from potential bullying or harmful behaviors that can occur in traditional schools.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Homeschooling

Homeschooling has gained significant attention in recent years as an alternative approach to traditional education. As parents and guardians consider the best ways to educate their children, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of Homeschooling. 

Advantages of Homeschooling

Homeschooling offers numerous benefits that can contribute to a well-rounded education for children. Some of the key advantages include:

Personalized Learning: 

One of the most significant advantages of homeschooling is the ability to tailor education to a child’s learning style, pace, and interests. This personalized approach can lead to deeper comprehension and a lifelong love for learning.

Flexible Schedule: 

Homeschooling provides families with the flexibility to create schedules that work best for them. This flexibility allows for educational opportunities beyond traditional classroom settings, such as field trips, volunteering, and internships.

Stronger Family Bonds: 

Homeschooling allows for more quality time spent together as a family. Shared learning experiences can foster stronger relationships and create lasting memories.

Individual Attention: 

With smaller student-to-teacher ratios, homeschooling enables focused one-on-one attention. This can help identify and address learning gaps more effectively.

Customized Curriculum:  

Parents can choose and modify curricula to align with their child’s interests and aptitudes. This customization can lead to a deeper understanding of subjects and a more engaging learning journey.

Safe Learning Environment: 

In the realm of homeschooling, a safe learning environment meticulously cultivates a controlled atmosphere,  minimizing exposure to potential hectoring, fostering a sense of security, avoiding associated pressure, and ensuring the well-being of each student.

Holistic Development: 

Homeschooled children often have more opportunities for holistic development, including emotional intelligence, life skills, and character building.

Disadvantages of Homeschooling

While homeschooling offers numerous advantages, it’s essential to consider the potential challenges as well:

Limited Social Interaction: 

Homeschooled children might have fewer opportunities for social interaction compared to their peers in traditional schools. Efforts must be made to ensure they engage with diverse social circles.

Lack of Accreditation: 

Some homeschooling programs may lack accreditation, which could impact a child’s prospects for higher education or certain careers.

Time-Consuming: 

Homeschooling demands a significant time commitment from parents or guardians, who need to research, plan lessons, and provide instruction.

Parental Expertise: 

Not all parents are certain that they can properly teach every subject. This could result in a lack of knowledge or poor instruction.

Resource Costs: 

Homeschooling may require financial investment in teaching materials, curricula, and other resources.

Potential Burnout: 

The continuous responsibility of overseeing a child’s education can lead to burnout for parents, affecting both their teaching quality and overall well-being.

Limited Extracurricular Activities:  

Homeschooling might offer fewer extracurricular options, such as sports teams or clubs, which could impact a child’s social and physical development.

Factors to Consider When Deciding on Homeschooling

Homeschooling has become an increasingly popular educational option for many families. However, before embarking on this educational journey, it’s essential to consider several crucial factors. 

Key Factors to Consider

1. educational philosophy and goals.

Before diving into homeschooling, reflect on your educational philosophy and goals. Are you seeking a more personalized learning experience? Do you want to emphasize certain subjects or skills? Understanding your educational aspirations will guide your approach to homeschooling.

2. Child’s Learning Style

Each child has a unique learning style. Some thrive in hands-on activities, while others excel in reading and writing. Consider how your child learns best and whether homeschooling can cater to their individual learning preferences.

3. Time Commitment

Parents or guardians must devote a lot of time to homeschooling. Evaluate your time commitment and availability for research, lesson planning, teaching, and monitoring your child’s development.

4. Parental Expertis e

Homeschooling involves teaching a range of subjects. Evaluate your expertise in various areas and determine if you can effectively teach or find resources to cover subjects where you may have limitations.

5. Socialization Opportunities

Social interaction is a critical aspect of education. Consider how you’ll provide socialization opportunities for your child, whether through community groups, co-op classes, sports teams, or other activities.

6. Legal Regulations

Do some research on the rules and laws governing homeschooling in your area. Make sure you adhere to reporting obligations and the law.

7. Financial Considerations

Homeschooling comes with financial implications. Calculate the potential costs of curricula, learning materials, resources, and any extracurricular activities you plan to include.

8. Support System

Do you have a support system in place? Connecting with other homeschooling families, joining forums, or participating in local homeschooling groups can provide valuable guidance and camaraderie.

9. Long-Term Goals

Consider your child’s long-term goals. How might homeschooling impact their future educational and career opportunities? Research college admissions requirements and potential career paths for homeschooled individuals.

10. Personal Commitment

Homeschooling requires dedication, patience, and resilience. Assess your personal commitment to your child’s education and your ability to adapt to challenges that may arise.

Making an Informed Decision About Homeschooling

Making the decision to homeschool a child is a big decision that has to be carefully thought out. You can make a choice that will prepare your child for a successful educational path by carefully assessing your family’s circumstances, your child’s learning style, and your capacity to handle the responsibilities of homeschooling.

Keep in mind that homeschooling is a fluid, ever-changing process. Be flexible as you follow this road, get input from seasoned homeschoolers, and keep tabs on your child’s development and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: how do homeschoolers socialize .

A: Homeschoolers can socialize through community groups, sports teams, art classes, and local events. Co-op classes and online platforms also facilitate interaction with peers.

Q: Is homeschooling legal? 

A: Yes, homeschooling is legal in most countries, but regulations vary. It’s crucial to research and comply with your region’s homeschooling laws.

Q: Can homeschooled students go to college? 

A: Yes, homeschooled students can attend college. Many universities have admissions processes specifically designed for homeschooled applicants.

Q: How much does homeschooling cos t? 

A: The cost of homeschooling varies based on curriculum, resources, and extracurricular activities. Some families find cost-effective ways to homeschool, while others invest more in premium materials.

Q: Do homeschooled children perform well academically?

A: Studies show that homeschooled children often perform as well as or better than their traditionally educated peers academically. Individual outcomes depend on various factors, including teaching quality and effort.

Q: How can I ensure a well-rounded education while homeschooling? 

A: To provide a well-rounded education, incorporate diverse subjects, extracurricular activities, and field trips, and encourage self-directed learning based on your child’s interests.

Homeschooling comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. While personalized learning, flexible schedules, and strong family bonds are compelling reasons to consider homeschooling, it’s essential to address challenges like limited social interaction and potential burnout. By understanding both the pros and cons, parents can make informed decisions that align with their child’s needs and educational goals.

Related Posts:

Homeschooling: Pros and Cons

Introduction, cons of homeschooling, pros of homeschooling, works cited.

The popularity of homeschooling seems on the increase, although some people are convinced that homeschoolers are not going to amount to anything valuable in the long run. In this speech, I am going to outline the strong points and drawbacks of homeschooling. It is believed that homeschooled children lack social skills, and their parents bear huge expenses and have no time for themselves; on the other hand, homeschooling perfectly fits the child’s needs, is valued no less than public schooling, and creates closer family bonds; additionally, in contrast to public schools, homeschooling de-stresses children rather than distresses them.

As their strongest argument, skeptics generally maintain that homeschooled children do not receive the social interaction they need. At earlier stages of development, it is critical for children to socialize and advance their communication skills. Children studying at home do not get this opportunity and are likely to have problems socializing and making friends later in life. An unsociable child is also prone to have troubles with peer acceptance – not least because homeschooling is still regarded as an oddity and deviation.

Another argument is concerned with the cost of home education. At that, it does not matter if the parents choose to educate the child themselves or hire a tutor –in both instances, their budget is likely to be shattered. A serious point to consider is that on average, a tutor’s services will cost $30-40 per hour (“The Tutor Guide” par. 1). A parent tutor will probably have to quit their job to get all the time they need. One way or the other, homeschooling is a costly affair.

Apart from the money it takes to homeschool children, parents are likely to devote most of their time to it. Eventually, they might find themselves spending 24 hours a day with their children with not a moment of solitude and privacy left. Although such parental participation does not seem alarming short-term, it can be stressful in the long run – which is the reason some parents find they are not quite ready to homeschool.

These arguments are logical and true-to-life – but let us look on the brighter side.

Those who stand for homeschooling insist that it provides tailor-fit education. The child has a chance to learn at their own pace, which can be slower or faster than that of public school students’. It is true that every child is special and every child’s needs matter. Still, in cases when children cannot cope with public school environment, homeschooling can be the only way out (Kirk et al. 2). The parents (or tutor) can fit the education process to their child’s needs – presumably, for the children’s own good.

To counter the parental stress argument, it does not take much logical reasoning to admit homeschoolers are likely to have better relationships with their families. Provided that the parents are not overly authoritative when it comes to educational activities, familial bonds are formed and preserved lifelong. Educating their children and tracking their progress, parents have a chance to know their children better, which is the cornerstone of good parenting. Additionally, parental involvement can prevent aggressive and destructive behaviors in teens and pre-teens, which is another solid point to consider.

Speaking about aggression, one cannot deny that bullying issues are pressing as ever. Despite public schools’ best efforts, peer pressure is persistent. Homeschoolers, in their turn, are free from the agony and negativity bullying brings. Consider a harassed school student trying to concentrate – and failing at that. Now consider education in a comfortable homely atmosphere where a child feels loved and valued. In this respect, a homeschooler not only has a chance to focus but also develops an emotionally stable personality.

Finally – and this is good news – there is an extensive list of colleges that accept homeschoolers (Bunday n.pag.). Each year homeschooled students are admitted to study in selected colleges and universities across the U.S. Such institutions as Harvard College, Yale University, University of Chicago, Trinity University, and many others are known to have admitted homeschooled students – that is, without high school diplomas. Many institutions believe homeschoolers are more fit for the scholarly atmosphere. Based on some general tests, portfolios, and application essays, homeschoolers have equal admission chances.

To conclude, it would be wrong to say homeschooling does not have its weak points. Still, the strong points can seem more relevant for some, and eventually determine their choice of educating children. Whether you think that the strengths of homeschooling outweigh the weaknesses or not, you have to admit the practice is viable and is quite likely to bring positive results.

Bunday, Karl M. “ Colleges That Admit Homeschoolers .” Learn in Freedom. Learn in Freedom, 2013.

Kirk, Samuel, James J. Gallagher, Mary Ruth Coleman, and Nicholas J. Anastasiow. Educating Exceptional Children. 13th ed. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning, 2011. Print.

“ The Tutor Guide: Tutoring Fees .” Care.com . Care.com, 2016.

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LEARNING TRENDS

4 Surprising Disadvantages of Homeschooling

• February 23, 2022

• Homeschooling can cause socialisation difficulties
• Homeschooled children miss out on big milestone events
• Homeschooling can be expensive
• Homeschooling requires a lot of planning and discipline

Homeschooling isn’t easy but can be worth it

Traditional schooling works for most students. However, for some children and their families, homeschooling is an appealing option. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the lines between homeschooling and traditional schooling have blurred.

According to the Office of National Statistics , 77% of parents said they homeschooled their children between April and May 2020, but only half said they were confident in their abilities to do so. Nearly a year later, between January and February 2021, the number of homeschooled children rose to 90%, with half of the parents surveyed saying it was negatively impacting their family’s well being.

While homeschooling during a pandemic is much different than homeschooling under normal circumstances, there’s no doubt it can be a challenging endeavour for even the most well-prepared parents.

Still, home learning is ideal for many families. This is especially true for families who have ideological differences with the traditional schooling system, and for parents who want their children’s education to align with their religion, culture , or belief system. 

Learning at home also works well for families who practice a nomadic or otherwise unconventional lifestyle. In addition, the uniformity of traditional schooling can also be challenging for children with medical or behavioural concerns , making homeschooling a very viable choice for these students.

Homeschooling has many advantages . However, many parents believe there are reasons why students should not be homeschooled. Before you make the choice to educate your child at home, it’s important to consider any potential disadvantages. Is homeschooling harmful for children? We’re here to fill you in.

1. Homeschooling can cause socialisation difficulties

When people wonder “what is the biggest disadvantage of homeschooling,” many assume it’s that homeschooling will stunt a child’s social development . When educated at home, children lack the daily socialisation that comes with a traditional schooling environment.

 A homeschooled child misses out on seeing the same classmates five days a week, potentially making it difficult to form friendships . Children learning at home also lack daily exposure to large groups, giving them fewer opportunities to practise socialising with many people at once. 

If you’re concerned about how does homeschooling negatively affects social skills, there are ways to mitigate the issue. Parents can make socialising a priority for their homeschooled children. This can come in the form of homeschooling groups or extra-curricular activities such as sport, dance , or art. Though homeschooled children may not learn to socialise in a conventional way, they can still have many opportunities to make friends.

2. Homeschooled children miss out on big milestone events

Most adults who went to traditional school can recall some of the big moments from their schooldays, such as graduation ceremonies, school dances, and other significant school-wide events. Homeschooled students miss out on these big celebrations, which are often full of joy and excitement, and can grow up to feel left out as a result. 

However, you can still commemorate big achievements with at-home learning, too. Instead of a graduation ceremony, for example, you can do a weekend trip away as a family, or cook an extra special dinner. Homeschooling allows you to do things in a way that works best for your family, and that can apply to celebrations, too!

3. Homeschooling can be expensive

Parents educating their children at home are financially responsible for their child’s education. These costs can be direct, like computers, school books, and educational trips and excursions. However, if a parent is leaving the workforce to educate their child at home, that loss of income can be a real financial hit, too. There are other costs that can accrue as well, such as a higher grocery bill and out-of-pocket costs for pre-university exams .

Before you make the decision to educate your child at home, do some research and create a budget . As with any budget, it’s advisable to assume your costs will be higher than you think. It’s always better to have money left over than not have enough!

4. Homeschooling requires a lot of planning and discipline

You already know being a parent is hard work, but being a parent and a teacher at the same time is an even bigger challenge. When educating your child at home, you are responsible for crafting a curriculum, administrating and grading exams, enforcing schedules, and motivating your child –on top of all your normal parenting duties! 

Homeschooling’s flexibility is one of its greatest advantages, but the lack of framework means parents need to put in extra effort to make schooling effective. Learning at home also requires boundaries to be put in place between school time and leisure time, which can be challenging. However, with time, patience, and adaptability, any parent can find a homeschooling routine and system that works well for their family. 

As you can see, homeschooling certainly has its disadvantages. It can be expensive, stressful, and socially isolating. However, if traditional schooling isn’t working for your child, it’s still wise to pursue homeschooling. Homeschooling can take extra effort and planning, yet the hard work can certainly be worthwhile if it improves your child’s happiness and chances of success.

Just because you’re teaching your child at home, doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone! GoStudent’s world-class tutors can help you supplement your own at-home curriculum and give your child the best education possible. Sign up for your free trial lesson today and see why we’re the #1 Rated Global School.

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — Homeschooling — Homeschooling and Traditional Education: Advantages and Disadvantages

Homeschooling and Traditional Education: Advantages and Disadvantages

• Categories: Homeschooling

About this sample

Words: 892 |

Published: Aug 16, 2019

Words: 892 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Table of contents

Advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling, advantages and disadvantages of traditional education, disadvantages.

• Ray, B. D. (2017). A Brief Review of Homeschool Research: A Call for Return to Reality. Other Education: The Journal of Educational Alternatives, 6(1), 5-22.
• Stevens, M. L. (2019). Homeschooling and the Question of Socialization Revisited. Educational Policy Analysis Archives, 27(19), 1-26.
• Collom, E. (2005). All Their Eggs in One Basket: A Comprehensive Overview of Homeschooling's Academic and Socioeconomic Achievements. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 13(42), 1-33.
• Moore, D. B., & Moore, R. S. (2017). Home Grown Kids. WTM Publishing.
• National Center for Education Statistics. (2019). Homeschooling in the United States: 2019. U.S. Department of Education.
• Lubienski, C. (2013). Does Homeschooling ‘Work’? A Critique of the Empirical Claims and Agenda of Advocacy Organizations. Peabody Journal of Education, 88(3), 378-392.
• Taylor, R. D., & Carey, D. (2016). The Validity of Homeschooling: How Homeschooled Adolescents in New York Perform in College. Educational Policy, 30(2), 269-295.

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34 Compelling Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Topics cover education, technology, pop culture, sports, animals, and more.

Do your writers need some inspiration? If you’re teaching students to write a compare and contrast essay, a strong example is an invaluable tool. This round-up of our favorite compare and contrast essays covers a range of topics and grade levels, so no matter your students’ interests or ages, you’ll always have a helpful example to share. You’ll find links to full essays about education, technology, pop culture, sports, animals, and more. (Need compare-and-contrast essay topic ideas? Check out our big list of compare and contrast essay topics! )

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When choosing a compare and contrast essay example to include on this list, we considered the structure. A strong compare and contrast essay begins with an introductory paragraph that includes background context and a strong thesis. Next, the body includes paragraphs that explore the similarities and differences. Finally, a concluding paragraph restates the thesis, draws any necessary inferences, and asks any remaining questions.

A compare and contrast essay example can be an opinion piece comparing two things and making a conclusion about which is better. For example, “Is Tom Brady really the GOAT?” It can also help consumers decide which product is better suited to them. Should you keep your subscription to Hulu or Netflix? Should you stick with Apple or explore Android? Here’s our list of compare and contrast essay samples categorized by subject.

Education and Parenting Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Private school vs. public school.

Sample lines: “Deciding whether to send a child to public or private school can be a tough choice for parents. … Data on whether public or private education is better can be challenging to find and difficult to understand, and the cost of private school can be daunting. … According to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, public schools still attract far more students than private schools, with 50.7 million students attending public school as of 2018. Private school enrollment in the fall of 2017 was 5.7 million students, a number that is down from 6 million in 1999.”

Read the full essay: Private School vs. Public School at U.S. News and World Report

Homeschool vs. Public School: How Home Schooling Will Change Public Education

Sample lines: “Home schooling, not a present threat to public education, is nonetheless one of the forces that will change it. If the high estimates of the number of children in home schools (1.2 million) is correct, then the home-schooling universe is larger than the New York City public school system and roughly the size of the Los Angeles and Chicago public school systems combined. … Critics charge that three things are wrong with home schooling: harm to students academically; harm to society by producing students who are ill-prepared to function as democratic citizens and participants in a modern economy; and harm to public education, making it more difficult for other parents to educate their children. … It is time to ask whether home schooling, charters, and vouchers should be considered parts of a broad repertoire of methods that we as a society use to educate our children.”

Read the full essay: Homeschool vs. Public School: How Home Schooling Will Change Public Education at Brookings

Which parenting style is right for you?

Sample lines: “The three main types of parenting are on a type of ‘sliding scale’ of parenting, with permissive parenting as the least strict type of parenting. Permissive parenting typically has very few rules, while authoritarian parenting is thought of as a very strict, rule-driven type of parenting.”

Read the full essay: What Is Authoritative Parenting? at Healthline

Masked Education? The Benefits and Burdens of Wearing Face Masks in Schools During the Pandemic

Sample lines: “Face masks can prevent the spread of the virus SARS-CoV-2. … However, covering the lower half of the face reduces the ability to communicate. Positive emotions become less recognizable, and negative emotions are amplified. Emotional mimicry, contagion, and emotionality in general are reduced and (thereby) bonding between teachers and learners, group cohesion, and learning—of which emotions are a major driver. The benefits and burdens of face masks in schools should be seriously considered and made obvious and clear to teachers and students.”

Read the full essay: Masked Education? The Benefits and Burdens of Wearing Face Masks in Schools During the Pandemic at National Library of Medicine

To Ban or Not: What Should We Really Make of Book Bans?

Sample lines: “In recent years, book bans have soared in schools, reaching an all-time high in fall 2022. … The challenge of balancing parent concerns about ‘age appropriateness’ against the imperative of preparing students to be informed citizens is still on the minds of many educators today. … Such curricular decision-making  should  be left to the professionals, argues English/language arts instructional specialist Miriam Plotinsky. ‘Examining texts for their appropriateness is not a job that noneducators are trained to do,’ she wrote last year, as the national debate over censorship resurged with the news that a Tennessee district banned the graphic novel  Maus  just days before Holocaust Remembrance Day.”

Read the full essay: To Ban or Not: What Should We Really Make of Book Bans? at Education Week

Technology Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Netflix vs. hulu 2023: which is the best streaming service.

Sample lines: “Netflix fans will point to its high-quality originals, including  The Witcher ,  Stranger Things ,  Emily in Paris ,  Ozark , and more, as well as a wide variety of documentaries like  Cheer ,  The Last Dance ,  My Octopus Teacher , and many others. It also boasts a much larger subscription base, with more than 222 million subscribers compared to Hulu’s 44 million. Hulu, on the other hand, offers a variety of extras such as HBO and Showtime—content that’s unavailable on Netflix. Its price tag is also cheaper than the competition, with its $7/mo. starting price, which is a bit more palatable than Netflix’s $10/mo. starting price.”

Read the full essay: Netflix vs. Hulu 2023: Which is the best streaming service? at TV Guide

Kindle vs. Hardcover: Which is easier on the eyes?

Sample lines: “In the past, we would have to drag around heavy books if we were really into reading. Now, we can have all of those books, and many more, stored in one handy little device that can easily be stuffed into a backpack, purse, etc. … Many of us still prefer to hold an actual book in our hands. … But, whether you use a Kindle or prefer hardcover books or paperbacks, the main thing is that you enjoy reading. A story in a book or on a Kindle device can open up new worlds, take you to fantasy worlds, educate you, entertain you, and so much more.”

Read the full essay: Kindle vs. Hardcover: Which is easier on the eyes? at Books in a Flash

iPhone vs. Android: Which is better for you?

Sample lines: “The iPhone vs. Android comparison is a never-ending debate on which one is best. It will likely never have a real winner, but we’re going to try and help you to find your personal pick all the same. iOS 17 and Android 14—the latest versions of the two operating systems—both offer smooth and user-friendly experiences, and several similar or identical features. But there are still important differences to be aware of. … Owning an iPhone is a simpler, more convenient experience. There’s less to think about. … Android-device ownership is a bit harder. … Yet it’s simultaneously more freeing, because it offers more choice.”

Read the full essay: iPhone vs. Android: Which is better for you? at Tom’s Guide

Cutting the cord: Is streaming or cable better for you?

Sample lines: “Cord-cutting has become a popular trend in recent years, thanks to the rise of streaming services. For those unfamiliar, cord cutting is the process of canceling your cable subscription and instead, relying on streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu to watch your favorite shows and movies. The primary difference is that you can select your streaming services à la carte while cable locks you in on a set number of channels through bundles. So, the big question is: should you cut the cord?”

Read the full essay: Cutting the cord: Is streaming or cable better for you? at BroadbandNow

PS5 vs. Nintendo Switch

Sample lines: “The crux of the comparison comes down to portability versus power. Being able to migrate fully fledged Nintendo games from a big screen to a portable device is a huge asset—and one that consumers have taken to, especially given the Nintendo Switch’s meteoric sales figures. … It is worth noting that many of the biggest franchises like Call of Duty, Madden, modern Resident Evil titles, newer Final Fantasy games, Grand Theft Auto, and open-world Ubisoft adventures like Assassin’s Creed will usually skip Nintendo Switch due to its lack of power. The inability to play these popular games practically guarantees that a consumer will pick up a modern system, while using the Switch as a secondary device.”

Read the full essay: PS5 vs. Nintendo Switch at Digital Trends

What is the difference between Facebook and Instagram?

Sample lines: “Have you ever wondered what is the difference between Facebook and Instagram? Instagram and Facebook are by far the most popular social media channels used by digital marketers. Not to mention that they’re also the biggest platforms used by internet users worldwide. So, today we’ll look into the differences and similarities between these two platforms to help you figure out which one is the best fit for your business.”

Read the full essay: What is the difference between Facebook and Instagram? at SocialBee

Digital vs. Analog Watches—What’s the Difference?

Sample lines: “In short, digital watches use an LCD or LED screen to display the time. Whereas, an analog watch features three hands to denote the hour, minutes, and seconds. With the advancement in watch technology and research, both analog and digital watches have received significant improvements over the years. Especially in terms of design, endurance, and accompanying features. … At the end of the day, whether you go analog or digital, it’s a personal preference to make based on your style, needs, functions, and budget.”

Read the full essay: Digital vs. Analog Watches—What’s the Difference? at Watch Ranker

AI Art vs. Human Art: A Side-by-Side Analysis

Sample lines: “Art has always been a reflection of human creativity, emotion, and cultural expression. However, with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), a new form of artistic creation has emerged, blurring the lines between what is created by human hands and what is generated by algorithms. … Despite the excitement surrounding AI Art, it also raises complex ethical, legal, and artistic questions that have sparked debates about the definition of art, the role of the artist, and the future of art production. … Regardless of whether AI Art is considered ‘true’ art, it is crucial to embrace and explore the vast possibilities and potential it brings to the table. The transformative influence of AI art on the art world is still unfolding, and only time will reveal its true extent.”

Read the full essay: AI Art vs. Human Art: A Side-by-Side Analysis at Raul Lara

Pop Culture Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Christina aguilera vs. britney spears.

Sample lines: “Britney Spears vs. Christina Aguilera was the Coke vs. Pepsi of 1999 — no, really, Christina repped Coke and Britney shilled for Pepsi. The two teen idols released debut albums seven months apart before the turn of the century, with Britney’s becoming a standard-bearer for bubblegum pop and Aguilera’s taking an R&B bent to show off her range. … It’s clear that Spears and Aguilera took extremely divergent paths following their simultaneous breakout successes.”

Read the full essay: Christina Aguilera vs. Britney Spears at The Ringer

Harry Styles vs. Ed Sheeran

Sample lines: “The world heard our fantasies and delivered us two titans simultaneously—we have been blessed with Ed Sheeran and Harry Styles. Our cup runneth over; our bounty is immeasurable. More remarkable still is the fact that both have released albums almost at the same time: Ed’s third, Divide , was released in March and broke the record for one-day Spotify streams, while Harry’s frenziedly anticipated debut solo, called Harry Styles , was released yesterday.”

Read the full essay: Harry Styles versus Ed Sheeran at Belfast Telegraph

The Grinch: Three Versions Compared

Sample lines: “Based on the original story of the same name, this movie takes a completely different direction by choosing to break away from the cartoony form that Seuss had established by filming the movie in a live-action form. Whoville is preparing for Christmas while the Grinch looks down upon their celebrations in disgust. Like the previous film, The Grinch hatches a plan to ruin Christmas for the Who’s. … Like in the original Grinch, he disguises himself as Santa Claus, and makes his dog, Max, into a reindeer. He then takes all of the presents from the children and households. … Cole’s favorite is the 2000 edition, while Alex has only seen the original. Tell us which one is your favorite.”

Read the full essay: The Grinch: Three Versions Compared at Wooster School

Historical and Political Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Malcolm x vs. martin luther king jr.: comparison between two great leaders’ ideologies .

Sample lines: “Although they were fighting for civil rights at the same time, their ideology and way of fighting were completely distinctive. This can be for a plethora of reasons: background, upbringing, the system of thought, and vision. But keep in mind, they devoted their whole life to the same prospect. … Through boycotts and marches, [King] hoped to end racial segregation. He felt that the abolition of segregation would improve the likelihood of integration. Malcolm X, on the other hand, spearheaded a movement for black empowerment.”

Read the full essay: Malcolm X vs. Martin Luther King Jr.: Comparison Between Two Great Leaders’ Ideologies  at Melaninful

Contrast Between Obama and Trump Has Become Clear

Sample lines: “The contrast is even clearer when we look to the future. Trump promises more tax cuts, more military spending, more deficits and deeper cuts in programs for the vulnerable. He plans to nominate a coal lobbyist to head the Environmental Protection Agency. … Obama says America must move forward, and he praises progressive Democrats for advocating Medicare for all. … With Obama and then Trump, Americans have elected two diametrically opposed leaders leading into two very different directions.”

Read the full essay: Contrast Between Obama and Trump Has Become Clear at Chicago Sun-Times

Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Lebron james vs. kobe bryant: a complete comparison.

Sample lines: “LeBron James has achieved so much in his career that he is seen by many as the greatest of all time, or at least the only player worthy of being mentioned in the GOAT conversation next to Michael Jordan. Bridging the gap between Jordan and LeBron though was Kobe Bryant, who often gets left out of comparisons and GOAT conversations. … Should his name be mentioned more though? Can he compare to LeBron or is The King too far past The Black Mamba in historical rankings already?”

Read the full essay: LeBron James vs. Kobe Bryant: A Complete Comparison at Sportskeeda

NFL: Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning Rivalry Comparison

Sample lines: “Tom Brady and Peyton Manning were largely considered the best quarterbacks in the NFL for the majority of the time they spent in the league together, with the icons having many head-to-head clashes in the regular season and on the AFC side of the NFL Playoffs. Manning was the leader of the Indianapolis Colts of the AFC South. … Brady spent his career as the QB of the AFC East’s New England Patriots, before taking his talents to Tampa Bay. … The reality is that winning is the most important aspect of any career, and Brady won more head-to-head matchups than Manning did.”

Read the full essay: NFL: Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning Rivalry Comparison at Sportskeeda

The Greatest NBA Franchise Ever: Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers?

Sample lines: “The Celtics are universally considered as the greatest franchise in NBA history. But if you take a close look at the numbers, there isn’t really too much separation between them and their arch-rival Los Angeles Lakers. In fact, you can even make a good argument for the Lakers. … In 72 seasons played, the Boston Celtics have won a total of 3,314 games and lost 2,305 or a .590 winning mark. On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers have won 3,284 of 5,507 total games played or a slightly better winning record of .596. … But while the Lakers have the better winning percentage, the Celtics have the advantage over them in head-to-head competition.”

Read the full essay: The Greatest NBA Franchise Ever: Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers? at Sport One

Is Soccer Better Than Football?

Sample lines: “Is soccer better than football? Soccer and football lovers have numerous reasons to support their sport of choice. Both keep the players physically fit and help to bring people together for an exciting cause. However, soccer has drawn more numbers globally due to its popularity in more countries.”

Read the full essay: Is Soccer Better Than Football? at Sports Brief

Lifestyle Choices Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Mobile home vs. tiny house: similarities, differences, pros & cons.

Sample lines: “Choosing the tiny home lifestyle enables you to spend more time with those you love. The small living space ensures quality bonding time rather than hiding away in a room or behind a computer screen. … You’ll be able to connect closer to nature and find yourself able to travel the country at any given moment. On the other hand, we have the mobile home. … They are built on a chassis with transportation in mind. … They are not built to be moved on a constant basis. … While moving the home again *is* possible, it may cost you several thousand dollars.”

Read the full essay: Mobile Home vs. Tiny House: Similarities, Differences, Pros & Cons at US Mobile Home Pros

Whole Foods vs. Walmart: The Story of Two Grocery Stores

Sample lines: “It is clear that both stores have very different stories and aims when it comes to their customers. Whole Foods looks to provide organic, healthy, exotic, and niche products for an audience with a very particular taste. … Walmart, on the other hand, looks to provide the best deals, every possible product, and every big brand for a broader audience. … Moreover, they look to make buying affordable and accessible, and focus on the capitalist nature of buying.”

Read the full essay: Whole Foods vs. Walmart: The Story of Two Grocery Stores at The Archaeology of Us

Artificial Grass vs. Turf: The Real Differences Revealed

Sample lines: “The key difference between artificial grass and turf is their intended use. Artificial turf is largely intended to be used for sports, so it is shorter and tougher. On the other hand, artificial grass is generally longer, softer and more suited to landscaping purposes. Most homeowners would opt for artificial grass as a replacement for a lawn, for example. Some people actually prefer playing sports on artificial grass, too … artificial grass is often softer and more bouncy, giving it a feel similar to playing on a grassy lawn. … At the end of the day, which one you will choose will depend on your specific household and needs.”

Read the full essay: Artificial Grass vs. Turf: The Real Differences Revealed at Almost Grass

Minimalism vs. Maximalism: Differences, Similarities, and Use Cases

Sample lines: “Maximalists love shopping, especially finding unique pieces. They see it as a hobby—even a skill—and a way to express their personality. Minimalists don’t like shopping and see it as a waste of time and money. They’d instead use those resources to create memorable experiences. Maximalists desire one-of-a-kind possessions. Minimalists are happy with duplicates—for example, personal uniforms. … Minimalism and maximalism are about being intentional with your life and belongings. It’s about making choices based on what’s important to you.”

Read the full essay: Minimalism vs. Maximalism: Differences, Similarities, and Use Cases at Minimalist Vegan

Vegetarian vs. Meat Eating: Is It Better To Be a Vegetarian?

Sample lines: “You’ve heard buzz over the years that following a vegetarian diet is better for your health, and you’ve probably read a few magazine articles featuring a celeb or two who swore off meat and animal products and ‘magically’ lost weight. So does ditching meat automatically equal weight loss? Will it really help you live longer and be healthier overall? … Vegetarians appear to have lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure  and lower rates of hypertension and type 2 diabetes than meat eaters. Vegetarians also tend to have a lower body mass index, lower overall cancer rates and lower risk of chronic disease. But if your vegetarian co-worker is noshing greasy veggie burgers and fries every day for lunch, is he likely to be healthier than you, who always orders the grilled salmon? Definitely not!”

Read the full essay: Vegetarian vs. Meat Eating: Is It Better To Be a Vegetarian? at WebMD

Healthcare Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Similarities and differences between the health systems in australia & usa.

Sample lines: “Australia and the United States are two very different countries. They are far away from each other, have contrasting fauna and flora, differ immensely by population, and have vastly different healthcare systems. The United States has a population of 331 million people, compared to Australia’s population of 25.5 million people.”

Read the full essay: Similarities and Differences Between the Health Systems in Australia & USA at Georgia State University

Universal Healthcare in the United States of America: A Healthy Debate

Sample lines: “Disadvantages of universal healthcare include significant upfront costs and logistical challenges. On the other hand, universal healthcare may lead to a healthier populace, and thus, in the long-term, help to mitigate the economic costs of an unhealthy nation. In particular, substantial health disparities exist in the United States, with low socio-economic status segments of the population subject to decreased access to quality healthcare and increased risk of non-communicable chronic conditions such as obesity and type II diabetes, among other determinants of poor health.”

Read the full essay: Universal Healthcare in the United States of America: A Healthy Debate at National Library of Medicine

Pros and Cons of Physician Aid in Dying

Sample lines: “Physician aid in dying is a controversial subject raising issues central to the role of physicians. … The two most common arguments in favor of legalizing AID are respect for patient autonomy and relief of suffering. A third, related, argument is that AID is a safe medical practice, requiring a health care professional. … Although opponents of AID offer many arguments ranging from pragmatic to philosophical, we focus here on concerns that the expansion of AID might cause additional, unintended harm through suicide contagion, slippery slope, and the deaths of patients suffering from depression.”

Read the full essay: Pros and Cons of Physician Aid in Dying at National Library of Medicine

Animals Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Compare and contrast paragraph—dogs and cats.

Sample lines: “Researchers have found that dogs have about twice the number of neurons in their cerebral cortexes than what cats have. Specifically, dogs had around 530 million neurons, whereas the domestic cat only had 250 million neurons. Moreover, dogs can be trained to learn and respond to our commands, but although your cat understands your name, and anticipates your every move, he/she may choose to ignore you.”

Read the full essay: Compare and Contrast Paragraph—Dogs and Cats at Proofwriting Guru via YouTube

Giddyup! The Differences Between Horses and Dogs

Sample lines: “Horses are prey animals with a deep herding instinct. They are highly sensitive to their environment, hyper aware, and ready to take flight if needed. Just like dogs, some horses are more confident than others, but just like dogs, all need a confident handler to teach them what to do. Some horses are highly reactive and can be spooked by the smallest things, as are dogs. … Another distinction between horses and dogs … was that while dogs have been domesticated , horses have been  tamed. … Both species have influenced our culture more than any other species on the planet.”

Read the full essay: Giddyup! The Differences Between Horses and Dogs at Positively Victoria Stilwell

Exotic, Domesticated, and Wild Pets

Sample lines: “Although the words ‘exotic’ and ‘wild’ are frequently used interchangeably, many people do not fully understand how these categories differ when it comes to pets. ‘A wild animal is an indigenous, non-domesticated animal, meaning that it is native to the country where you are located,’ Blue-McLendon explained. ‘For Texans, white-tailed deer, pronghorn sheep, raccoons, skunks, and bighorn sheep are wild animals … an exotic animal is one that is wild but is from a different continent than where you live.’ For example, a hedgehog in Texas would be considered an exotic animal, but in the hedgehog’s native country, it would be considered wildlife.”

Read the full essay: Exotic, Domesticated, and Wild Pets at Texas A&M University

Should Zoos Be Banned? Pros & Cons of Zoos

Sample lines: “The pros and cons of zoos often come from two very different points of view. From a legal standard, animals are often treated as property. That means they have less rights than humans, so a zoo seems like a positive place to maintain a high quality of life. For others, the forced enclosure of any animal feels like an unethical decision. … Zoos provide a protected environment for endangered animals, and also help in raising awareness and funding for wildlife initiatives and research projects. … Zoos are key for research. Being able to observe and study animals is crucial if we want to contribute to help them and repair the ecosystems. … Zoos are a typical form of family entertainment, but associating leisure and fun with the contemplation of animals in captivity can send the wrong signals to our children.”

Read the full essay: Should Zoos Be Banned? Pros & Cons of Zoos at EcoCation

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In most successful companies, some people think that communication between employers and workers is the most important factor. Other people say that other factors are more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some people prefer to work for a large company. others prefer to work for a small company. which would you prefer use specific reasons and examples to support your choice., nowadays technology is increasingly being used to monitor what people are saying and doing ( for example, through cell phone tracking and security cameras). in many cases, the people being monitored are unaware that this is happening). do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages, some companies sponsor sport and sport star as a way to advertise themselves. some people think it is good while others think there are disadvantages. discuss both views and give your opinion., many people believe that zoos have no purpose in today’s world and should be closed. what problems do zoos bring what are the alternatives to zoos if they are closed.

What is cloud computing?

With cloud computing, organizations essentially buy a range of services offered by cloud service providers (CSPs). The CSP’s servers host all the client’s applications. Organizations can enhance their computing power more quickly and cheaply via the cloud than by purchasing, installing, and maintaining their own servers.

The cloud-computing model is helping organizations to scale new digital solutions with greater speed and agility—and to create value more quickly. Developers use cloud services to build and run custom applications and to maintain infrastructure and networks for companies of virtually all sizes—especially large global ones. CSPs offer services, such as analytics, to handle and manipulate vast amounts of data. Time to market accelerates, speeding innovation to deliver better products and services across the world.

What are examples of cloud computing’s uses?

Get to know and directly engage with senior mckinsey experts on cloud computing.

Brant Carson is a senior partner in McKinsey’s Vancouver office; Chandra Gnanasambandam and Anand Swaminathan are senior partners in the Bay Area office; William Forrest is a senior partner in the Chicago office; Leandro Santos is a senior partner in the Atlanta office; Kate Smaje is a senior partner in the London office.

Cloud computing came on the scene well before the global pandemic hit, in 2020, but the ensuing digital dash  helped demonstrate its power and utility. Here are some examples of how businesses and other organizations employ the cloud:

• A fast-casual restaurant chain’s online orders multiplied exponentially during the 2020 pandemic lockdowns, climbing to 400,000 a day, from 50,000. One pleasant surprise? The company’s online-ordering system could handle the volume—because it had already migrated to the cloud . Thanks to this success, the organization’s leadership decided to accelerate its five-year migration plan to less than one year.
• A biotech company harnessed cloud computing to deliver the first clinical batch of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate for Phase I trials in just 42 days—thanks in part to breakthrough innovations using scalable cloud data storage and computing  to facilitate processes ensuring the drug’s safety and efficacy.
• Banks use the cloud for several aspects of customer-service management. They automate transaction calls using voice recognition algorithms and cognitive agents (AI-based online self-service assistants directing customers to helpful information or to a human representative when necessary). In fraud and debt analytics, cloud solutions enhance the predictive power of traditional early-warning systems. To reduce churn, they encourage customer loyalty through holistic retention programs managed entirely in the cloud.
• Automakers are also along for the cloud ride . One company uses a common cloud platform that serves 124 plants, 500 warehouses, and 1,500 suppliers to consolidate real-time data from machines and systems and to track logistics and offer insights on shop floor processes. Use of the cloud could shave 30 percent off factory costs by 2025—and spark innovation at the same time.

That’s not to mention experiences we all take for granted: using apps on a smartphone, streaming shows and movies, participating in videoconferences. All of these things can happen in the cloud.

Learn more about our Cloud by McKinsey , Digital McKinsey , and Technology, Media, & Telecommunications  practices.

How has cloud computing evolved?

Going back a few years, legacy infrastructure dominated IT-hosting budgets. Enterprises planned to move a mere 45 percent of their IT-hosting expenditures to the cloud by 2021. Enter COVID-19, and 65 percent of the decision makers surveyed by McKinsey increased their cloud budgets . An additional 55 percent ended up moving more workloads than initially planned. Having witnessed the cloud’s benefits firsthand, 40 percent of companies expect to pick up the pace of implementation.

The cloud revolution has actually been going on for years—more than 20, if you think the takeoff point was the founding of Salesforce, widely seen as the first software as a service (SaaS) company. Today, the next generation of cloud, including capabilities such as serverless computing, makes it easier for software developers to tweak software functions independently, accelerating the pace of release, and to do so more efficiently. Businesses can therefore serve customers and launch products in a more agile fashion. And the cloud continues to evolve.

Introducing McKinsey Explainers : Direct answers to complex questions

Cost savings are commonly seen as the primary reason for moving to the cloud but managing those costs requires a different and more dynamic approach focused on OpEx rather than CapEx. Financial-operations (or FinOps) capabilities  can indeed enable the continuous management and optimization of cloud costs . But CSPs have developed their offerings so that the cloud’s greatest value opportunity is primarily through business innovation and optimization. In 2020, the top-three CSPs reached $100 billion  in combined revenues—a minor share of the global $2.4 trillion market for enterprise IT services—leaving huge value to be captured. To go beyond merely realizing cost savings, companies must activate three symbiotic rings of cloud value creation : strategy and management, business domain adoption, and foundational capabilities.

What’s the main reason to move to the cloud?

The pandemic demonstrated that the digital transformation can no longer be delayed—and can happen much more quickly than previously imagined. Nothing is more critical to a corporate digital transformation than becoming a cloud-first business. The benefits are faster time to market, simplified innovation and scalability, and reduced risk when effectively managed. The cloud lets companies provide customers with novel digital experiences—in days, not months—and delivers analytics absent on legacy platforms. But to transition to a cloud-first operating model, organizations must make a collective effort that starts at the top. Here are three actions CEOs can take to increase the value their companies get from cloud computing :

• Establish a sustainable funding model.
• Develop a new business technology operating model.
• Set up policies to attract and retain the right engineering talent.

How much value will the cloud create?

Fortune 500 companies adopting the cloud could realize more than $1 trillion in value  by 2030, and not from IT cost reductions alone, according to McKinsey’s analysis of 700 use cases.

For example, the cloud speeds up design, build, and ramp-up, shortening time to market when companies have strong DevOps (the combination of development and operations) processes in place; groups of software developers customize and deploy software for operations that support the business. The cloud’s global infrastructure lets companies scale products almost instantly to reach new customers, geographies, and channels. Finally, digital-first companies use the cloud to adopt emerging technologies and innovate aggressively, using digital capabilities as a competitive differentiator to launch and build businesses .

If companies pursue the cloud’s vast potential in the right ways, they will realize huge value. Companies across diverse industries have implemented the public cloud and seen promising results. The successful ones defined a value-oriented strategy across IT and the business, acquired hands-on experience operating in the cloud, adopted a technology-first approach, and developed a cloud-literate workforce.

Learn more about our Cloud by McKinsey and Digital McKinsey practices.

What is the cloud cost/procurement model?

Some cloud services, such as server space, are leased. Leasing requires much less capital up front than buying, offers greater flexibility to switch and expand the use of services, cuts the basic cost of buying hardware and software upfront, and reduces the difficulties of upkeep and ownership. Organizations pay only for the infrastructure and computing services that meet their evolving needs. But an outsourcing model  is more apt than other analogies: the computing business issues of cloud customers are addressed by third-party providers that deliver innovative computing services on demand to a wide variety of customers, adapt those services to fit specific needs, and work to constantly improve the offering.

What are cloud risks?

The cloud offers huge cost savings and potential for innovation. However, when companies migrate to the cloud, the simple lift-and-shift approach doesn’t reduce costs, so companies must remediate their existing applications to take advantage of cloud services.

For instance, a major financial-services organization  wanted to move more than 50 percent of its applications to the public cloud within five years. Its goals were to improve resiliency, time to market, and productivity. But not all its business units needed to transition at the same pace. The IT leadership therefore defined varying adoption archetypes to meet each unit’s technical, risk, and operating-model needs.

Legacy cybersecurity architectures and operating models can also pose problems when companies shift to the cloud. The resulting problems, however, involve misconfigurations rather than inherent cloud security vulnerabilities. One powerful solution? Securing cloud workloads for speed and agility : automated security architectures and processes enable workloads to be processed at a much faster tempo.

What kind of cloud talent is needed?

The talent demands of the cloud differ from those of legacy IT. While cloud computing can improve the productivity of your technology, it requires specialized and sometimes hard-to-find talent—including full-stack developers, data engineers, cloud-security engineers, identity- and access-management specialists, and cloud engineers. The cloud talent model  should thus be revisited as you move forward.

Six practical actions can help your organization build the cloud talent you need :

• Find engineering talent with broad experience and skills.
• Balance talent maturity levels and the composition of teams.
• Build an extensive and mandatory upskilling program focused on need.
• Build an engineering culture that optimizes the developer experience.
• Consider using partners to accelerate development and assign your best cloud leaders as owners.
• Retain top talent by focusing on what motivates them.

How do different industries use the cloud?

Different industries are expected to see dramatically different benefits from the cloud. High-tech, retail, and healthcare organizations occupy the top end of the value capture continuum. Electronics and semiconductors, consumer-packaged-goods, and media companies make up the middle. Materials, chemicals, and infrastructure organizations cluster at the lower end.

Nevertheless, myriad use cases provide opportunities to unlock value across industries , as the following examples show:

• a retailer enhancing omnichannel  fulfillment, using AI to optimize inventory across channels and to provide a seamless customer experience
• a healthcare organization implementing remote heath monitoring to conduct virtual trials and improve adherence
• a high-tech company using chatbots to provide premier-level support combining phone, email, and chat
• an oil and gas company employing automated forecasting to automate supply-and-demand modeling and reduce the need for manual analysis
• a financial-services organization implementing customer call optimization using real-time voice recognition algorithms to direct customers in distress to experienced representatives for retention offers
• a financial-services provider moving applications in customer-facing business domains to the public cloud to penetrate promising markets more quickly and at minimal cost
• a health insurance carrier accelerating the capture of billions of dollars in new revenues by moving systems to the cloud to interact with providers through easier onboarding

The cloud is evolving  to meet the industry-specific needs of companies. From 2021 to 2024, public-cloud spending on vertical applications (such as warehouse management in retailing and enterprise risk management in banking) is expected to grow by more than 40 percent annually. Spending on horizontal workloads (such as customer relationship management) is expected to grow by 25 percent. Healthcare and manufacturing organizations, for instance, plan to spend around twice as much on vertical applications as on horizontal ones.

Learn more about our Cloud by McKinsey , Digital McKinsey , Financial Services , Healthcare Systems & Services , Retail , and Technology, Media, & Telecommunications  practices.

What are the biggest cloud myths?

Views on cloud computing can be clouded by misconceptions. Here are seven common myths about the cloud —all of which can be debunked:

• The cloud’s value lies primarily in reducing costs.
• Cloud computing costs more than in-house computing.
• On-premises data centers are more secure than the cloud.
• Applications run more slowly in the cloud.
• The cloud eliminates the need for infrastructure.
• The best way to move to the cloud is to focus on applications or data centers.
• You must lift and shift applications as-is or totally refactor them.

How large must my organization be to benefit from the cloud?

Here’s one more huge misconception: the cloud is just for big multinational companies. In fact, cloud can help make small local companies become multinational. A company’s benefits from implementing the cloud are not constrained by its size. In fact, the cloud shifts barrier to entry skill rather than scale, making it possible for a company of any size to compete if it has people with the right skills. With cloud, highly skilled small companies can take on established competitors. To realize the cloud’s immense potential value fully, organizations must take a thoughtful approach, with IT and the businesses working together.

For more in-depth exploration of these topics, see McKinsey’s Cloud Insights collection. Learn more about Cloud by McKinsey —and check out cloud-related job opportunities if you’re interested in working at McKinsey.

Articles referenced include:

• “ Six practical actions for building the cloud talent you need ,” January 19, 2022, Brant Carson , Dorian Gärtner , Keerthi Iyengar, Anand Swaminathan , and Wayne Vest
• “ Cloud-migration opportunity: Business value grows, but missteps abound ,” October 12, 2021, Tara Balakrishnan, Chandra Gnanasambandam , Leandro Santos , and Bhargs Srivathsan
• “ Cloud’s trillion-dollar prize is up for grabs ,” February 26, 2021, Will Forrest , Mark Gu, James Kaplan , Michael Liebow, Raghav Sharma, Kate Smaje , and Steve Van Kuiken
• “ Unlocking value: Four lessons in cloud sourcing and consumption ,” November 2, 2020, Abhi Bhatnagar , Will Forrest , Naufal Khan , and Abdallah Salami
• “ Three actions CEOs can take to get value from cloud computing ,” July 21, 2020, Chhavi Arora , Tanguy Catlin , Will Forrest , James Kaplan , and Lars Vinter

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