Homeschooling versus private school

[Nikkie85]

I noticed that there tend to be a big group of parents who home school. I was wondering what made you decide to do this and how your children feel about it. Do you plan on homeschooling k-12 or is it just something that you are doing for now? I don't think that I could home school because I don't think I would be able to teach my children things I don't understand like fractions ! I think one should do what is best for their family and don't really think one method is better than the other.

[NeuroTypical]

I was wondering what made you decide to do this and how your children feel about it.

We decided to do this after researching the various educational options open to our kids, and coming to an understanding that we were their best option.

Our kids (9 and 6) love it. We ask them a couple of times a year if they'd rather go to school, they look at us like we're crazy and politely decline.

Do you plan on homeschooling k-12 or is it just something that you are doing for now?

We plan on homeschooling through college. Of course, "Homeschooling" is a bit of a misnomer. There are cooperatives, and homeschool supplement programs through schools, and a ton of not-at-home and with-other-kids sorts of things going on.

Your thread title mentioned private school. It was one of the many options we considered, along with charter schools, academies, faith-based stuff, tutoring, and various public options.

LM

[Bini]

I don't know much about homeschooling but if you're a parent that cannot do elementary-level problem solving, I'd say it's best to enroll your children into a school system. We don't have children yet but my husband and I have discussed private school as an option. I attended private school up until my sophomore year in high school, when I moved to the US. The education I received was not nearly up to par in comparison to my former schooling.

[Blackmarch]

I noticed that there tend to be a big group of parents who home school. I was wondering what made you decide to do this and how your children feel about it. Do you plan on homeschooling k-12 or is it just something that you are doing for now? I don't think that I could home school because I don't think I would be able to teach my children things I don't understand like fractions ! I think one should do what is best for their family and don't really think one method is better than the other.

pros of homeschooling- you get to decide what materials you use for teaching required curricula, don't have to worry about bullying and a lot of the more questionable aspects of public school.

Cons: It's very easy to get sidetracked... and you have to stay on top to keep your kids on track. So it's a lot more tough in that sense, and it's a big job.

Quite frankly if you have the means and the will to homeschool I very much advise going that route.

You can choose to do it for a year or you can choose to do the whole k-12 (or more even)

[Elgama]

To be honest I see it as a much better option, you don't need to know much you can learn together, I am not using a curriculum, just being mostly child led, have no definite targets or goals yet. I can't afford private school for 3 kids so its out, our local schools are actually good so there would be no need, however thiss way my children get to follow their interests we get loads more time together as a family, my children are not living a hectic lifestyle, there is more time to build sibling bonds etc, plus they get 1 to 1 teaching

[Jenamarie]

One thing I think people aren't aware of about homeschooling, is that the parents aren't necessarily "free-lancing" the instruction (i.e. just passing down what's in their heads to their child's heads without any outside assistance). There are curriculums that parents can use that are *scripted* that explain the concept to the parent, explain to the parent how to explain the concept to the child, and then have lots and lots of review and drill to make sure the concept is practiced enough to really get into the student's head. So even if a parent sucked at math in public school, they can still teach math to their children if they use a scripted program that teaches them how to teach it, and in so doing re-teaches the concept to the parent.

I mean, even public school teachers don't perfectly understand everything they're teaching. My dad was a 1st grade teacher for over a decade when his principle decided to switch him to a 4th grade classroom. He had exactly 2 months to prepare to teach that grade (and he turns 60 this year, so his 4th grade experience is waaaaaaaaaay in the past ). Just a few weeks before the start of the school year they said "Oops, nope, we need you to teach second grade!" He had to buy different curriculum, write up different lesson plans, and prepare to teach entirely different levels of math, grammer, and history than he'd been preparing for, or than he'd been teaching for the past decade. But he's doing a good job.

IMO, there are three important aspects of teaching:

*Knowing how to learn, and

*Knowing how to teach a love of learning

If you know how to learn (seaking out sources of information, following rabbit trails in thought, studying and practicing the new information, etc.) they you can teach yourself anything, even if it's just one step ahead of your student.

And of course, if you can teach a love of learning (and if you're kids see you doing the things I've mentioned above, they're almost certain to pick it up) then they can independently fill in the gaps in the education their teachers give them (whether public school teachers or parents). Plus they'll have an invaluable skill that will help them in the rest of their lives. Teachers (and homeschooling parents) are not (and should not be!) the end-all-be-all source of education for a child.

[Jenamarie]

And to actually address the OP.

We're homeschooling starting next year. We came to this decision after initially only considering it as a Plan B option. I was bullied in school, so I wanted to have a "back-up plan" in place if any of my children became victims and if we were unhappy with the way the school dealt with it. I started researching it so that I'd know a bit about it before we possibly faced making the decision, and the more I learned about it the more I started to think "Well, why don't we do this ANYWAY?" I am super excited!

Some of the pro's that lead us to this decision:

*Our kids can learn at their own pace. If they learn a concept quickly we can move right on to the next one. If they take longer to learn we can take as long as we need to learn it. There's no "falling behind" or "being ahead" of the rest of the class. They ARE the class.

*We, as parents, remain as our kids' main source of guidance, rather than their peers or other adults that we don't know all that much about and don't always know what they're saying to our children.

*Choice in curriculum. If one system of math instruction doesn't "click" with our child we can try a different approach.

*Field trips! (i.e. travelling in the off-season, and going to places like the park or the zoo during non-peak hours. )

*Rabbit trails. If the kids want to spend more time learning about a certain subject, or study one aspect of a subject in more depth, they have the time to do it.

*Religious instruction included in the school day.

*ALL THAT FAMILY TIME!

Of course I can go on... we have LOTS of reasons for why we're doing it. But I'm so excited to do it!

[Tamiele]

I can say all of what Jenamarie said. I started to homeschool because my son had a learning disability that wasn't ranked "severe" so he didn't qualify for an aide in the school system here - so basically he would have been passed along and fallen between the cracks. To me it was an obvious choice - and one I was extremely thankful to have the opportunity to make that choice because it hasn't always been legal/easy for folks in the past to opt for this.

Our day is really tailored to our family needs right now. I have found a therapist that can help us overcome and fix my son's neurological disorders. He and I spend over an hour a day on his therapy alone. With that taking some time, there isn't much room for science this year so we don't have it in our program. Once the therapy diminishes, we will add it in at that point. Also Social Studies for Canada isn't being addressed either. What works is using STory Of The World (world history) as it is a short, couple of minutes to listen to a chapter and then answer questions from the work book. Will come back and learn Canadian social studies when time permits.

[Lilac]

To dislcose: I'm not LDS but seriously investigating. I am a practicing and devout Christian! :)

We homeschool our four children. (12,9,8,4) I have always homeschooled them and love homeschooling. Homeschooling is a lifestyle for us.

I teach my kids all the subjects and I am never just teaching off the top of my head. I am following a curriculum like all teachers do. Many things I do teach on the fly but many things we follow a set curriculum that I chose specifically to suit my children's interests, learning styles and our religious beliefs. We use Christian texts when we can because Christ is the center of our world.

I would just like to throw this thought out: If I am unable to teach fractions, what is that saying about MY eduction?

[Blackmarch]

To dislcose: I'm not LDS but seriously investigating. I am a practicing and devout Christian! :)

We homeschool our four children. (12,9,8,4) I have always homeschooled them and love homeschooling. Homeschooling is a lifestyle for us.

I teach my kids all the subjects and I am never just teaching off the top of my head. I am following a curriculum like all teachers do. Many things I do teach on the fly but many things we follow a set curriculum that I chose specifically to suit my children's interests, learning styles and our religious beliefs. We use Christian texts when we can because Christ is the center of our world.

I would just like to throw this thought out: If I am unable to teach fractions, what is that saying about MY eduction?

As an LDS we get lots of opportunities to teach each other, mostly at church - and I've found that teaching is also a time of learning- It generally means that there is more for oneself to learn and to share it as they learn.

[Roseslipper]

I have no children, but my best friend does and she started to home school she didnt know if she would do it til k12 or not, but she did. Ive posted this before. My gf was a straight a student high iq. etc. home schooling is not for everyone. but if u want to do this there is help out there. There are home school groups. and if u are weak in an area, maybe u can get another mother that home schools to help you in that area. Your child will also be tested from the school board, to see if there keeping up with child of there age,and in most cases home taught children are way furture ahead the school taught children. You can make learning fun. It is alot of work. But you can do it. As far a the social thing. You can enroll your child in sports, plays, boyscouts, brownies, etc. They dont need to sit in a class for 7 hrs. But again its not for everyone. It is a wonderful option.

[mychildrensmother]

IN a natural learning style yes we are. My 2 eldest are still at school but my 5 and 2 year old are at home.

[dannysong]

I think private school would be more beneficial. The environment of a boarding high school is safe, secure and supportive. Students are not free to wander off and mix with the wrong crowd. There are plenty of wholesome activities within the school and lots of things for the students to do. Click here to get a more detailed view.

Edited September 3, 2011 by dannysong

[Guest FixingTheWrongs]

A question for you homeschoolers. How do you feel your children do socially being taught at home as compaired to public school? We choose to send my son to public school because we felt he needs more social interaction with others his own age. He is an only child.

[Vort]

A question for you homeschoolers. How do you feel your children do socially being taught at home as compaired to public school? We choose to send my son to public school because we felt he needs more social interaction with others his own age. He is an only child.

My socialization in public schools consisted of learning such lessons as: cowering from bullies; using filthy language; witnessing pornographic discourse and imagery in locker rooms and on buses; objectifying others, especially females; condemning any opinion that does not sit with the majority; in summation, observing the very worst of human nature played out in the microcosm of school.

My children, who are all homeschooled, are light-years ahead of most others in social interaction and in basic kindness toward and tolerance of others. They are comfortable in most social situations and relate well to children and adults of all ages. They refuse to participate in much of the scummy actions of their same-age friends, yet manage not to alienate those friends.

The socialization idea is the most common, and also most bogus, argument raised in opposition to homeschooling. There well may be some valid reasons why homeschooling is not the best option -- I haven't found them, but I grant they may exist -- but socialization is not one of them.

[Dravin]

The socialization idea is the most common, and also most bogus, argument raised in opposition to homeschooling. There well may be some valid reasons why homeschooling is not the best option -- I haven't found them, but I grant they may exist -- but socialization is not one of them.

I think it comes up from the preconception of a home schooled child as someone locked in the house and never interacting with anyone except their parents (and possibly siblings). Which would be bad, and while some examples of it probably exist, it's not some sort of forgone conclusion where home school equals isolation (anymore than public school equals well adjusted socialization).

[Jenamarie]

Socialization is the *least* of my worries. My kids socialize with their siblings and their parents every day. They have friends in Primary, they play with the neighbor kids, my oldest is in ballet, and my second will be starting Kung Fu soon. We've also done swim lessons and playgroups. They have lots of time to spend with their age-peers. They also go with me on all my errands during the day and talk to the check-out person, the librarian, the Pediatritian, the mailman at the post-office, etc. They're just as likely to strike up a conversation with an adult, or someone much younger than they are, as they are with someone their own age. They're learning how to function in a multi-aged society. :)

[NeuroTypical]

How do you feel your children do socially being taught at home as compaired to public school?

Heh - quick answer - you just asked a bunch of fish if they worry about their children getting enough water.

Long answer - here's what this week brings for my two homeschooled kids:

* 5 group enrichment classes at the co-op held at the local mega-church

* One full day of Homeschool Academy through the school district

* Flag football 2x/wk for one kid

* Thai Kickboxing for the other kid

* Church

* Girl's activity night

* Almost daily interaction with the one neighbor's 10 homeschooled kids, and the other neighbor's 4+ homeschooled kids

* Work picnic on Saturday

We've had to struggle to get the entire family around the dinner table every night. It won't be happening tonight. I barely have time to play half a game of risk with my 10 yr old.

There was a study a few years back, showing that homeschooling kids got more socialization than their public school counterparts (measured in terms of extracurricular activities and clubs and whatnot).

Yeah, the "homeschoolers are all sheltered behind tinfoil-plated windows" image doesn't really reflect reality these days.

And to Vort's point, I was an only child sent to public school. I was (and am) an introvert. For a year or two in middle-school, I prided myself at going entire days without using my voice even once. I excelled at being invisible and totally unnoticed. And it wasn't very hard at all.

Edited September 9, 2011 by Loudmouth_Mormon

[Guest FixingTheWrongs]

Points taken. Thanks for the insight. Maybe we'll reexamine our decision.

[JessiePadGirl]

My daughter is just 18 months now, but I always have known I would homeschool. My husband was to slow to agree, but once I explained what homeschooling is really like, he agrees it would be best. Of course, as I was never homeschooled, I don't know firsthand, but I'm always researching.

Just wanted to pop in and say thanks for all the valuable advice!

[rayhale]

With technology today, there are online classes that teach school, with actual teachers using video to teach. You just need to make a Google search about online k-12 schools. There is one option that no one has said, that is to send your kids to public schools, then invest money into the system, make sure that your school district is using the money to invest in the future of education.

[Guest]

No homeschooling here. Why...

Well, this reason may possibly not be Vort-worthy but it's the direction we took.

So, okay, I can't cook. And I'm not fond of cooking either. But, I can follow a recipe to a tee and produce something that can pass for dinner. But, for my sanity, and the family's sanity, I get our dinners pre-packaged at Super Suppers and all I have to do is follow the instructions on how to cook the things.

I'm a clean-freak who hates to clean. Go figure. I hire a company to come clean the house twice a month so all I have to do is dust and vacuum and keep the house tidy.

But, I'm an awesome programmer. I love doing it and I'm very good at it and can make good money with it working from home. So, instead of spending time cooking and cleaning, I use that time to make money doing something I'm good at, so I can hire somebody to do the things that drive me crazy.

So, in the same fashion, we send the kids to school. I have good I.Q., graduated top in class and all that stuff. But, I can't teach academics. I don't have the necessary patience, fortitude, disciplinary/control skills, and organization skills needed for the job. Just helping the kids with homework taxes our relationship. But, I'm this great programmer who can make pretty good money programming, so I do what I do best - write programs - and send my kids to a certified, good quality teacher to do what they do best - teach my kids their academics. But, no, I don't just drop the kids off to school and forget about them until I pick them up. I believe that a child's education must be served with the close collaboration of both the parents and the teachers (also applies in a homeschooling scenario). My role is to facilitate the teaching - to provide the teachers with what they need to be able to do their jobs to the best of their ability. And, if one teacher is not working out, then I can do something about getting another teacher or a different environment.

Okay, I have 2 kids - one in public school, one in private school. When my 1st child was just starting kindergarten, we moved to a different house and part of the condition of that move is to be in range with one of the best public schools in the region. Well, said public school worked for my 1st child but it did not work for my 2nd child. So, we put our 2nd child in a Private Montessori school. And I can't say enough about Montessori teaching. It's the best match for my kid.

Montessori is applicable to home schooling too. It's actually perfect for a multi-kid household. So, look into it and see if it can work for you. The teacher is a fascilitator. The kids do most of the teaching. It's part of the educational growth of the child - to first observe, then participate, and then teach. Really cool stuff.

Edited May 14, 2012 by anatess

[Martain]

I've seen the following verse used to advocate and support home schooling/private schooling:

Mosiah 23:14 And also trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments.

Either way, the question will definitely be a decision I seek council from the Lord on when it comes time to make.

[Vort]

Well, this reason may possibly not be Vort-worthy

See, this is what we need: More people worrying about whether their reasons are Vort-worthy.

[NeuroTypical]

Wwvd?