Making the
decision of whether to homeschool can be a tough one. While some
know this is the right path for their families,
others of a more analytical or cautious nature want to weigh
homeschooling pros and cons before making the decision whether to
step away from the norm (approximately 5 percent
of today's school age children are homeschooled). Here are some of
the most often heard pros and cons...
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College
Prep
Pros
Homeschooled
students are admitted at many colleges, including some of the top
universities, such as Stanford, Patrick Henry and Harvard as they
normally score more than the average students on college entrance
exams.
Cons
Entry
requirements often call for more planning on the parents and
student's parts. Some colleges will only require SAT and/or ACT
scores, some a GED along with college entrance exams, and still other
others require the parents to create a transcript and/or a portfolio.
School as
Childcare
Pros
Instead of
handing the children over to someone else 8 or more hours a day, the
parent/parents have much more time and influence with the children.
Homeschooling parents may swap childcare with other parents for a few
hours a week, and children may spend some time at outsides
activities, but the main source of education, parenting and role
modeling comes from the home.
Cons
Because
school serves as childcare for parents who work outside the home,
many who homeschool are mothers in two parent families and far less
are single parents. When a homeschooling parent works at home,
striking a balance can be challenging, although many do find a way to
make it work,
Socialization/Citizenship
Pros
The fact
that homeschooled children don't socialize the same as their
conventionally schooled peers is considered a pro by many. Home
schooled children have more opportunity to socialize with those of
varying age levels when on outings or participating in community,
church and/or volunteer groups, as well as special interest
activities and classes. Another benefit is that this socialization
can take place in more natural, "real world" settings, and
without the bullyism, peer pressure, and unnatural cliques.
Cons
It will
take some effort on the parents' parts to ensure the children do have
opportunities to socialize with other children; however freedom from
the school's schedules allows for plenty of socializing time.
Considering that on the average, a homeschooled child only needs a
few hours to complete what it would take a week to complete in
school, there is plenty time left for socializing.
Family
Time/Learning Time
Pros
Families
who homeschool spend much more time together. Even when one parent
works outside the home, there is more time spent together because the
children won't be holed up in their rooms doing homework after
dinner.
Cons
On the
downside, many homeschooling moms (usually the one at home with the
kids 24/7) feel stressed from all the togetherness. However,
homeschooling needn't and shouldn't mean that your children can't
learn or do anything apart from you. As mentioned above, many
homeschooling children are involved in activities outside the home.
Learning
Style Freedom
Pros
Homeschooled
children can learn at their own pace, if the state's laws are
homeschool-friendly. A fast learner needn't wait for the rest of the
class before moving forward, and a slow learner needn't be turned off
of learning due to frustration and self esteem issues. Also, a
homeschooled child may be at varying levels, according to subject,
meaning that rather than being held back needlessly in math, for
example, because the spelling isn't "up to speed" yet, the
child's strengths can be allowed to blossom.
If you are giving serious thought to Homeschooling you will get really good advice at: The Ultimate Homeschool Planner (Orange Edition)
