In Defense of Homeschooling

In one of my college classes this summer, my professor took me to task about homeschooling after I gave reasons why we choose to homeschool our kids. He picked the wrong day to start something with me.

Sorry if I offend anyone with this, but it could happen.

What you are saying is based on conjecture, so here is some fact.

Based on a study done of homeschooled kids versus public school kids, the average public school child scored 50% on a basic battery of tests versus 85% by homeschool children. Overall testing scores average 50% for public school, 65-75% for private schools, and 75-85% for homeschool. Based on current research of adults who were homeschooled, it indicates that homeschooled kids grow up to participate in more community service, vote and attend public meetings more frequently, and go to and succeed in college at a higher rate.

It was not until 1852 that the United States introduced compulsory schooling. It was common before this for children to be taught at home. In fact, it is believed that during this period the United States had its highest national literacy rate.

As for your comment about “worldly exposure”, I will say that yes, they will eventually be exposed to it. However, it will be done on our terms. We know our child better than anyone else, so we will be the ones to determine when they are ready to be exposed to something. We are not trying to shield them from anything, we are simply trying to maintain balance in their lives.

I don’t understand the idea of how regular hours is such a big deal. When we homeschool, we spend roughly two-three hours focused on our children. There are not 20 other kids needing help, trying to get attention, or acting up. Because of this, the school day is over quicker and they can focus on other activities.

From my perspective, why should I spend “my money” to send everyone else’s child to school? I don’t want any of “your money”, I just want what I pay into the system. This year, my property tax that goes to the local ISD is $2190. That is more than enough to pay for my children’s homeschool materials. In fact, it’s way more than enough. It costs $6583 per student per year in another local ISD, which doesn’t include construction, equipment, and debt financing.

Homeschool education is closer to the real world than traditional education. How many times in your life outside of public school are you going to be surrounded by 20-30 other people who have birthdays within a 12 month period, all listening to a single authority figure? Not very often. Homeschool children are not forced into thinking specifically about their single peer group. We meet families from all walks of life, young and old, rich and poor.

Finally, homeschool kids have the opportunity to have better relationships with their parents and siblings than public school kids, mainly because they are not separated from their family for 7+ hours per day. This gives us the chance to know our kids better and be closer as a family.

It boils down to a choice. We choose to home school. Others choose to send their kids to private school. Others choose to send their kids to public school. I’m not saying we have the only answer, I’m saying that this is the best answer for our family. Will that change? Possibly, but not likely. My mom was a public school teacher for 30 years, and she’s solidly behind our decision. This isn’t about the haves and have nots. It’s about the opportunities we want to give our kids.