Public Schools vs. Home School

QUESTION: Public schools vs. home school - Can you help me weigh the options?

ANSWER:

Weighing the differences between public schools vs home school is imperative before deciding which one to choose. There are pros and cons to each option, none of which will cause every family to make the same choice regarding their child's education. Your choice needs to be based on what is best for your child and for you. Not every child will learn best at home, nor is every child meant to be placed in a group educational environment. First and foremost is knowing your child.

The decision of public schools vs. home school is best made after considering all the evidence. Some Christian families are glad to put their children into the public school system as witnesses for their faith. Many others, however see inherent danger in subjecting their young, unprepared children to the anti-Christian agenda of the public school. Public school is inundated with ungodly ideas and theories. Secular humanism is the religion taught in today's public schools, where the only mention of God is likely to be during the flag salute. Home schooling parents can teach their children about Creationism, but public schooled children will learn only about evolutionist theories. Peer pressure has always been a problem in schools. Instead of following the biblical examples and moral values taught at home, children start to crave acceptance, which leads to following the example of their public schooled peers.

Children are pressured to wear the "right" clothes, listen to the "right" music, shop at the "right" stores, and be interested in the "right" things. Individualism is ridiculed in public school; children feel forced to conform to the most current and fashionable standards.

Peer pressure is less likely in a home schooled environment, where most children are encouraged to explore their own interests and develop their individual styles. In a cramped classroom packed with thirty (or more) students, even the most skilled of all public school teachers are incapable of giving each child the time and attention they need for successful learning and achievement. Individual learning styles, personalities, schedules, and skills are irrelevant in a large classroom setting. On the other hand, children are taught to work together and problem-solve in groups with other children, gaining knowledge and experience from these interactions.

Home schooled children have the benefit of being taught at their own level, in their own time, and with the learning styles that suit them best. Public school allows for parents and children to have a break from each other. Time together in the evening and on weekends may be enough for some families; being together all day might seem to be a bit much. When home schooling, parents and children are allowed ample time to spend together, not only learning and exploring, but also working together on day-to-day tasks.

The key to deciding which method to use in educating one's own child is measuring the temperaments and skills of both the children and the parents, along with making the decision that the family believes brings honor to God.