Home School vs Public School

Home School VS Public School

University of Phoenix Student Home school and public school is a debated subject. Parents are disputing whether home school education or a public school education is more beneficial for their child. An education that fits the needs of a child is important; that’s why there are things to be considered when choosing an educational path for a child.

Certainly in a public school setting a parent should take note that their children is in a better learning environment to have and gain social diversity. Whereas in a homeschool setting they won’t have that face-to face interaction with other children of different cultures and races. Exposing a child to diversity at an early age helps to shape them into more accepting people, and they would be less likely to shy away from new things. Exposure to different cultures and religions is different in a home school setting. The child doesn’t get to shake the other persons hand or speak to them to know that they sound a little different and things like that spark their curiosity to ask questions and find out more about the differences and why. The only socialization the child receives is that pertaining to extracurricular activities after their home school cessation such as karate or soccer. Getting a grip on social diversity at an early age can help a child to create new ideas and change that can be beneficial to society and the world.

Assuredly another thing to consider is the horrible truth about negative peer pressure and how it is more present in public school than in home school. This is one of the main reasons parents decide that home school is better for their child and it’s understandable. However, peer pressure won’t just fade into the background. It’s talked about in the newspaper and as well as on television, how children succumb to the peer pressure and in the end takes their own life and sometimes the lives of others. Although parents choose to home school their child, it doesn’t make the threat go away or remove it. If a parent is deciding that a home school education is better for their child because of peer pressure then, they should also be aware that they are sheltering the child from the harsh reality of the world. It won’t benefit the child is he/she is sheltered from it and never explained what it is or what it even sounds like. That child will grow up and get out in the world and doesn’t understand why some people aren’t very nice or single them out of the crowd. A parent should take the time to understand for themselves what peer pressure is, what the cause is, and how to deal with it. The parents should also take the time to teach their child how to avoid it. Once a parent has enough knowledge on peer pressure, they can explain it to the child and give them a understanding so they are not left in the dark no matter what educational path is chosen.

Although there are many pros and cons about home school and public school, one of the biggest benefits of home schooling is the student/ teacher ratio. The teacher has more time for each individual student, therefore meaning they have time for increasing their learning. Its easier to create a focused learning environment without distractions and interruptions. In public schools, there are at least 20 to 30 students to one teacher, therefore, those distractions and interruptions are present. This makes it difficult for the child to focus and gain the knowledge needed to have success in the world.

Unquestionably within a home school setting, a child can receive a customized education. Some children struggle with math or reading. Some kids have giftedness in science or history. No matter what their struggle or giftedness may be, home schooling permits the child and the parent to customize the education to maximize learning, get past and strengthen and weaknesses, and provide focus for those things that the child has a special interest in. The way that homeschool is placed is beneficial to a child that has needs concerning an education. For example, a child that has trouble focusing because they feel bored. A curriculum centered on a favorite subject would help. In public school, the curriculum is set and there really is no changing that fact. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing because it could teach a child that sometimes you don’t always get a choice and that’s okay.

In conclusion many parents want the best educational path for their child. Whether that be in a homeschool setting where they can choose the child’s curriculum or in a public school setting where the child will have more of a chance to be socially diverse. No matter which option of an education is chosen, the parent will realize that all things must be considered when deciding on a good and healthy education for their child.