The battle between homschool vs public school is one that is fought constantly by homeschooling parents. Concerns about socialization and education combine with money concerns and the convenience of learning in your pajamas. These issues must all be considered before you decide whether to go with homeschool or public school.
Socialization
The biggest advantage public schools have over homeschooling is the socialization aspect. This is the idea that public schools allow kids to be around a variety of other kids and learn social skills that are necessary later in life. Public schools still have an advantage in this arena, but homeschools are closing the gap. The internet has made it easy to set up playdates, special classes and clubs for homeschooling families. Since the groups don't typically meet every day, public school still has the advantage. However, homeschooling groups offer the child the opportunity to interact with more than just his own age group, which public school restricts.
Finances
The biggest advantages public school has are monetary. A homeschool family is almost reqjuired to live on one income. It's possible for both parents to work full time and then teach in the evenings, but it is extremely difficult. A public school family can have two working parents and therefore earn a better income. Additionally, the public schools do not charge the parents for curricula, which homeschool parents must pay for. The ability of public schools to offer free meals to underprivileged children is another financial benefit of public schools.
Location and Convenience
The ability to have school whenever and wherever you wish is the biggest advantage for homeschoolers. Public schools are tied to a specific location and schedule all year long, whereas a homeschool family can teach at the grocery store, at a movie theatre or at the zoo. A flexible homeschool schedule also allows homeschool parents to work during the child's most productive hours, instead of forcing them to work against their body's natural clock. This flexibility further gives parents and students the chance to experience things that public school kids might miss out on, such as small-group field trips and unusual learning experiences. Homeschooling parents can also choose a Christian homeschool curriculum or something less religious according to preference.
Consistency
Children need consistency from those who care for them. When their environment changes without any consideration for them, their education suffers and they can have difficulty getting back on track. For example, the current financial issues have caused my local school district to lay off teachers, close schools and consolidate classes. This means that kids are not only losing teachers they are familiar with, but they are going to new schools and dealing with new classmates all at the same time. This can cause the student to lose focus, become frustrated or angry and lash out. This is an issue that a homeschooler never has to worry about. The biggest decision a homeschooler has in this regard is whether to get dressed or stay in pajamas for school.
The debate between homeschoolers and public schools will likely never end, but the changes in the educational system, technology and finances will ensure that the debate stays interesting.
