Homeschooling has emerged as a formidable alternative within the realm of education, yielding positive outcomes for countless families, both academically and socially. As a parent with firsthand experience educating five children, each with unique educational needs, in various types of schools, from preparatory to parochial to public, I can confirm the efficacy of this unconventional approach. Although homeschooling encounters societal stigma and opposition from the public school system, it consistently proves to be a beneficial option for students.
From a historical perspective, homeschoolers have consistently outperformed their peers within public school settings in terms of academic achievement. Many studies have revealed that homeschooled children frequently score higher on standardized tests and demonstrate a greater likelihood of matriculating into renowned universities, often obtaining undergraduate and postgraduate degrees with distinction. These remarkable academic achievements testify to the efficacy of homeschooling as a viable educational choice.
Cait Corrigan, Congressional Candidate for New York’s 1st Congressional District, says, Our educational system has parents and children bogged down with memorizing uninteresting and useless information just to take a test. They have forgotten the significance of raising literate, compassionate, honest, and happy people. I thank God every day that my mom homeschooled me. The best education does not happen within the four walls of a classroom sitting behind a desk year after year. The best education is when a child is engaged in everyday living – participating in hands-on, experiential learning. Homeschooling provided me with the opportunity to explore and understand life. From Revolutionary and Civil War reenactments to archeological digs, Science fairs, Book Clubs where I read Classical Literature, taking classes at the National Laboratory, to visiting almost every museum on the East Coast, the education at a traditional school could never take the place of my homeschooling experience.
Prominent Optometrist Dr. Stephen Dincher of Lighthouse Vision in Milford, CT says, “As a homeschooling father, who was also homeschooled from 1990 to 2003, I can honestly say it is the single best form of education for any child. The freedom I had to study at my pace the subjects that I enjoyed the most gave me a love of learning and knowledge that I believe would have been stifled in a one-size-fits-all Prussian Style classroom. My daughter is enjoying even more freedom to pursue her interests without the pressure of the school environment than I had. The time we can spend together as a family is invaluable, and with the cultural problems we face in government and private schools today, homeschooling is the best decision for our family.”
Common misconceptions surrounding homeschooling often stem from its potential financial implications on public schools. Each child enrolled in a public school generates financial support for the institution. Consequently, schools have a vested interest in discouraging families from opting for homeschooling. This vested interest often compels public schools to disseminate negative information about homeschooling without truly comprehending its methods or acknowledging its effectiveness.
Contrary to outdated notions, homeschooling has undergone significant evolutionary changes over the years, providing students with a comprehensive educational experience. Concerns about socialization, including the fear of missing out on proms, team sports, and lifelong friendships, are unfounded. The homeschooling community has cultivated extensive networks of students actively engaging in team sports and organizing proms. Instead of fostering isolation, the homeschooling environment fosters support, camaraderie, and a vibrant social life for children.
Unfortunately, public schools frequently perceive homeschoolers as a threat to their financial stability, resulting in unwarranted attacks on homeschooling. Despite these challenges, homeschooling continues to gain popularity and acceptance within society. The numerous inadequacies of the public school system, which have been further exposed in recent years, contribute to the increasing demand for homeschooling as a favored educational alternative.
Homeschooling liberates both parents and students, providing freedom and flexibility. Families can make independent choices, travel without hindrance, and incorporate religious beliefs into their curriculum without unnecessary scrutiny from state authorities. Moreover, parents possess the ability to design a personalized schedule tailored to their child’s specific needs, recognizing that education is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor.
Furthermore, homeschooling enhances the parent-child relationship, establishing a solid foundation for a child’s overall development. Oftentimes, parents find it challenging to dedicate quality time to their children due to work and everyday responsibilities. The absence of meaningful connections can introduce negative influences into a child’s life, potentially compromising their well-being. Homeschooling serves as an avenue for parents to actively engage in their child’s education, fostering a nurturing relationship and providing a positive environment for growth.
Long-time homeschooling parent Dawn Corrigan says, “Homeschooling is not a new phenomenon in America. Education has its roots in the home. In pre-colonial and colonial times, school was typically held at the family home. It wasn’t until 1852 that Massachusetts became the first state to mandate compulsory school attendance. Parents are a child’s first teacher. They know their children best. She quotes John Taylor Gatto “Educating a child is a natural process. Homeschooling is nothing more than an extension of parenting.” “Children are born with a natural curiosity and desire to learn and explore. Institutional education is intended to destroy a child’s individuality. This system is designed to cripple critical thinking skills and independence.”
Despite its numerous advantages, homeschooling does present its fair share of challenges. It demands substantial dedication and effort from parents, potentially restraining their personal time and limiting career opportunities. Additionally, homeschooled children may confront biases and misunderstandings from those unfamiliar with the homeschooling process and its benefits. Biased research and misinformation further perpetuate negative perceptions of homeschooling, disregarding the overwhelmingly positive experiences reported by homeschooling families.
Nonetheless, homeschooling has proven to be a highly effective and rewarding educational option for parents seeking greater control over their child’s education. Supported by extensive research studies and personal testimonials, homeschooling consistently yields positive academic outcomes and offers an individualized approach to learning. Despite the obstacles it presents, the freedom, flexibility, and enrichment of the parent-child relationship that homeschooling affords makes it a valuable choice for families. As awareness of homeschooling grows and the limitations of traditional schooling become increasingly evident, homeschooling will continue to thrive and transform education for the better.
Dr. Aaron Lewis July 10, 2023