Switch on the TV and you are sure to find a negative news item about public schools: violence, teenage crime and a low level of knowledge are often mentioned among the problems related to many public schools, especially in depressed areas of big cities. Terrified with the perspective of their child growing up in this kind of surrounding, many people seek for an alternative from of education. Homeschooling seems one of the options, but what are its advantages and disadvantages if compared to public schools?
The main positive point of homeschooling is that parents can control the surrounding and eliminate negative influence. Not being bullied, many children find the educational process fascinating. Another positive point is that working with a child individually means the possibility to identify his/her preferences and talents. These areas can be developed with a bigger emphasis and provide a good basis for the future career. Moreover, the studying process is actually not so time-consuming, as it is easy to grasp the attention of a child and it does not involve so much stress, as there are no marks and the only thing that matters is the successful completion of tasks.
However, homeschooling has its potential dangers. Limited communication opportunities can influence the ability to adapt to the society, make friends, learn compromising and negotiating. Moreover, parents may find it difficult to invite teachers with experience and a profound knowledge of academic disciplines to ensure high academic results.
So, homeschooling is a good alternative for those parents who want to protect their children from the negative experience they may gain in public school, but are they really the ideal solution? Unfortunately, not, and the choice of the form of education must be made by each parent taking into account all pros and cons.