HOMESCHOOL OR PUBLIC SCHOOL?
It’s a difficult choice, but here’s what you need to consider in a nutshell.
Benefits of Homeschooling that outweigh Public Schools
Homeschooling Strengthens Values & Beliefs
- Homeschooling allows families to intentionally instill values that are important to them and the freedom to share and practice their faith without restrictions.
- Public schools promote a fixed set of values, often without room for critical thought or diverse perspectives.
Self-Discipline is required in homeschooling.
- In homeschool, discipline comes from within, not from peer pressure or performance competition.
- Learning to do the work even when it’s hard or boring = real growth.
- Contrast this with the high-achieving public-school students often running on OCD-like habits.
Early Intervention
- Problems—academic, behavioral, learning disabilities—are often caught early in homeschool.
- Public school systems often miss these issues until it’s too late or harder to reverse unhealthy habits.
Social Struggles and safety
- Homeschooling minimizes exposure to toxic social games: popularity, fashion, peer pressure.
- Public school culture tends to push conformity over individuality.
- There has been a rise in school shootings and safety concerns over the years.
Bullying
- It exists in public school, period—even the good ones.
- Homeschool environments naturally reduce bullying due to smaller, safer social dynamics where adults are present.
Independent Thought
Public school tends to promote conformity through standard curriculum and groupthink dynamics.
Homeschool fosters real critical thinking: reading widely, analyzing deeply, discussing openly.
The Case for Public Schooling
- Access to Certified Teachers & Specialists
Public schools employ trained educators, special education professionals, counselors, and support staff who are equipped to handle a wide range of academic and emotional needs. - Built-in Socialization
Students interact daily with a variety of peers, helping them develop essential social skills, emotional intelligence, and teamwork—sometimes these skills are hard to replicate in smaller settings. - Diversity of Perspectives & Experiences
Public school classrooms often reflect broader society, exposing students to different cultures, beliefs, socioeconomic backgrounds, and worldviews. - Extracurricular Opportunities
Sports teams, music programs, theater, clubs, and leadership organizations are often more accessible and varied and are often offered free of cost to students. - Support for Working Families
Public schools provide consistent, structured schedules and resources like transportation and school meals, offering vital support for dual-income or single-parent households.
Challenges and Trade-offs
While both homeschooling and public schooling offer unique benefits, they also come with their share of challenges and trade-offs. Homeschooling requires a significant time and energy investment from parents, who are also juggling teaching with their other responsibilities. And while most homeschoolers are tired of hearing about “socialization” it can also be a concern if families aren’t intentional about creating community connections.
On the other hand, public school students may face larger class sizes, less individualized attention, and exposure to bullying or peer pressure. While public schools offer a more structured environment and access to trained educators, they also come with curriculum constraints and limited flexibility.
What It Really Comes Down To
It’s a big decision to decide on your child’s educational path. But you are the best person to make that choice. Consider what is truly important to you and what is best for your child and your family then move forward in that direction. Homeschooling has changed a lot over the years. You don’t have to do it alone. There is a plethora of online classes, support groups, co-ops, and people that are around you if you just look.
May 13, 2025
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Barbara Ann Mojica's BLOG 
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