Personally, I am against homeschooling. I don't think that kids get the same sort of opportunities in homeschool, then they would going to a regular public school.  I feel that it is important for a child to be able to interact with other kids, participate in different school activities and/or sports, and not be sheltered their entire life.  I mean, what will happen once the child graduates and attempts to go to college?  They will not be used to the "typical" school scene, and I feel that it would be more difficult for them to adapt to the new surroundings.

I voted other.  I think that homeschooling is not the best idea in most cases.  On occasion it's ok when the child has dicipline problems or learning disabilities that can't be addressed at school.

I voted other. I believe in some cases that homeschooling is best for a child, but a lot of the time public school is better. It seems that some parents would like to shield there kids from things that go on in public schools such as bullying, racial tensions, threats, and in an attempt to fit in they may make some mistakes. For children that aren't able to get along very well with others I believe homeschooling should be the way to go until they are able to get the child to act appropriately around others their age. Although, once they get to middle school they should be given the choice of whether they want to be homeschooled still or go to a public school. I do agree that public school teaches us things socially that we wouldn't learn being homeschooled. I'm glad that my parents chose to put me and keep me in a public school, because otherwise I wouldn't have many friends or be able to participate in cross country or track.

Hey, I'm homeschooled, so...  I guess this would be my area of expertise.

Well, academically speaking, it is better.  Since your "teacher" is focusing on you (and perhaps siblings) and not an entire class, you benefit more.

However...it is pretty lonely, in my case, depressing to some extent.  Homeschoolers don't get to see their friends everyday like public schoolers, although there are some extracurricular programs where they can get together (homeschoolers have a "base" school they send their report cards to, etc.).

Homeschooling is not a good idea.  Kids definately need to be able to interact with other kids.  It gives them a fun learning experience. 

I went to regular school between pre-school and 8th grade. I chose homeschooling afterwards. I liked my homeschooling as I still had to go to the school and interact, so it wasn't like I was stuck at home all day long - it was just less interaction.

I don't think homeschooling is really a bad thing after grade school. Most kids who go into Junior high and High School tend to not focus much due to being insecure in front of their peers, or partying or getting in with the wrong crowds. I think these days, schools are a lot scarier than they were in the 50's/60's/70's and partially 80's. If I lived in a city like Richmond, CA (which has the highest murder rate in our county) I'd be frightened to go to school everyday. If it means for safety, sometimes homeschooling may be worth it.

I voted FOR.  All of Carlos' kids were homeschooled. His oldest got her PhD at the age of 25 (?).  However there are pros and cons  to homeschooling (just like there are pros and cons to public education).  As a few people mentioned, lack of peer interaction. However, there are ways around that. Someone did mention about getting together with other homeschoolers. I met this kid who was homeschooled yet he took gym (and I think other classes-i.e. music, art, etc.) at the local school. Another drawback could be how/what parents teach. If the parents are not eduated in a subject (and don't know how to get educated) that can be dangerous. One major pro is that study plans are geared toward the kid. In a classroom setting, you have to try to figure out how to keep the advanced kids engaged while trying to keep the less advanced kids from falling too far behind.



Cat

Well, there are a lot of different ways to "homeschool" someone. The word "home" doesn't denote that the parent is the teacher. Homeschooling really has taken on different meanings in recent years.

1) Go to a Base School (like Sheth mentioned) and have a once-a-week one on one hour with a teacher.


2) Strictly be taught at home by parents who've been certified to do so.


3) Be taught at home but when you are of age, can take community college courses to "interact" with others as well as earn double credit.


For everyone, the approach can be different. If one kid seems more appropriate for homeschooling and is responsible, I would approve of it. If the child seems clearly uncomfortable being home all the time and seeks interaction, public school may be the better option. Sometimes it just works better for others. There are always shades of grey.

I went to a base school which required I also do a certain amount of time in a math lab, computer lab and also conduct my own field trips. I also had to go to a study hall twice a week and interact with kids my age. I also had art classes, some P.E., etc. Yet, because I still knew kids from my days in public school I still interacted with them and went to my Senior Ball as well as some Highschool football games. I really don't feel all that deprived.

While there is the advantage of having one-on-one tutoring with a parent and the added bonus of being able to keep your child away from the issues facing school today, I am against homeschooling. For the most part, those problems you see in the schools are NOT that severe. If you are in a district where it is so, I understand homeschooling. However, it robs children of the time to develop their social skills properly. Public school teaches you how to work with others in a somewhat office-like setting... homeschool isolates.

1) Go to a Base School (like Sheth mentioned) and have a once-a-week one on one hour with a teacher.


The only time I did this was for the Standard Achievement Test in seventh grade.  I don't go to any school, but my mom sends my report cards to this school.  I'll have to ask her about some kind of activity.

I suppose home-schooling has its positives and negatives.
It's good because it means you're focusing on one person, so they're not getting distracted or causing trouble like they would if they were in a class with other kids, and as a result they learn more
But it's bad because it's lonely for the kid because they won't get to make new friends or see any other kids as often

Personally, I don't mind either, but overall i'm pretty neutral about the whole thing  :-\\

While there is the advantage of having one-on-one tutoring with a parent and the added bonus of being able to keep your child away from the issues facing school today, I am against homeschooling. For the most part, those problems you see in the schools are NOT that severe. If you are in a district where it is so, I understand homeschooling. However, it robs children of the time to develop their social skills properly. Public school teaches you how to work with others in a somewhat office-like setting... homeschool isolates.


I agree children who are between pre-school and junior high should go to a regular school. If I hadn't gone during those years, I truly would have felt deprived. In one sense I was isolated because I went to a private school during my formative years, yet I thrived in that setting. I think it's good to test the waters rather than assume the child be homeschooled as soon as that time happens.