The Benefits of Homeschooling: A Parent’s Perspective

As a parent, the task of placing a child into a public school can seem daunting. Especially when dealing with educational institutions that are not performing up to standards. Many mistakenly believe that they have no choice but to send their children to school, but this is a misconception. There are several advantages to homeschooling, especially in today's digital age, where technology can provide a personalized and flexible learning experience.

Understanding the Legal Obligations of Parents

It is often thought that parents are legally required to enroll their children in public schools. However, this is not the case in many jurisdictions. Parents have the right to educate their children at home, provided that certain criteria are met. In Florida, for example, parents must register their intent to homeschool with the local school district and comply with state regulations, such as maintaining a portfolio and providing regular assessments.

Homeschooling: A Personalized Learning Experience

For me, choosing to homeschool my son after the fourth grade was a crucial decision. My son is an only child, and his generation has a tendency to socialize primarily through online platforms. This meant that traditional school might not fully provide the structured learning environment he needed. I chose to pay $129 per year for a high-quality online learning platform called iXL, which has transformed the way we learn. iXL offers a comprehensive standardized curriculum that covers all essential subjects such as reading, language arts, and math, with detailed subcategories and assessments.

Key Features of iXL

Assessments: iXL provides regular assessments to track progress. Grading: Homework and activities are automatically graded with detailed feedback. Time Logs: Parents can see how much time their child spends on different activities. Award Certificates: Certificates are issued for outstanding progress and performance. Personalized Learning: iXL determines grade levels and subscores for each category, ensuring a tailored learning experience.

I also have access to a local library, where I can print materials at no cost, which helps reduce the overall burden. The state allocates around $10,000 per student annually, but much of this money goes towards maintenance, utilities, and security rather than benefiting the student directly. This means that homeschooling can be a more cost-effective solution.

The Progress Projected by iXL

When we began using iXL, my son was an incoming fifth grader with second-grade language arts skills, fourth-grade reading abilities, and third-grade math skills. We quickly realized that he had a lot of work to do. Despite his academic achievements, such as being on the honor roll, iXL revealed gaps in his education that he didn't learn in traditional school settings.

With a little encouragement and consistent effort, my son made significant progress. In just four months, he shot up to seventh-grade reading, ninth-grade language arts, and eighth-grade math. He loves the app, and the convenience of doing homework anywhere has been a game-changer. This has also sparked interest among other parents who are concerned about their children's education as they approach middle school.

The Future of Education: College Scholarships and Graduation Requirements

For those worried about the future of their homeschooled children in terms of college education, there is good news. In Florida, the Bright Futures Scholarship waives GPA requirements and relies on an ACT/SAT score and 100 hours of community service. Additionally, a signed affidavit is all that is required to obtain a high school diploma, making the path to higher education a smoother one.

Ownership and Control

One of the most significant advantages of homeschooling is the control it provides. As a homeschooling parent, I am in charge of my home and my family. I can make decisions without external criticism. There are no cranky teachers, late-night assignments, or problems with school supplies. The focus is purely on learning, allowing for a more relaxed and effective educational experience.

Many other parents are now starting to explore homeschooling, and the results are encouraging. The convenience and effectiveness of a homeschooling program have led to a growing trend, with more parents realizing that it is both affordable and beneficial. Homeschooling offers flexibility, personalized learning, and the freedom to tailor the education experience to the needs of the child.