The Homeschooled Advantage: An Insider’s Perspective

Introduction

For many families, homeschooling is an alternative to traditional schooling that offers individualized learning experiences and a flexible schedule. I, a 15-year-old who has been homeschooled, would like to share my personal experience and perspective on the benefits of homeschooling as compared to attending a public school.

My Homeschooling Journey

I have been homeschooled for most of my life, and I am currently enrolled in a homeschool curriculum called Classical Conversations. My experience here has been transformative and enriching. At Classical Conversations, I attend school one day a week, typically at a church, where I engage with fellow students and a professional teacher. The rest of my time is spent on assignments and self-study. My curriculum is divided into two parts for grades from kindergarten to sixth or seventh grade: Foundations and Essentials. Foundations uses catchy songs to teach basic knowledge, including the timeline of major historical events. Essentials focuses on essay writing and prepares students for college. After sixth grade, I participate in the Challenge curriculum, which teaches respect and kindness to its core.

The Homeschooling Experience

Homeschooling has been a profoundly positive experience for me. In my opinion, it offers a more holistic and effective education. The structured yet flexible nature of homeschooling allows for a more personalized and engaging learning environment. Freedom from the constant noise and chaos of a public school enables me to focus intently on my studies. In just three hours of homeschooling, I can cover as much material as I would in a week at public school. This time can be allocated efficiently, allowing me to explore my hobbies and interests, and my life is not entirely consumed by school.

Comparison with Public School

Public schooling, on the other hand, has been less favorable for me. My experience there was markedly negative, particularly in my sophomore and junior years of high school. The rigid and often crowded school environment was detrimental to my learning and overall well-being. Public schools, it seems, place more emphasis on political indoctrination than on education. Additionally, the curriculum often lacks the necessary depth and support required for advanced subjects such as algebra 2. I had to drop out of algebra 2 because the school failed to teach the crucial skills I needed, highlighting the shortcomings of the system.

Challenges and Concerns

The public school system also struggles with safety and security issues. As an example from my area, assault and stabbing incidents have become commonplace. This situation is alarming, as school officials prioritize filling libraries with politically charged material over the actual protection of their students. Public schools, unfortunately, can be breeding grounds for bullying, peer pressure, and stress, leading to maladies such as mental illness.

My Decision to Homeschool

Despite my early diagnosis and perceived need for support from a traditional school, I decided to switch to homeschooling halfway through my junior year. This decision has proved to be one of the best in my life. Homeschooling has allowed me to thrive in a setting that supports my unique learning style and personal growth. I feel that I can learn and achieve more in a homeschool environment, and my life and mental health have improved significantly since making this change.

Conclusion

Homeschooling offers a more tailored and effective educational experience compared to a conventional public school setting. The flexibility, personalization, and reduction in noise and bullying make a substantial difference in a student's overall well-being. For those considering homeschooling, it is worth exploring the many benefits it provides.