When a parent tells friends or loved ones they plan to choose homeschooling above sending their child(ren) to the local public school, they are often met with a lot of disdain. Friends and loved ones tend to express a lot of concern over the child’s well-being. While I am sure that those thoughts are coming from a place of love and concern, I would like to make an opposing argument. It is not homeschooling children which limits them academically, socially, mentally, and emotionally. Instead, those limits are much more likely to be attached in the public school system.
Public schools limit children academically
The National Center for Education Statistics shows that the United States of America is no longer near the top of the world in regards to education. In 2019 the Unites States 4th grade standardized test scores were compared with other countries around the world. 12 other education systems scored higher than ours did in reading. 14 systems were above us in math.
In 2022, nearly 60% of 8th grade students in the United States did not reach the “proficient” level in mathematics. Worse than that, in areas such as West Virginia, the District of Columbia, and New Mexico, that number is closer to 80%. In case you are unaware, the definition of “proficient” is, “Competent in doing or using something.” In other words, in some areas of our country, less than 20% of 8th graders are competent of doing grade level work. The same website shows similar scores in reading as well.
While no studies have been done on standardized testing between public and homeschooled students, ACT.org shows public school students regularly score significantly lower than homeschooled or private schooled peers.
There is even more information here regarding public school students testing significantly lower than homeschooled children of the same age on achievement tests.
If less than half of public school students are competent at reading and math, as so judged by tests that the states themselves decide on (and often make easier according to this webpage), are you not concerned that the schools are limiting our children’s academic success potential?
Public schools limit children mentally and emotionally
According to Mental Health America, children need the following to have “good mental health.”
- Unconditional love from family
- Self-confidence
- The opportunity to play with other children
- Encouraging teachers and supportive care takers
- Safe and secure surroundings
- Appropriate guidance and discipline
Is the public school system of the United States of America capable of meeting those needs?
Unconditional love from family
Of course, the first one is quite obvious. The school CANNOT provide unconditional love from family. And I’m willing to bet children who are homeschooled feel more of that love than children who spend their days in a classroom.
Self-confidence
Next is self-confidence. This one is iffy. If a student does well academically, they may become more confident. If they are good at sports, school activities may boost their esteem. But what if they’re not? We’ll give this one a… it depends?
The opportunity to play with other children
Thirdly, the opportunity to play with other children. The initial response may be, “Well of course kids play at school! That’s what recess is for!” Let’s see the research though.
Edweek.org states that many schools have completely done away with recess, and some have shortened it to only 15 minutes. The longest recess times consist of 45 minutes. So while the average school day (not counting time on the busses) is 6.5 hours, the MOST time they have to play with other kids is 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, most elementary homeschool parents finish their academics in two or three hours (and they don’t have to worry about homework), leaving MUCH more time to play with siblings, kids in the neighborhood, or friends at the park.
I don’t think public schools are really filling the need to play with other kids.
Encouraging teachers and supportive care takers
Next, encouraging teachers and supportive care takers.
According to EdSurge.com, teaching may be one of the most stressful professions out there. How encouraging and supportive do you think someone who is stressed out is going to be? How much encouragement can a teacher of 30+ kids give to each child in a day?
Once again, I declare this one a, “ehh… probably not.”
Safe and secure surroundings
I am sure we all know this one is a no, but just in case, let me share this article with you. It shows that nearly half of the public school students surveyed do not feel safe at school. 40% of them do not believe teachers even attempt to stop bullying. 30% believe they must be ready to defend themselves.
Are schools safe and secure surroundings? Many children don’t believe so.
Appropriate guidance and discipline
Finally we come to the last one: appropriate guidance and discipline. When we look at classroom sizes, is it even possible for a teacher to discipline and guide appropriately? As previously stated, 40% of students don’t think teachers even try to stop bullying, much less succeed. That said, however, I couldn’t find any data on this one. So let’s just pretend this one is a yes.
That means the public schools are promoting one, MAYBE two, out of 6 things children need for positive mental health, and most parents are capable of providing the ones the school provides and more.
Public schools limit children socially
Socialization is a major concern of those not familiar with homeschool. They worry that children may not have friends, or learn how to interact with peers.
While it is certainly true that public school children have more opportunities to play with children their own age, this practice is in and of itself quite limiting.
Most public school children spend a majority of their time stuck in one room with 20-40 people who are very much like them. People who are the same age, and from the same neighborhood. Can you imagine what our adult lives would look like if we only spoke with those who were within 2 years of our age? We would be incredibly socially awkward!
Children who are homeschooled get the benefits of interacting with people of all age groups, without being limited by the school clock.
Children in public schools learn to socialize from their peers, the same ones who have not learned how to socialize. On the other hand, homeschooled children get to learn from a variety of people, many of whom are adults or older children who have good things to teacher rather than bad. I believe that may be the cause for a statement in the above mentioned study:
Public schools limit the potential of children
If children do not feel safe, secure, confident, and well-guided, and are expected to learn social skills from their own peer group, is it any wonder our educational system is failing? The public schools, by failing to meet the needs of children, are greatly limiting their potential academic, mental, social, and emotional success.
While this news may be a bit distressing, please remember there are alternative methods of education. Public school isn’t the only option. And I’m not going to say that every public school across America is failing. Some students may very well excel in the school system. If your child is not one of those students, however, please don’t let them continue to fight to reach limits you know they can excel past. Help them to see their full potential is much higher than where they are right now!