In my previous post, i wrote a detailed guide on major factors to consider before introducing your child to Homeschooling.
It’s quite obvious that more and more people are warming up to it. From Private school, public school and home schooling, we are lucky to be in a era where there are options to the education curricula.
Choosing between the three is a significant decision that depends on various factors, including the needs and preferences of the child and the family’s values and circumstances. Here are some essential factors to consider when making the decision.
Child’s Learning Style and Needs
Consider how your child learns best and their specific educational needs. Some children thrive in a traditional classroom setting, while others may benefit from a more personalized approach that homeschooling can offer.
Child’s Learning pace.
We are all aware that not all children are on the same wavelength when it comes to matters education. Some grasp things quickly, while others learn at a slower pace. I know of kids who had dyslexia but because teachers didn’t have the capacity to diagnose such, were called all sorts of names and left to pick up their self esteem from the gutter.
It’s vital to evaluate your child’s academic performance and whether they require additional support or advanced challenges that may be better addressed in a particular educational setting.
Quality of Education
Research the quality of education offered in each option. Public schools’ quality can vary depending on location, while private schools may have smaller class sizes and more resources. Homeschooling’s quality depends on the curriculum chosen and the parents’ ability to provide a well-rounded education.
Socialization
For me, this factor alone beats all the others. The social environment of a child determines alot. Consider the social aspect of education. Public and private schools offer children opportunities to interact with peers regularly, while homeschooling may require additional effort to provide social interactions.
Family Lifestyle and Schedule.
Homeschooling provides more flexibility in terms of schedule and family involvement, whereas private and public schools have fixed schedules that families must follow. Not all kids do well under confided spaces (especially for cases of children diagnosed with conditions such as hyperactivity). Which is why it is important for every parent to understand their child.
Extracurricular Activities
Evaluate the availability of extracurricular activities and special programs like arts and sports in each option, as they can contribute to a well-rounded individual. After all, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Or Jane a dull girl, for that matter.
Cost
Maybe this is the factor i should have started with because for many parents, the buck starts and stops here. Private schools usually come with tuition fees, while homeschooling expenses can vary based on the chosen curriculum and resources. Public schools are typically funded by the government and may have fewer direct costs. Homeschooling isn’t as cheap as most people think and ofcourse we also have lanes to private schools.
Location.
Consider the proximity of the school or homeschooling resources to your home. Commuting to a school can be time-consuming and impact the daily routine.
Parental Involvement
Homeschooling requires significant parental involvement, so consider whether you have the time, resources, and willingness to take on this responsibility. Even though CBC claims that the ratio of parent to teacher involvement in students is 80:20, it is quite obvious with formal setting of education teachers still do majority of the work.
Teaching Expertise
Assess the parents’ ability to teach or hire tutors if homeschooling. Additionally, private schools may have specialized teachers in certain subjects.
Religious beliefs
Private schools often have specific religious or philosophical orientations, which may align with the family’s beliefs. Same to some public schools although they aren’t as rigid as private schools. Alternatively, this should guide your decision on whether you should homeschool your child.
Class Sizes
Consider the class sizes in private and public schools. Smaller class sizes in private schools can lead to more individual attention, but some students thrive in larger groups. As stated above, every parent should understand their child’s needs.
Support Services
This is essential for students with learning disabilities or special needs. The way these needs would be addressed in a public school is different from how they would be in a private school or if you took up the role of tutoring your child from home.
Long-Term Goals
Think about your child’s long-term educational and career goals and how each option aligns with those aspirations.
In conclusion, It is important to thoroughly research and potentially visit schools, talk to other parents, and even seek advice from educators or educational experts to make an informed decision that best suits your child’s needs and your family’s circumstances.
