Home School VS. Public School

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Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2007 Time: 12:00 AM
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by Brandon McVey

"Each day, more than 1,200 young men and women give up on their high school education, and, in many cases, on themselves" - so says the AdCouncil. Each day, 1,200 young men and women are becoming a burden to society. In a report done in March of 2006 for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, it was found that one third of all Public High School students failed to graduate with less then 2 years to go. Nearly one half of those were blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans. Many students gave personal reasons for leaving school. A third (32 percent) said they had to get a job and make money; 26 percent said they became a parent; and 22 percent said they had to care for a family member. At the end of this article I will show you where to get the rest of this disturbing report.

I am not a fan of the public school system. Not with numbers like... the nationwide grand mean in reading for home schoolers was at the 79th percentile, and the 73rd percentile for language and math. This ranking means home school students performed better than approximately 77% of the sample population on whom the test was normed. Nearly 80% of home schooled children achieve individual scores above the national average and 54.7% of the 16,000 home schoolers achieved individual scores in the top quarter of the population, more than double the number of conventional school students who score in the top quarter.

Facts are facts, but commons sense dictates that the public schools just do not work. They keep throughing money at the problem, working on self esteem and incentives while passing out condoms. They took out morals and replaced it with acceptance. They took out accountability and replaced it with food stamps. That's what the government gives in return for your tax dollars. Not to mention the NEA. They are a force in Washington that would rival the IRS. Just mention the word 'school vouchers' and red flags go up while the race cards come down.

Point being that this great country does allow us a means to avoid the peer pressure filled, barb wire lined, police patrolling institutions we call public education. The number of home schools is rising every year, and with that are SAT test scores. The fact that nearly all home schools are Christian based is reason enough to go this route. But even if you took that out of the equation you would be left with flexible schedules, like going year round and taking a week off anytime you like. One on one training and tutoring, a nurturing environment as apposed to one that requires self defense as part of the curriculum.

It is easy to realize that the home school beats public school, and even private schools for that matter. One must consider the time it would take to pursue such a task though, along with the cost. I have found places that get the process rolling for a $75 Registration fee, $25 processing fee, and then $500 - $750 per child, depending on the number of children. These organizations will provide proper paperwork, curriculums, planners, schedules and support to keep it in line with all the various state laws that apply.

For those interested in many more statistics and getting further details on home schools, a good starting piont would be at http://www.wulliebull2.com/homeschool . Included is a fun read call "The Teachers Interview", which will need no explanation.

Brandon McVey

About the Author

A product of public, private and home school. With 2 kids of my own now, this is a genuine consern of mine.

Brandon McVey

Comments

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 at 8:07 PM, by Guest
I deeply appriciate this article. As a homeschool student myself from a Christian home, I think all you have covered in this article has accurate. I hope that many others will be impacted by this as well. Thank you for the time you put into this.

Wed, 7 Nov 2007 at 8:36 PM, by Guest
I have always supported home schooling, but as a public school teacher at the high school level, I want to assure Mr. McVey that not all schools are 'barb wire lined' or require 'self-defense as part of the curriculum.' The school I work at is over sixty percent African American, somewhat rural, and NOT a morally vacuous environment. I have many fine students, some of whom are voal supporters of their Christian beliefs and values. While I beleive home schooling is best for some students, I have also seen cases where homeschool equals 'I just don't feel like gettin up in the morning in time to get the kids dressed for school, so let's all just sleep until ten.' I've also seen kids whose social behavior desperately needed intervention from a counselor available in public school, but instead the child was 'home schooled' more or less to keep people from 'finding out about Johnny's problem' (i.e. that he's exhibiting behavior similar to that of Jeffrey Dahmer,etc.) Home schooling is wonderful when appropriate,but it's not ALWAYS the answer, and not ALL public schools are horrible. It's encumbent on parents to evaluate what's really happening in their local schools.

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 at 5:27 PM, by Guest
I agree with the Nov. 7th teacher on many points but his school is one of very few that meets the criteria of curriculums needed to get our children back on track to strengthen this country. My children are homeschooled because I looked at the numbers for the schools in several counties in my area. My wife and I where ready to move it meant that my children would have a solid education but the grades were horrible for those schools. I also have a problem with some of the literature and issues my children were going to be taught at their age level. Who is to say that my children are ready to understand homosexuality? Why is it that these things need to be taught by the schools and not the parents? The moral issues in our schools are growing up now and they are adults that have torn the morale fiber of this country. This is not an urban issue, its spreading throughout all facets of our country. Though the person wrote of how well their school is doing, I pray it will continue to do so and survive in a society that no longer values educating our children. They prefer to give you the neccessary grade so that "no child is left behind." The irony is that the child's body graduates but their mind is still "left behind."

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 at 7:05 PM, by Guest
i hear that the average test scores for home schooling was around 50% higher than the average for public schools i'm only 17 but the idea of a better form of learning than the public school i attend would be great thats why i went to AAST. i heard that AAST was the only school in Horry county South Carolina were the test scores went up in 2007 thats why i went ony to find that the reason the test scores are so hight is the fact that the teachers love their job and the freedom of the school i closer to college than high school giving the student a reason to want to com to school i love it here.

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 at 7:05 PM, by Guest
I am personally in home school and i couldn't agree more.

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 at 4:31 PM, by Guest
homeschooling sucks. dont make your kid antisocial. ..dont make them a dragon ball Z kid.

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 at 5:18 AM, by Guest
hahaha! homeschooling doesn't mean your antisocial...i'm home schooled and have TONS of friends! Most of them are even in public school! :) Homeschooling rocks!

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 at 7:00 AM, by Guest
I agree with November 7th and February 28th. I know the statistics that were discussed are false. I think that public school is more important now than ever because of the simple fact that we have raised a generation of 'students' or 'children' that can't interact in social settings. They don't know how do deal with group work in a career setting and have very little or no experience in public relations.

Mon, 8 Dec 2008 at 9:16 PM, by Guest
High test scores amount to nothing in terms of success. Anyone who has, if ever, worked hard and became successful in any career knows that the most important key to being successful is actually going through the public school system and prevailing to where they are at now. This is achieved in terms of facing a new situation with different people everyday. This universal goal of being successful can be achieved by public schools. If one is efficient and comfortable in a classroom dealing with a new peers and a new teacher every year/semester, they have a better chance working with bosses, supervisors, managers, employees, co-workers, etc. With all do respect, homeschooling does have sufficient outcome when dealing with grades and test scores, but it completely lacking the social adaptation developed over the years in a public school system. Bottom line, either option works, but as one may see public school is more likely to lead to a well-rounded individual, making it that more possible to be successful.
Greg, 22 years old
department manager at Nordstrom.

Mon, 8 Dec 2008 at 9:18 PM, by Guest
First and foremost is knowing your child,every child is different, some may do very well being home schooled or going to public school. Allot of prayer also needs to be involved. God may lead a family to have their child go to a public school as witness for their faith, or God may lead a family to have their child be home schooled. Either home schooled or not that doesn't mean a child is less educated than the other or antisocial. Both sides has it's pros and cons but when it really comes down to it is making a decision that the family believes brings honor to God.
Know your child,pray and listen what God wants you to do.

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 at 10:10 AM, by Guest
Nice article

Mon, 9 Feb 2009 at 6:25 AM, by Guest
Apparently spelling and grammer were two subjects left out of the author's homeschooling agenda...

Mon, 9 Feb 2009 at 6:25 AM, by Guest
i am a homeschooler and i agree with this article all the way! thanks!

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 at 8:04 AM, by Guest
I'm shocked at the above comment about the author's "spelling and grammer". You may also want to check your own spelling since "grammer" should be grammar before making snide remarks for the fun of it. Look it up, and have a nice day.

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 at 9:29 PM, by Guest
i agree

Sun, 3 May 2009 at 7:40 PM, by Guest
I also agree with this article. But you should look at your "Spelling and Grammer"

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 at 8:07 PM, by Guest
One thing to remember about comparisons of Home school and Public School is that home school students are usually fairly good students or at least don't have any major problems that impede their learning. Comparing them to test scores in public school where everyone gets to have an education regardless of mental capacity and or disabilities is a little off. Much like comparing the test scores in China to the one in America where everyone gets to go to school through 12 grade if they want not just the elite.

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 at 8:09 PM, by Guest
This article is flawed in many ways. The first of which is the spelling and grammar, as was previously mentioned. When writing an article berating the public education system of America, one should really make sure to get these things right. Using 'throughing' where 'throwing' is intended and 'consern' instead of 'concern' makes readers who recognize these mistakes question the legitimacy of other aspects of the article.

In addition to this, the author is drawing conclusions which the limited amount of data that he presents does not necessarily support. For instance, his inference that the rise in SAT scores is due to the rise in homeschooling is not self evident. This disregards any recent work done at schools to prepare students for these standardized tests or the rise of private tutoring locations for students preparing for the SAT.

Also, I do not feel that the direct comparison between homeschooling and public schooling is a good one. By definition homeschooled children's parents are more involved in the education of their children. Not all public schooled children have that same sort of reinforcement at home, for some their parents may not even be home until after they are in bed. If a comparison was done between homeschooled children and children whose parents are equally involved in their education the results would be drastically different (I realize that 'equally involved' is totally subjective, but I hope you see my point).

For some the point about almost all homeschools being Christian would seem like a good reason to choose it, but how is this preparing a child for the real world where not everyone is a Christian. Learning how to interact with different people with different views is one of the absolute greatest aspects of public schooling. Diversity of opinions and acceptance are not bad things, and you would be hard pressed to find any truly educated person that would disagree with that.

In the end, it is up to the parents to determine how their children are educated, but I urge those who read this to actually read some objective articles and analysis on the issue. This author has a clear bias toward homeschooling and offers none of the downsides to it. Do your homework.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 at 5:30 PM, by Guest
I think that where you are schooled does not matter as much as the motivation and dedication of the parents. Homeschoolers say that children who are homeschooled are smarter. My neighbors, who have no disabilities, mentally or physically, are homeschooled and are not nearly as mature or smart as me or my sisters. They run wild all day, go to the bathroom in their backyard, and their first grade son bites and cannot read more than his name. When I was his age, I was reading chapter books. This is because his parents are not dedicated to teaching their children, and would rather scrapbook. Meanwhile, a kid who goes to a great public school could still have trouble learning and be behind because his parents do not encourage him. I think that homeschooling is fine, as long as the parents or whoever is teaching the child is dedicated. I think that every year homeschooled children should take a grade level test. If they are not at par with the grade they are in, then the family should be required to get outside help or send their child to school. After all, do you think my neighbor will get outside help for her child? No, she will keep trying to teach him until he goes to high school( which is when she said they will stop home schooling) and be grade levels behind his peers.

Sat, 1 Aug 2009 at 11:18 PM, by Guest
I think a major factor in the public versus home debate is in the heart of the parent. Some look at homeschooling as a way to "hide" their children, and some do it because they think it best. Although employing social skills is usually a challenge for homeschool students, there are now many co-ops where homeschoolers can attend classes taught by qualified teachers. Many also grow closer together as families.

A previous guest said she wished homeschoolers took standardized tests. Well, in many states, they are supposed to. Every year, since first grade, I take the CAT 5 which is the test availiable in our area.

One other positive thing about homeschooling is that the children can recieve a solid spiritual education, unchallenged by others of a different faith. Then, if the student attends classes or attends a public or private school, they are better equipped to defend their personal beliefs.

Although it is true that good grades is not all it takes to succeed, a serious homeschool education will allow the student to reach their highest acadenic potential. Then they are prepared to work higher quality jobs than some.
I am entering ninth graade, and have already completed the ACT twice. I have reached more than a passing grade, and recieved almost the highest score possible in reading and english. If you ask if that isn't pushing it, many of the other students who took it with me were from public or private schools.


One last thing- I'm not saying public schools are bad. In certain cases, a student just cannot stand socializing with others once or twice a week. And some need the constant accountability every day. But I think you can tell my personal preference.

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 at 12:10 AM, by Guest
I believe that homeschooling should be a popular option given to parents for when choosing the method of their children's education, but I also believe the education should be tracked to a mild degree ensuring the parent are staying focused and on track with the standard education requirements. Coming from a family where we were all homeschooled, there are things I didn't like yet had no control over. The reasons my siblings and I were brought home were not for educational purposes but for complete control over every aspect of my and my sibling's lifes. Our education for the most part stood at a standstill while there was alot of verbal and physical abuse taking place in the home. All the while my father would acuse the government of trying to "control and brainwash" his children. Looking back now, I wish to God there had been some sort of government regulation with our educational regimen.

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