pros and cons of home education

• Feature Stories
• Toddler Milestones
• How Your Preschooler Grows
• School-Age Children
• The Tween Years
• Teens and Young Adults
• Behavior & Discipline
• Child Safety
• Healthy Habits
• View Full Guide

Home Schooling: Pros, Cons, What You Need to Know

Just a few weeks into COVID-related distance learning, Lauren Pelissier’s 11-year-old son, Jack, started really struggling. “Being on a screen with 20 to 30 kids and not being able to connect with another student or the teacher was really hard on him,” says the Georgia mom and event planner. “There was a lot of confusion, tears, and sadness.”

They stuck it out for the rest of the year. But in the spring, when their school district was waffling on a return to in-person learning for fall, Pelissier took action. She wanted to find an option that was “solid and consistent.” But she also knew she wasn’t prepared, or even able, to home-school Jack herself. So she did what any desperate parent does: She went to Google.

Pelissier “typed in ‘private homeschool instruction’” and quickly found her way to a small home school created by two local parents. And with that, she joined a national trend of families struggling with virtual school who are looking to home-school for the first time.

Jamie Heston, a home-school consultant in the Bay Area of California and a former board member of the Homeschool Association of California, has been hosting “Homeschool 101” a few times a year to an audience of 20 to 30 people. Since last April, she’s “been doing them weekly and getting 100 people every time.”

We put together a Homeschool 101 to answer common questions for any family that’s home-school-curious.

What Is Home Schooling?

“Home schooling is a broad umbrella,” says Blair Lee, founder of SEA Homeschoolers, the nation’s largest secular home-school organization. What started as a grassroots movement among Christian and “hippie” families has become a booming industry.

“More families are drawn to home schooling because they feel the public education system is not a good fit for their child,” Heston says.

“At its heart,” Lee says, “home schooling is education with a focus on the individual.”

Why Home Schooling?

“The most profound benefit of home schooling is there is no timeline for learning anymore,” Lee says. That means if, for any reason, the pace of traditional school doesn’t work for your child, you can create a pace tailored to them. This might mean moving faster through material and getting to additional areas of study or having focused time in challenging areas.

Pelissier says Jack is doing really well in an environment that lets him tap into his creativity. “The public school system kind of put him in a box,” she says. “Looking back, he was really stifled; there was no room for his brain to expand beyond what was being provided to him.”

In his new “school,” Pelissier says, there’s room for him to grow in relation to his interests.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Home Schooling?

“Anyone can benefit from this approach,” says Blair. But home schooling could really be a good fit if your child:

• Is gifted or has a learning challenge and would benefit from more individual teaching
• Has sensory issues and finds the school environment overwhelming
• Is an actor or athlete who needs a more flexible schedule
• Is being bullied at school
• Learns better at their own pace
• Has behavioral issues in school. These are often related to movement and behavior. They disappear in a home-school setting.

It can also help if someone in your family has a medical condition that requires limiting germs in the home ( pandemic or no pandemic).

Where Do I Start?

Home schooling is regulated by states, so there isn’t any one-stop shopping. Getting set up can be confusing.

Search for your state’s home-schooling organization to find out what it looks like where you live, Lee says.

“Every state is different,” Heston says. “Some you have to file a letter of intent. Some states have charter programs that are still under the public school system.”

They also vary in what they expect your kids to learn. “Some are completely hands-off, and you have a lot of autonomy,” Heston says. Others require you to submit a plan that the superintendent has to review. California, for example, says you need to provide an equivalent education to public school and cover the main topics. But, Heston says, you have complete flexibility in how you do that.

Once you know what your state requires, reach out to home-school groups (most of which are on Facebook) to find out what people are doing in your area. “Find two or three groups with descriptions that seem like they would be a good fit for your child or family, and join them, and ask questions,” Heston says. You’ll likely find like-minded folks who can serve as mentors, sharing resources for curriculum, local programs, and more.

How Do I Know What and How My Kid Should Learn?

You can buy an all-in-one curriculum and just “open the box and do it,” Heston says. But she encourages families to experiment before they spend money on anything. “It takes some time to find out what works for your kid and your home and your schedule -- and you can get overwhelmed with all the choices out there.”

“I usually see home school fail when people try to duplicate school at home -- when I see people making out long, specific schedules,” says Richmond, VA., home-schooler Alycia Wright. “For most people, that’s not real life, and that’s exactly what you’re trying to get rid of. You don’t need a classroom. A kitchen table will be fine.”

“Just start somewhere covering your major topics and then fine-tune it,” Heston says.

“Embrace the freedom and try it,” says Wright. “If it doesn’t work, you can change it up.”

Don’t Home-Schoolers Get Left Behind?

When parents are worried about keeping their kids “on track,” Heston tells them, “topics like math, reading, and writing are linear, so any program you use is going to keep you ‘on track.’”

For subjects like science and history, which aren’t necessarily covered every day in school, “there are a million and one websites out there that will tell you what the typical topics are and what kinds of experiments you can do.”

History was one of the main reasons Wright, a mom of three and former public school teacher, began home schooling. “In school, they start talking about African Americans in 1619 with slavery,” she says. “So, your whole lens starts with these traumatic events.”

Wright, who is Black, wanted to give her kids a fuller view of history that reflects her culture and community. She’s part of a movement among African Americans who are finding freedom in home schooling where they “can research and find all the stories that we wish we had when we were children, all the stories that are missing from the books.”

Can Home-Schooled Kids Get Into College?

“You can go to college as a home-schooler, no problem,” Heston says. “Most colleges now have special admissions officers just for the home-schooling set, and they covet home-schoolers because they know they are more autonomous.”

“Colleges have become very home school friendly,” says Lee, whose son got scholarship offers from all but one of the colleges he wanted to go to. And Wright says home schooling helped her oldest daughter enter college at 15. “Even though she didn’t get a traditional education, she was able to move at her own pace, which is what enabled her to get to such an advanced place,” she says.

What if I Don’t Want to -- or Can’t -- Teach My Kids?

You aren’t alone. But there are many small programs such as the one Pelissier found. It’s more like a mini-school, she says. “There’s been real growth in that area,” Lee adds.

Pelissier researched home schools with an outside teaching component. She found a hybrid home school, “which is 2 days a week in person, taught by teachers, and 3 days a week independent work, at home with little to no screens.”

Or you can look into a co-op like the one Wright founded. When she started home schooling, she says, she did a lot of networking to find other home-schooling families of color. As a result of her efforts, she launched the Cultural Roots Homeschool Co-Op. Her goal was to create a broad network of home-schoolers that can help culturally diverse kids learn more about their own backgrounds.

Co-op members can share teaching responsibilities or pool resources to hire a teacher for some or all of the subjects.

Other options include:

• Using outside “vendors” that offer math, science, nature, and other programs, much like an afterschool program. Your child attends those for a portion of the day or the week.
• Looking for public school programs that offer 2 days a week in a more typical school environment, and the other days you home-school

The bottom line, Heston says, is that “there are all kinds of different programs out there.”

Will Home Schooling Isolate My Kids?

Home-schooling folks hear lots of concerns about kids not interacting with others their age.

And while that’s true to some extent, they say home-schoolers still have plenty of opportunities to connect with other kids. It just takes some work.

“Everything that schools have, we have as well, just in smaller groups,” says Heston, who helps organize teen parties, moms’ nights out, Nerf battles, park days, field trips, and team day competitions.

With the home-school population growing during the pandemic, Heston says, “there’s going to be an even larger contingency of people clamoring for connection.”

And one of them will be Jack Pelissier. “This has worked out significantly better than I could have ever imagined,” his mom says. “I was exposed to it as a byproduct of COVID, but he will probably stay there, because the format works better for him as a person.”

Top doctors in ,

Find more top doctors on, related links.

• Pregnancy Home
• Pregnancy News
• Pregnancy Medical Reference
• Getting Pregnant
• First Trimester
• Second Trimester
• Third Trimester
• Labor & Delivery
• Pregnancy Complications
• All Pregnancy Topics
• Ovulation Calculator
• Pregnancy Calendar
• Pregnancy Related Topics
• Baby Medical Reference
• Child Development
• All Parenting Topics
• Children's Health
• Children's Vaccines
• Parenting Home
• Parenting News
• Find a Pediatrician
• More Parenting Topics

Our Services

College Admissions Counseling

UK University Admissions Counseling

EU University Admissions Counseling

College Athletic Recruitment

Crimson Rise: College Prep for Middle Schoolers

Indigo Research: Online Research Opportunities for High Schoolers

Delta Institute: Work Experience Programs For High Schoolers

Graduate School Admissions Counseling

Private Boarding & Day School Admissions

Essay Review

Financial Aid & Merit Scholarships

Our Leaders and Counselors

Our Student Success

Crimson Student Alumni

Our Results

Our Reviews

Our Scholarships

Careers at Crimson

University Profiles

US College Admissions Calculator

GPA Calculator

Practice Standardized Tests

SAT Practice Test

ACT Practice Tests

Personal Essay Topic Generator

eBooks and Infographics

Crimson YouTube Channel

Summer Apply - Best Summer Programs

Top of the Class Podcast

ACCEPTED! Book by Jamie Beaton

Crimson Global Academy

+1 (646) 419-3178

Go back to all articles

Homeschooling vs Traditional Schooling: pros and cons

As a vast majority of the world went remote in early 2020 at the dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic, students had to quickly adapt to remote learning from home. Due to this, many parents began to consider homeschooling for their child rather than return children to their traditional schooling methods. But what are the pros and cons of homeschooling versus traditional schooling?

Homeschooling: the pros

• No commute: Very often, students can only attend certain public schools if they reside in the right district. Alternatively, if they attend a private school further from home, the commute can be long during peak school run hours. As such, homeschooling saves time which can be spent doing further coursework, exploring personal interests, or spending more time with friends and family. 
• Tailor-made Curriculum: Although certain states/countries may have specific requirements on what it takes to graduate from high school if homeschooled, the option does give students and their parents the luxury of exploring personal interests, going at their own pace, and taking advanced courses where the student is able to. 
• Custom Schedule: The typical 8am-3pm does not have to hold true with homeschooling! While some legal requirements for a minimum number of hours may be present, students are able to have flexibility to pursue other goals such as competitive gymnastics, travel the world with their families, etc. 
• Higher performance: According to ThinkImpact, public school students received an average score of 21 out of 36 on the ACT, whereas homeschooled students received an average of 22.8. As for the SATs, homeschoolers scored a nationwide average of 72 points more than their traditional schooled counterparts in the United States in 2020. 
• Safety: The risks of COVID-19, school shootings, and other unfortunate situations are minimized at home. The extent of safety will also vary upon the neighborhood the school and home are located in. 

Homeschooling: the cons

• Social life restrictions: Students who are homeschooled do not have classmates with them daily. As such, they can be lonely unless a solid effort is made to interact with peers their age through other activities such as attending a church or place of worship, sports teams, community events, etc. 
• Pressure on parent’s time: Working a job and raising a child is already a huge time commitment for most adults. As such, being the child’s teacher is an additional burden on parents which not all are able to undertake. Furthermore, a parent will have to ensure that healthy boundaries are set between the parent and child now that the “teacher and student” dynamic is also present. 
• Cost: The cost of a homeschool curriculum can be a few thousand dollars, whereas public school is free. However, it should be noted that homeschool can be cheaper than private school, so it is up to a family to decide how to best use their educational budget here. 

Traditional Schooling: the pros

• Social life and development: At school, teens get to spend dozens of hours each week with peers their age, thus giving them a platform to develop their social skills.
• Professional instruction: Teachers at schools are qualified, trained professionals who have mastered their craft and in the later grades specialize in their area of instruction. 
• Structure:  Many children thrive on having a set routine and structure in their daily schedules, and schools are the greatest source of structure in a youngster’s life. 
• Extracurriculars: Schools, especially those with a larger student population, tend to offer extracurriculars which a student is not able to acquire at home. Be it being a part of the chess club, trying out for the football team, or running for student government, certain activities cannot be done in a home setting.
• School spirit: Being a member of a school helps develop a youngster’s identity, and students are able to obtain a sense of belonging (provided the school is a good fit for them, of course!). 
• Fostering independence: From keeping track of their own timetable (deadlines, bus schedules, etc), purchasing/bringing their lunch, and finding their way from classes, traditional schooling helps build valuable life skills which shall help students once they graduate. 

Traditional Schooling: the cons

• More traditional curriculum: Instead of exploring their own interests, students are forced to study subjects at the same pace as their classmates and course selection is more limited.
• Peer pressure: Be it wearing the latest Nike shoes, fitting in with the cool crowd, or dealing with bullies, peer pressure plays a big part of a teenager’s life and is more present in traditional schooling environments.
• Overwhelmed teachers: Many teachers have dozens of students on their roster and getting each student’s individual needs met is not often accomplished. 
• Fitting in: Perhaps the school is simply not a good fit for who your child is – be it the type of curriculum offered, the crowd present, or the overall management of the school. 

While these are just a few of the pros and cons seen in traditional schooling vs homeschooling, I would like to remind you that there is no direct answer as to which option is better. A family needs to consider their own needs to make this decision, including their time, teaching capabilities, educational budget, location, future goals, and resources. Here at Crimson we are always happy to discuss these options and also work together to advise a hybrid model if necessary – where students may take some courses outside of school in addition to the courses in their regular schooling. The pandemic has made more families consider homeschooling after seeing how their child has been handling remote learning – but before you jump the gun, make sure to consider all the pros and cons thoroughly! 

Your friendly neighbourhood Rise blogger, 

Learn more about Crimson Rise’s strategic mentorship, academic support, and extracurricular coaching for young students, and request a free consultation on your child’s journey!

More Articles

Your guide to uc schools admissions: how to get accepted.

What Are The UCAS Application Deadlines for Entry 2025?

Do Colleges Care About Attendance?

Homeschooling Pros and Cons for Kids and Parents

Jess Faraday

Before the COVID-19 pandemic , just over three percent of American families homeschooled their children. In the years since, that number has jumped to just over 11 percent overall, and as much as 16 percent among Black and Hispanic families (Eggleston and Fields, 2021).

Today, families considering homeschooling h ave a wide range of resources at their disposal. From packaged homeschool lesson plans to websites and meetups, and even activity groups just for homeschoolers, all of the ingredients are there to help homeschooling parents make the most of their child’s education.

But doing homeschooling right can be a huge commitment and a lot of work. It’s definitely not for everyone, and that’s okay.

Is homeschooling right for your family?

Related: Can Homeschoolers Go to College? Learn How to Apply

Academic Benefits of Homeschooling

Homeschooling has some distinct advantages over traditional school. For families who homeschool during the early years and send their children to a traditional high school, the benefits are still there.

Homeschool families like to point out that students with a homeschooling education often score higher on academic achievement tests than students from conventional schools. This is true — at least when students follow a structured homeschool curriculum. Though the opposite is true for students who have not followed a structured program (Goodwin, 2021).

Smaller Class Sizes and Individualized Attention 

Academic benefits come down to a combination of small group size and individualized curriculum.

Homeschooled children can learn at their own pace rather than being chained to the progress of a larger group. This means that students who struggle with some subject areas are free to go over the material as often as they need to. It also means that students can move more quickly through the material that’s easy for them.

Personalized Lessons That Meet Kids’ Needs 

Another benefit is that families can tailor lessons to an individual student’s interests, needs, and learning style . The current educational system simply doesn’t have the resources to do this for every student.

More Educational Freedom

Some parents choose to homeschool out of concern for the learning environment: what is being taught and how.

Educating children at home gives families control over both of these factors. Many states require homeschooled students to study certain core subjects, such as math, reading and writing, but homeschool families can decide how to approach subjects such as moral and religious education.

Social Benefits of Homeschooling 

Proponents of traditional schooling often express concern that homeschooled kids are missing out on opportunities to bond with their peers. This isn’t necessarily true.

A Strong Homeschooling Community 

As home education becomes more widespread, homeschool groups for study and extracurricular activities have appeared for just this purpose. Homeschool networks allow parents to organize get-togethers for study, play, field trips, and more.

Less Peer Pressure and Bullying 

Families concerned about peer pressure or problems with their local public schools no longer need to choose between educational and social development

Homeschooling families have greater control over their children’s social interaction — who, where, when, and how. So rates of bullying are far less in a homeschool environment. 

Flexible Schedules and Special Accommodations 

Home education can be the best option for families with certain concerns, including:

• Professional or family obligations that require a flexible schedule
• Religious or moral concerns
• Special needs that can’t be met by the school system or at a private school

Academic Disadvantages of Homeschooling

Homeschooling is hard work, and it’s not right for everyone. Before embarking upon this journey, it’s important to understand some of the challenges that you might face.

It’s easy to underestimate how difficult the job of teaching can be—in a lot of ways.

Lack of Structure

One of the benefits of home study is a flexible schedule. But that shouldn’t mean “anything goes.” A lack of structure can mean wasted time, and that can mean falling behind very quickly.

Setting up up a home schoolroom and having dedicated school hours can help to keep your family on track.

Limited Resources

Homeschoolers have a lot of resources and options, especially online. However, if you’re living in an isolated area, you may have a lot less opportunity for social activities and field trips.

Potential for Knowledge Gaps

Credentialed teachers study specialized techniques for teaching reading, writing, numeracy, and more. It’s harder than a lot of people think. And as your children grow older, the gaps between what you know and what they will need to know will grow. 

Moreover, if your kids have special needs, such as learning disabilities, you may have to hire outside professional assistance. After a long day of working with your kids, you may find yourself using your “free time” to play catch-up.

Access to Higher Education 

Finally, some universities accept academic credit from homeschool study, but many do not . You’ll need to plan ahead to make sure your child has the most options when they reach adulthood.

Emotional and Social Disadvantages of Homeschooling

Homeschooling also poses emotional challenges for both parents and kids. 

Homeschool Parent Burnout 

We all love spending time with our kids, but for homeschool parents, that time can seem endless.

Being a homeschool teacher can mean always being “on.” Burnout is common, and when you are the teacher, principal, social director, and janitor, it’s hard to find time for a break.

Social Isolation 

Homeschooling can also be isolating. Most other kids will be at school, and many other parents will be at work. Being a homeschool parent means carving out the time for self-care and for adult social interaction , and that can be challenging.

Logistical Challenges of Homeschooling 

Schools have lots of different personnel to facilitate academics, field trips , sports, social activities, teaching life skills , and so forth. But when you’re homeschooling, it’s all you.

You will have to make the opportunities for socializing. You will have to direct sports activities. You will have to organize field trips. And on and on.

This can be daunting, but it’s not impossible. If you’re not naturally organized, however, you may need a crash course in organization and time management.

You’ll need plans for each day. You’ll need yearly plans to make sure your kids meet state requirements for each grade. And you’ll want to plan in the long term so that your kids learn what they need to learn and gather the necessary credits for university or career education.

Financial Challenges of Homeschooling 

Homeschooling can be expensive.

Pre-made homeschool lesson plans can run as high as $600 per year per child. If you want to join a homeschool group (or “learning pod”), that can cost several hundred dollars a week (Guha, 2022).

Other expenses may include:

• School supplies like pens, books, etc.
• Tutors or special needs learning specialists
• Field trips (museum admissions, transportation, and so on)
• Sports activities
• Outside classes

You’ll also have to factor in having one unpaid adult at home, rather than the two incomes that many families have.

How to Make an Informed Decision About Homeschooling 

Is a homeschool education the right learning experience for your family? Ask yourself a few questions.

Do You Know the Law?

Many states have laws and requirements to make sure that students who study at home learn the subjects they need to succeed in adult life. Some states also require homeschool instructors to pass a general knowledge test. Other states test homeschooled students periodically to make sure they’re keeping up with their peers.

Those laws vary by state. The Homeschool Legal Defense Association has a state-by-state breakdown here .

Are You Organized?

A homeschooling parent is a teacher, curriculum designer, school psychologist, activity director, social director, and more. You will have to have organized lesson plans that give your children the knowledge they’ll need to succeed.

 You’ll also have to make opportunities for them to engage with their peers and develop appropriate social skills.

You may also have to provide records of what, when, and how you teach your students, to state authorities, or later to colleges and universities.

That’s a lot of balls to juggle. But if you can do it, you may have what it takes to be an excellent homeschool parent.

Are You Willing to Study?

Do you remember everything you were taught as a child? Me, either. But if you want to homeschool your kids, you’re going to have to learn, or re-learn school subjects well enough to teach them. Even the subjects you hated.

And you’ll have to familiarize yourself with your child’s study materials so you can answer the questions that will inevitably arise.

You might also consider taking child development courses through your local community college so that you’re familiar with the educational milestones and techniques to help your kids to meet them.

Do you love to learn? You could be an awesome homeschool teacher!

Can Your Family Afford it?

Doing homeschooling right is a full-time job. It’s unpaid, and materials and field trips can get expensive. Can your family afford to have one full-time unpaid teacher at home? If not, are you willing to get creative to make it happen? If so, you’ll be in good company!

Do You Have a Solid Social Network?

Education isn’t only academics. One of the most important parts of education is learning social skills . In school, opportunities to interact with other kids and adults are built in. But if you’re educating your kids at home, you’ll need to seek out regular social opportunities for your kids.

This can be hard if you’re not naturally outgoing, or if there are limited social opportunities in your area. Homeschool groups, sports clubs, youth groups, and service organizations are a few places to start.

Are You Willing to Work Hard?

For many homeschooling parents, educating their children is the most rewarding and important thing they will ever do. And like everything that’s important and rewarding, it can be nonstop.

Are you ready to spend a lot of time organizing and interacting with your kids? Are you prepared to constantly seek out new academic and social opportunities? Are you prepared to do these things even when you’re frustrated, burnt out, and just don’t feel like it?

Then you just may be a homeschooler!

Resources for Families Considering Homeschooling

Curious? Here are a few resources to start your research.

The Homeschool Legal Defense Association should be your first stop for learning about the laws in your area. They also have resources for putting together lesson plans, addressing special needs, preparing your child for the real world, and more.

The Homeschool Mom has a variety of resources about types of home education, curricula, planning your school year, and so forth.

The Homeschool Resource Room has a handy roundup of free resources for homeschooling families.

Eggleston, C. and Fields, J. (2021, March 22). Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey Shows Significant Increase in Homeschooling Rates in Fall 2020. Census.gov. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/03/homeschooling-on-the-rise-during-covid-19-pandemic.html

Goodwin, C. (2021, September 1). The Research on Homeschooling. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/parenting-translator/202109/the-research-homeschooling

Guha, N. (2022, January 26). How Much Does Homeschooling Cost? Parents. https://www.parents.com/kids/education/home-schooling/homeschooling-costs/

Join the Family

Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning.

Home > Blog > Tips for Online Students > Pros and Cons of Homeschooling

Higher Education News , Tips for Online Students

Pros and Cons of Homeschooling

Updated: August 15, 2024

Published: February 2, 2020

Whether you are a parent considering homeschooling a child or an adult thinking about studying online, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Homeschooling and online education have gained popularity in recent years, offering flexibility and personalized learning experiences. 

However, they also come with their own set of challenges. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of homeschooling for children and adults to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Pros and Cons of Homeschooling a Child

Homeschooling has become increasingly popular in recent years, with about 3.1 million students being homeschooled in the United States during the 2021-2022 school year. This represents roughly 6% of school-age children, a significant increase from 2.5 million in 2019. The trend shows that homeschooling is growing rapidly and is now considered a mainstream educational option. Homeschooling offers a unique, personalized learning experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Let’s explore the pros and cons of homeschooling a child to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your family:

Pros of Homeschooling

Easier to teach and easier to learn.

Teaching one-on-one means adapting your teaching method to the child’s individual learning style, which makes for more effective learning. If the child is visual, you can include photographs, graphs, and charts in your teaching to help them absorb the material more easily. If the child is easily bored, you can include more activity, movement, and interactivity and take more breaks.

Discipline issues in the classroom are avoided

As your child isn’t sharing a classroom with 20 to 30 other children, the educational material can be studied more rapidly, as behavior and discipline issues in the classroom do not waste a significant percentage of the learning hours. This means that there is more free time, more time for extracurricular activities and socializing, and more rest/sleep time, which aids in concentration.

Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Adaptation to special considerations.

If your child has a special consideration, perhaps a learning disability, physical disability or has ADHD, for instance, then you will have the complete flexibility to adapt the learning to the child’s specific needs.

Makes good use of time

By teaching a child at home, you can move along faster on subjects that are easier, without having to wait for other children to catch up. You can also spend more time teaching difficult concepts in order to ensure that your child understands fully, without holding up other children.

Stronger family bonds

Homeschooling allows for more quality time between parents and children, fostering stronger relationships and better family cohesion. This increased interaction can lead to a deeper understanding and trust between family members, creating a supportive and nurturing home environment.

Cons of Homeschooling

There are plenty of free and paid resources available. However, when asking yourself the question, “Should I homeschool my child?” you need to take into account the cost of the homeschool educator not working outside of the home. This would mean that the family would need to live on one income, which may not be possible for every household.

Adapting your child to a new reality

When your child is transferring to homeschooling from a school environment, there will be a period of adaptation. They will need to adjust to the flexibility, to being with a parent all day long, and to the lack of extracurricular school activities like competitive sports, school assemblies, social activities in the playground, etc.

The parent must ensure that the child has social time outside of learning hours so that the child has friends and develops social, intercultural, and interpersonal skills.

No social interaction during study time

Homeschooling means that the child is not socializing with children all day long as in the school system. They will therefore need additional activities outside of learning time in order to be with other children. Perhaps a gym class, basketball, soccer, art, music or swimming. You will, therefore, need to invest time in making contact with other children in the neighborhood and being proactive to encourage them to socialize.

Parental burnout

Homeschooling can be demanding on parents, leading to burnout and stress, especially if they are balancing other responsibilities or lack support. The constant need to plan lessons, teach, and manage household duties can become overwhelming, making it essential for parents to seek help and take breaks when needed.

Homeschooling For Adults (AKA: Studying Online)

Now, let’s take a look at homeschooling for adults — or more commonly known as studying online.

Online learning can include short skill-based courses from programs like Coursera , Udemy , and LinkedIn Learning . It can also include studying for a bachelor’s or master’s degree online.

There is a wide choice of online colleges, but it is important to always make sure that you research them first to ensure that your chosen degree is fully accredited.

Just as with homeschooling for children, there are advantages and disadvantages.

Affordable and accessible

Online education often costs significantly less than traditional in-person programs. Additionally, you save on commuting, housing, and other expenses associated with attending a physical campus. This affordability makes higher education more accessible to a broader range of people, allowing them to pursue their educational goals without incurring heavy debt.

Keep your existing commitments with no disruption to family or work

Studying online allows you to maintain your current job and family responsibilities while earning your degree. You can create a flexible study schedule that fits around your work hours and personal life, ensuring that you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.

Avoid student debt and financial stress

You can minimize or avoid student debt by choosing more affordable online programs and possibly continuing to work while studying. This financial flexibility reduces stress and allows you to focus more on your studies and less on how you’ll repay large loans after graduation.

Flexibility

Online learning provides the flexibility to study at your own pace and on your own schedule. Whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, you can access course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assignments when it’s most convenient for you. This flexibility is ideal for those who need to balance education with other life commitments.

Less social interaction during study time

Unlike traditional college environments, online learning can be isolating. You miss out on face-to-face interactions with classmates and professors, which can affect your networking opportunities and the overall college experience. To counter this, it’s essential to seek out online study groups or local meetups to stay connected with peers.

Requires determination and motivation

Online learning demands a high level of self-discipline and motivation . Without the structure of a traditional classroom, it’s easy to procrastinate or fall behind. Successful online students need to be proactive in managing their time and staying on top of their coursework.

Requires planning, organizing and good time management

Managing your studies independently means you must be organized and have strong time management skills. Balancing assignments, exams, and personal responsibilities requires careful planning and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Using tools like calendars, to-do lists, and study schedules can help keep you on track.

Limited access to campus resources

Online students may miss out on the benefits of campus facilities such as libraries, study centers, and academic advising in person. While many online programs offer virtual resources, they might not fully replicate the support and community found on a physical campus. It’s important to utilize available online resources and seek additional support as needed.

How to Start Your Higher Education Journey from Home

Working towards a new, rewarding career is not an inaccessible dream but a realistic goal that can be achieved. If you are up for the challenge, University of the People (UoPeople) will guide you on your journey.

Accredited online universities like UoPeople enable you to access top-quality higher education while maintaining all your existing commitments . It’s easier than you think, and all you need to do is follow this 5-step process:

• Select a profession or subject: A good place to start is to compare salaries in your country. Websites like Payscale , Glassdoor, and Indeed provide excellent insights into salary ranges and job vacancies in your region, helping you make an informed decision.
• Choose an online university: UoPeople is a great option, as it is accredited , tuition-free , and offers a variety of degree programs . 
• Check credit transfer options: If you have existing credits from prior learning, check if they can be transferred . This will save you money and reduce your study time.
• Secure your spot at the university: Once you’ve made your decision, enroll in your chosen program.
• Sharpen your learning skills: Improving your study habits will help you achieve better grades and enhance your learning experience. Check out these study skills tips to get started.

UoPeople is the first non-profit, American-accredited, tuition-free university designed to help anyone overcome financial, geographic, political, and personal constraints to study. We offer associate and bachelor’s degree programs in Business Administration , Computer Science , and Health Science , as well as an MBA and a Master’s in Education .

The online learning market is growing rapidly, with projected revenue reaching $58.45 billion in 2024 and expected to grow to $75.52 billion by 2029. The surge in popularity highlights the increasing acceptance and recognition of online education by employers worldwide, making now the perfect time to start your journey with online learning from home.

Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash

There are pros and cons of homeschooling, whether it is for a parent teaching a child at home or for an adult studying online from home.

If you are a parent, you need to consider the needs of your child and weigh up whether or not you can make the commitment, both financially and emotionally.

If you are an adult wanting to get ahead in your career, remember that it is not an unachievable goal and can be done flexibly from home while keeping your existing commitments. It’s easier than you realize!

What are the benefits of homeschooling a child?

Homeschooling offers personalized education tailored to your child’s learning style, avoiding classroom discipline issues, adapting to special needs, making efficient use of time, and strengthening family bonds.

What are the challenges of homeschooling a child?

Challenges include the cost of a parent not working outside the home, adapting your child to a new learning environment, lack of social interaction during study time, potential parental burnout, and limited access to specialized resources.

How do I start homeschooling my child?

Begin by researching homeschooling laws in your area, choosing a curriculum that fits your child’s needs, setting up a dedicated learning space at home, and connecting with local homeschooling groups for support and resources.

What are the pros and cons of online learning for adults?

Pros include affordability, flexibility, and the ability to maintain existing commitments. Cons include less social interaction, the need for self-discipline and motivation, and the requirement for strong time management skills.

How can UoPeoplehelp me achieve my career goals?

UoPeople offers accredited, tuition-free online degree programs in various fields. The growing online learning market indicates a promising future for online education and its recognition by employers.

In this article

At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone. Read More

Homeschooling kids who learn and think differently

By Gail Belsky

Expert reviewed by Andrew M.I. Lee, JD

At a glance

Homeschooling is education that takes place outside of the school system.

It’s not public school at home or distance learning.

Each state has different rules and requirements for homeschooling.

Homeschooling is on the rise. If you know kids who are homeschooled, or if you’re thinking of teaching your own child at home, you may wonder how it works — especially for kids who learn and think differently.

First, it’s important to know that homeschooling isn’t public school from home. It’s education that takes place outside of the public school system. (Kids still need to meet state standards, though.)

Since COVID, many more families are homeschooling. In the first year of the pandemic, the number of families teaching from home jumped from 5.4 percent to 11 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Parents homeschool for different reasons. Some want a certain type of education for their child. Others do it for religious reasons. And many choose homeschooling because their child struggles in traditional school settings.

Some kids who learn and think differently do well with homeschooling. But it’s important to know that public schools may or may not provide special education services to kids who are homeschooled. 

Dive deeper

Rules and requirements for homeschooling.

Homeschooling is regulated by state law and is allowed in all 50 states (as well as all U.S. territories). But each state has its own legal rules and requirements. Some have strict laws and require a lot of paperwork to homeschool. Others require much less. 

Here are some of the requirements you might see:

Notice: Most, but not all, states require parents to notify the state or local school district if they’re going to homeschool.

Parent qualifications: Some states require parents to have a certain level of education, like a high school diploma , if they want to homeschool their child.

Record keeping: Some states require parents to keep records, like grades and attendance, and submit them.

Instruction and core subjects: Many states require parents to have homeschool classes for a minimum number of days or hours per year, or to teach their child core subjects, like reading and math.

Tests: Several states require homeschooled kids to take standardized tests or other assessments every few years.

Find out about homeschooling requirements for different states. 

Homeschooling and school services

Under federal law, all states (and school districts) must find and evaluate homeschooled kids who may need special education. But they can choose whether to require kids to attend public school to get those services.

A few states offer traditional IEPs to homeschooled kids. An IEP entitles a child to services, just like in a public school. In other states, local school districts will typically offer a service plan. This is like an IEP but provides less. 

Some states don’t require school districts to provide special education to homeschooled kids at all. If parents want services, they have to send their kids to public school. Other states let local districts decide whether to provide services to homeschoolers.

Learn more about special education laws in your area through your state’s Parent Training and Information Center . 

Social interaction with other kids

A common concern about homeschooling is the effect it has on kids’ social skills. Many kids who learn and think differently have trouble with social interactions. Homeschooling may reduce the social anxiety some kids feel at school.

But building social skills is an important part of school. That’s especially true for kids who have a hard time connecting socially.

Homeschooling families need to find other ways for their child to spend time with peers. Community youth groups or sports programs are just two examples of how kids can connect and form friendships outside of school.

Plus, some school districts let homeschoolers participate in the district’s extracurricular clubs and sports. Ask your district what its policy is.

Learn why some kids struggle socially . 

For parents: Deciding on homeschooling

Deciding whether to homeschool can be hard. There’s a lot to consider as a parent, especially if your child learns and thinks differently.

For example, can you pay for supports like assistive technology that the school might give for free? How will homeschooling affect your child socially? And does your child need special education services?

It can help to talk to other local parents who homeschool and hear about their experiences. But what works for one family may not work for others. In the end, the decision comes down to what you think is best for your child.

Read about factors to consider while deciding on homeschooling .

Hear from a young adult with dyslexia who was homeschooled as a child .

Explore related topics

Should I consider homeschooling my child?

by: Christina Tynan-Wood | Updated: September 20, 2023

Print article

Homeschooled kids do better in college. Homeschool families are all religious. Homeschooled kids are more creative. Homeschooled kids lack social skills.

When it comes to homeschooling, there are no lack of strong opinions — as well as misconceptions and prejudices. The truth is that homeschooling has changed dramatically over the past few years. Long considered a radical alternative to traditional schools, homeschooling is rapidly becoming more accepted into the mainstream.

Though homeschools involving strong religion and obsessive spelling bees get a lot of attention, there are plenty of students. The National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) estimates that 3.15 million students (age 5-18) were homeschooled during the 2021-2022 school year. (The latest National Center for Educational Statistics estimate, from 2016, showed 1.7 million homeschool students, twice as many as there were in 1999.) Fewer than half of families offer religion as the most important reason. Many do it because they want to offer their children the best possible education.  More than a few are dissatisfied with their other school options. And of course, homeschooling got a boost during the pandemic, when many schools closed their doors. Black families, especially, saw a surge in homeschooling during the first year of the pandemic. But while experts expect the number of all homeschooled students to decline somewhat as schools have reopened, some parents will find that they like teaching the kids at home, and keep homeschooling as a choice.

Online programs: bringing learning home

Much of homeschooling’s growing popularity is thanks to online programs like K12 or Khan Academy that offer tools, courses, or complete curriculums. Some of these are free resources, but many others can cost hundreds of dollar a year or more. Parents can elect to be hands-on teachers (or hire tutors for specific subjects), sitting down and teaching math and science, working from a printed curriculum. Others might elect to combine homeschooling with some traditional schooling so the student still takes a few courses at a nearby school. Some parents organize groups of homeschool kids to create their own small schools, even turning them into their own charter schools.

Some homeschool parents are less hands-on, believing that — once video games and television are removed — a kid’s natural curiosity will take over and lead her to seek answers thereby getting an excellent, organic education.

What you might find in a home school

• Curiosity, not boredom:  With only one or a few students, you have the freedom to approach a subject from the angle that most appeals to those students. Once interested in a topic, students often find their own way to get more information on it. With access to the Internet and a library, a homeschooled student given time to pursue his own interests can easily exceed the knowledge of the average school teacher in a subject he enjoys.
• The entire world:  There’s no limit to where — or from whom — your child can learn. Instruction from local artisans or experts, the grocery store, the pool at the YMCA, a patch of garden outside, your kitchen. If you look for them, there are classrooms everywhere.
• Independent kids:  Students who learn from a coach who helps them find information rather than a teacher who doles out information in small, testable bundles quickly learn how to learn for the sake of learning — rather than to prove what they know on a test.
• Freedom:  Want to teach by doing? You don’t have to secure transportation, permission slips, and space for 30 rowdy students. You can simply get in the car to take a field trip to teach history by touring a museum or city, math by using money or building robots, even earth science and biology through gardening and caring for animals.
• No threat of failure:  A child who doesn’t thrive in a traditional classroom can often feel like a failure through no fault of her own. That same child might learn more effectively at a faster or slower pace, with more control over the topics, or in a less chaotic environment.

But how do I homeschool my child?

Plenty of parents might think about homeschooling, but be intimidated by how to go about it: What would I teach? How do I create a curriculum? How do I make sure my child still has friends to play with?

Parents who have successfully homeschooled say that the resources and support system exist in most any town or city to make homeschooling possible for most any family. It’s a matter of knowing what steps to take.

First find out what your state’s rules are. You might have to register your school and detail the curriculum you have chosen. You might also have to provide proof that you have enough education to take this on. You may need to issue end-of-grade tests as well. The rules on this vary from state to state, though homeschooling is legal in all 50 states.

Next, turn to your child. What are her interests? What style of learner is she? Take your time buying an expensive curriculum until you’re sure it suits what she wants to learn and the way you want to teach. You might want to work from a printed-page curriculum and do all the teaching yourself. Or you might opt to be a teacher/coach while your student takes her classes online.

If your child is in middle or high school, you might opt to sign up for a  virtual school . Next, find a local support group so you and your child can connect with other homeschoolers in your area. ( Find more information about homeschooling, including ideas on finding a support group .) If you work, have small children, and are wondering if you can make homeschooling happen, the answer may be “no” unless you are willing to hire a babysitter or nanny. But if you have a responsible high schooler, you might find a virtual school — complete with teachers — might make it work even if you do have to go to work.

What supporters say

• Learning is for real. When you learn something because you want to know the answer and through real-life experience, you remember it. Those facts your student crammed into his head the night before a test? Not so much.
• Family bonding is sweet. Instead of fighting over homework, attendance, grades, and getting to school on time, you can argue over philosophy, take a day off to go to the park or a museum, feel real pride in your child’s knowledge and abilities, and start your school day at a time that suits your schedule.
• You can travel. Instead of cramming all your vacations and family relaxation time into spring break and summer, travel when it suits you. There is no better way to learn a language, geography, or about different cultures than visiting foreign lands — or touring your own land as a foreigner. Money may limit your adventures but school schedules will not.
• Homeschooling allows you to share your values. You may not like the values your child is bringing home from school. Homeschooling allows parents to raise and educate their children according to their own values and/or religious beliefs. Or the school’s climate may not foster the emotional, social, and academic approach you do. At home, you set the tone.
• Homeschoolers do well academically. According to NHERI , home-educated students typically score 15 to 30 percentile points above public-school students on standardized academic achievement tests. NHERI also claims that homeschoolers score above the average on the SAT and ACT tests.

What critics say

• Homeschooling is for those on the fringe. According to the National Center for Education Statistics , in 2019 only about 13 percent of parents cited the need to provide religious instruction as the most important reason they homeschool.  The most important single reason, cited by 25 percent of families, was dissatisfaction with the school environment because of safety, drug use, or negative peer pressure.  Most families had more than one reason for choosing the homeschooling route.
• Homeschooled kids are antisocial. There is no doubt that a school with classrooms full of other kids offers more opportunities for social interaction than staying home. But in some schools, those social interactions can be overly negative. This may account for the NHERI research that finds homeschooled kids are doing above average on this measure. But homeschooled kids and their parents do have to look elsewhere for social engagement: clubs, sports teams, and homeschool support groups.
• It’s hard work for parents. If you have three children under ten and decide to homeschool, you will certainly have your hands full for a few years. Even having one teenager at home all the time can wear a parent down — especially if that parent also has a job. Without a doubt, this is a decision to put your child’s education before your own career and free time.
• Homeschoolers don’t do as well academically. While critics say that homeschoolers aren’t getting the quality education they’d receive in a traditional school, statistics on low achievement among homeschoolers is hard to find. (Conversely, student achievement among homeschoolers that is not funded by homeschooling organizations is also hard to come by.) Additionally, there is relatively little regulation for homeschool parents. There are 21 states that require some form of standardized testing.   As for being qualified to teach your own kids, most states will allow any parent to home school, although a few require that a parent have at least a high school diploma or GED. Check with your state or the Home School Legal Defense Fund to see if yours is one of them.

Is homeschooling right for my child?

Whether this is the right way to educate your child or not depends on a lot of factors and can change from one year to the next.

If your school is failing your child and you have no other viable options (such as a quality private school), homeschooling might be the best solution. But if your child craves a group to belong to and resides near a friendly public school full of friendly faces, he might do better there. If your school has a bullying problem or your child can’t fit into the social environment, though, socializing there will probably do more harm than good. If you don’t have the time and can’t afford to take the time, then creating a successful home school might put more strain on your family and its finances than they can take. But if you are home and able and want to spend more time with your children, this might be the thing that frees you from some of the strains and difficulties that traditional schooling can present, like homework battles and predetermined vacation days.

A final word of advice about homeschooling

If you decide to leave your child’s existing school and begin homeschooling, do so gently and politely. Tell your child’s school you want to try this and don’t point the finger of blame at the school.  If you are reacting to a bad school situation , you may decide in a year that your child wants to go back to that school. Or you might want to ask if your child can attend one class there, be in the school play, or play on a sports team. Don’t burn any bridges. And remember, you aren’t stuck doing this forever any more than you are stuck taking your child to the neighborhood school. You can always change your mind and send the kids back to that school.

Homes Nearby

Homes for rent and sale near schools

Why your neighborhood school closes for good – and what to do when it does

5 things for Black families to consider when choosing a school

6 surprising things insiders look for when assessing a high school

Surprising things about high school

Yes! Sign me up for updates relevant to my child's grade.

Please enter a valid email address

Thank you for signing up!

Server Issue: Please try again later. Sorry for the inconvenience

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Raising Kids

How Homeschooling Compares to Public School in Academic Achievement

How does homeschooling stack up to traditional school for academics? Here's all you need to know about test scores, GPA, college placement, and more.

Test Results

Grade point average (gpa), college placement, emotional adjustment.

Many parents considering a homeschool education over a more traditional school experience want to know how homeschooling compares to public school—especially when it comes to students' academic performance.

You're not alone if you've considered removing your children from regular school in favor of homeschooling. When you think of the advantages of teaching your kids at home, you likely envision the freedom of making your own schedule, focusing on particular areas of interest, and going at your child's pace.

But does a home-based education offer a leg up for kids in terms of scholastic advancement? It depends. Here's how educating at home compares to public school for test results, GPA, college placement, and more. 

Rick Gomez / The Image Bank / Getty Images

Homeschool vs. Public School

An education at home differs from a traditional public school education in some basic (but significant) ways that can have an impact on a student's academic performance. Individualized attention from a parent-slash-teacher can make a world of difference for a student who is struggling academically or has a learning disability , for example.

Working independently may also allow more advanced students to go at their own pace, not having to wait for others to catch up. On the other hand, depending on the subject matter, you may have to learn about certain topics alongside your child (or access someone with the appropriate expertise).

Many factors you might expect to affect academic success at home have surprisingly little impact. Whether or not the homeschooling parent has earned a teaching degree or certificate is not associated with their child’s academic achievement, and neither is the degree of government control in their state. Parents’ level of formal education and household income are also not correlated with children’s scholastic proficiency.

While test results aren’t the only indicator of a child’s academic prowess, they can be an important benchmark of learning—and they do matter for college placement. The effects of homeschooling on test results are promising.

As far back as 1998, one study found that homeschooled children’s median scores on standardized tests such as the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills landed in the 70th to 80th percentile. Similarly, according to the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), students educated at home typically score 15 to 30 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized tests for academic achievement.

For Black students, the numbers are even higher. Black children who are homeschooled score 23 to 42 percentage points higher on standardized tests than their counterparts in public schools.

On the ACT, a test used nationwide for college admissions, composite scores for homeschooled students fluctuated between 22.3 in 2007 and 22.8 in 2014. Keep in mind, the highest possible score is 36. Though not as high as scores from private school students, these rankings were 1.4 to 2.2 points above the average public school student.

Grade point average (GPA) is another common point of reference for academic performance. Because many homeschooling families don’t calculate GPA, limited data exists comparing homeschool vs. public school grade point averages. However, research has been conducted on the GPAs of college students who were homeschooled during their K-12 years. 

One study conducted at an unnamed private university in the American Southeast found a statistically significant increase in the college GPA of students who were homeschooled versus those who were not. In another study from an unnamed university in the Midwest, students who had been homeschooled finished their freshman year of college with an average GPA of 3.37, compared with the 3.08 average GPA of other students.

The academic advantages of homeschooling continued throughout the college years. As seniors, the same students earned an average GPA of 3.41, compared to the 3.16 average GPA of non-homeschooled seniors.

Other, more in-depth research tells a somewhat different story, however. A 2016 study analyzed data from nearly 825,000 students at 140 colleges and universities and found that students who had been homeschooled did not achieve higher GPAs in their first year of college, nor were they more likely to return for a sophomore year.

For many colleges and universities, admissions are handled very similarly between students who have had a traditional education and those who were homeschooled.

With the rise in various nontraditional forms of education, even institutions like Ivy League schools have acknowledged the value a home-based education can provide their potential students. (However, many do not publicize statistics about their homeschool admissions.)

Homeschooled students may need to emphasize certain aspects of their education in a college application to improve their chances of admission. Homeschooled applicants may need to provide extra information about their academic curriculum and take optional tests to establish their academic abilities.

On the other hand, because homeschoolers can often earn college credit before high school graduation, they may have an advantage for college placement—or, at the very least, for finishing a degree sooner than students from public school. 

A comparison between homeschool vs. public school education isn’t all about academics. Your child’s emotional development matters, too. Stereotypes about homeschool education may have you believe that homeschooled kids are more likely to be socially awkward or emotionally stunted. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be the case.

According to the NHERI, homeschoolers often rank above average in measures of social, emotional, and psychological development . The degree to which your child grows emotionally will largely depend on the environment in your home and the activities you expose them to.

Consider how you might involve your child in volunteer work , participating in academic or extracurricular cohort groups, playing league sports, or learning to play an instrument . These outside-the-home extras can all expose your child to other people of various backgrounds and help them make friends .

Only you can decide if homeschooling is the best choice for your family. In large part, the success of homeschooling depends on you as an educator and your child as a learner. However, much of the research indicates that homeschooling can provide your child a greater likelihood of academic achievement.

Homeschooling: The Research . National Home Education Research Institute . 2020.

Scholastic achievement and demographic characteristics of home school students in 1998 . Educ Policy Anal Arch. 1999.

African American homeschool parents’ motivations for homeschooling and their black children’s academic achievement .  Journal of School Choice. 2015.

Trends in ACT composite scores among homeschooled students . ACT . 2015.

The difference in the academic achievements of homeschooled and non-homeschooled students . Home School Researcher . 2016.

Exploring academic outcomes of homeschooled students . Journal of College Admission. 2010.

Predicting college performance of homeschooled versus traditional students . Educ Meas . 2016.

How homeschooling affects college admissions . U.S. News & World Report . 2018.

Related Articles

Parents Guide to the Pros and Cons of Homeschooling

Takahiro Igarashi/Image Source/Getty Images

• Becoming A Teacher
• Assessments & Tests
• Elementary Education
• Secondary Education
• Special Education
• M.Ed., Educational Administration, Northeastern State University
• B.Ed., Elementary Education, Oklahoma State University

According to statisticbrain.com, more than 1.5 million children in the United States are homeschooled. Homeschooling is a highly debated school choice topic. Parents choose to homeschool their children for a myriad of reasons. Some of these reasons are based on religious beliefs, others are for medical reasons, and some just want complete control of their child’s education.

It is important for parents to make an informed decision regarding homeschooling. Even advocates of homeschooling will tell you that it is not the right placement for every family and child. The pros and cons of homeschooling should be carefully weighed before making that decision. Parents must examine the entire process of homeschooling instead of focusing on the idea of homeschooling.

Pros of Homeschooling

Flexibility of Time

Homeschooling allows children to learn on their own time. Parents control how much time each day and how often their children complete their lessons. They are not boxed into the typically 8:00-3:00, Monday-Friday time in which traditional schools operate. Parents can customize their child’s schooling around their own schedules, their child’s ideal learning time, and can take school with them anywhere. In essence, a homeschool student never misses classes because lessons can be completed at virtually any time. Lessons can be always be doubled up on a particular day if something arises that interferes with the regular schedule.

Educational Control

Homeschooling allows parents to have complete control over their child’s education. They control the content that is taught, the way that it is presented, and the pace at which it is taught. They may provide their child with a more narrowed focus on certain topics such as math or science. They may provide their child with a more broad focus and include subjects such as art, music, politics, religion, philosophy, etc. Parents may choose the omit subject matter that does not align with personal or religious beliefs. Educational control allows parents to make every decision when it comes to their child’s education.

Closer Family Relationships

Homeschooling allows families to spend more time with each other. This often results in an increased bond between parents and children and amongst siblings. They essentially rely on each other for everything. Learning and play time are shared amongst all members of the family. In families with multiple children, the older sibling(s) can help teach the younger sibling(s). Education and learning often become the focal point of a family who is homeschooling. When one child is academically successful, the entire family celebrates that success because each of them contributed to that success in some way.

Exposed to Less

A big benefit to homeschooling is that children are able to be sheltered from immoral or corruptible behaviors that occur in schools across the country. Inappropriate language, bullying , drugs, violence, sex, alcohol, and peer pressure are all issues that children in schools are exposed to on a daily basis. There is no denying that these things have a profound negative effect on young people. Children who are homeschooled may still be exposed to things through other avenues such as television, but parents can more readily choose when and how their children learn about these things.

One on One Instruction

Homeschooling allows parents to provide one on one individualized instruction to their child. There is no denying that this is advantageous for any child. Parents can better identify individual strengths and weaknesses and tailor lessons to meet their child’s specific needs. One on one instruction also minimizes distractions helping the child remained focused on the content being taught. It allows students to learn at a faster rate with more rigorous content.

Cons of Homeschooling

Time Consuming

Homeschooling takes quite a bit of time for the parent responsible for providing the education. This time increases with each additional child. Parents must take the time to plan and research the content that they need to teach their children. Teaching the lessons, grading papers, and keeping track of each child’s progress also takes a considerable amount of time. Parents who homeschool have to give their children their undivided attention during learning time which limits what they are able to do around their house.

Homeschooling is expensive. It takes a lot of money to purchase the necessary curriculum and the homeschool supplies you need to educate any child adequately. Integrating any form of technology into homeschooling including computers, iPads, educational software, etc. increases the cost significantly. In addition, one of the allures of homeschooling is the ability to regularly taking your children on educational outings or field trips whose costs add up quickly. Underlying operational costs for meals and transportation must also be taken into consideration. The lack of proper funding can significantly inhibit the education you provide to your child.

No matter how much love your children, it is always enjoyable to have some time alone. In homeschooling, you are both their teacher and their parent which limits the time you can spend away from them. You see each other and deal with each other all the time which can lead to an occasional conflict. It is essential that conflicts are quickly resolved, or it can have a profound effect on the schooling itself. The dual roles of parent and teacher can lead to stress. This makes it even more important for parents to have an outlet for stress relief.

Limited Peer Interactions

Homeschooling limits the amount of social interaction that children can have with other children their own age. Interacting with peers is a fundamental aspect of child development. While there are other avenues to ensure that the homeschooled child receives this beneficial interaction, the diverse interactions available at a regular school are difficult to simulate. Limiting a child’s interactions to parents and siblings can lead to social awkwardness later on in life.

Lack of Expert Instruction

There are parents who have a background and training in education who choose to homeschool. However, the majority of parents who homeschool do not have any training in this area. It is not realistic for any parent regardless of their education to be an expert on everything their child needs from kindergarten through twelfth grade. This is an issue that can be overcome, but being an effective teacher is difficult. It will take a lot of time and hard work to provide your child with a quality education. Parents who are not properly trained can harm their child academically if they do not spend the time to ensure that they are doing things the correct way.

• Must-Read Books for Homeschooling
• Negotiating Your Child's Resistance to Homeschool
• How to Understand Statistics For or Against Homeschooling
• All About Summer (Home) School
• Homeschooling Basics
• 10 Positive Reasons to Homeschool
• Receiving a Homeschool Highschool Diploma
• How to Homeschool for Free
• 3 Practical Ways to Become a Better Homeschooling Teacher
• Is Homeschooling Right for Your Child?
• The Laws Governing Homeschooling
• A Typical Homeschool Day
• 7 Surprising Things About Homeschooling
• 4 Ways You're Stressing Out Yourself and Your Kids
• Homeschooling in New York State
• How to Find a Homeschool Support Group (or Start Your Own)

16 Public School vs Homeschool Pros and Cons

The National Home Education Research Institute reports that there are more than 2.3 million homeschool students in the United States right now. This figure has been rapidly climbing since 2010, with some years seeing 8% growth. Homeschooling is the traditional educational practice that was once considered an alternative form of instruction, but it is now becoming a mainstream choice for students of all capabilities. Some public schools even offer it as an option for the most gifted and talented students in their district.

It Is often far cheaper to educate students in the home environment when compared to the structure of modern public schools. In the United States, the average taxpayer supports each student to the tune of more than $11,000, plus capital expenditures, to create a positive learning environment. Homeschooled students cost virtually nothing to the taxpayer because the family picks up the tab.

Although there are some stereotypes involved with homeschooling, it is just as diverse as the public school population. You will find Christians, atheists, liberals, conservatives, families in poverty, and households with enormous wealth all looking at the pros and cons of public schools compared to homeschooling.

If you are thinking about making a switch, then here are some of the key points to consider.

List of the Pros of Public Schooling vs Homeschooling

1. Public schools allow parents to work outside of the home more efficiently. The design of the average day for public schools is purposely intended to work in conjunction with the usual demands that adults face in the workplace. Kids will get on the bus at 8am, and then return home around 4pm during each weekday (save for early release days, holidays, and some teacher work days). That makes it possible for a two-parent household to make ends me it better because both adults can work outside of the home full-time without the added financial burden of daycare expenses.

2. Public schools are still an affordable option compared to other outcomes. Homeschooling is still cheaper than a public school, but for the average household, attending classes through the local district is still an excellent financial consideration. The average cost of a boarding school in the United States was more than $24,000 in 2017. If you attended classes at a school that was independent of affiliation, your price would be even more than that. Many families can attend the local public school without an additional expense beyond their tax liabilities. That is why it is such an affordable option. Everyone in the community chips in to provide an effective learning environment.

3. Public schools offer access to more diversity. When children attend a public school, then they are more likely to encounter other people that don’t look, act, or think exactly like they do. It is an opportunity to learn about different cultures, income levels, and perspectives that homeschooling does not always provide. There are even opportunities to work with other students that may have physical or mental disabilities. By understanding how humanity is diverse at a younger age, it creates a strong foundation that students can build upon as they get older and approach adulthood.

4. Public schools offer more extracurricular opportunities. Students in public school often have more options for activities after the final bell compared to children who are attending a homeschool or private school. There are options for athletics, theater, and music. Although some school districts will offer these opportunities to homeschooled students upon request, this option is not always guaranteed. If a student is interested in high school sports, then in most locations, public school is their only option to be active.

5. Public schools require specific certifications that teachers must meet. Teachers in public schools are generally required by their state or community to be certified in the subject material that they will teach. Private schools and charter schools do not always have this requirement, which means parents are not always aware of the level of training that their child’s teacher has obtained before being hired. Homeschooling often places the burden of teaching on the parent, which means they must be well-versed in all subject materials to help their students stay competitive with the local district.

6. Public schools allow students to have more social opportunities. One of the most common complaints that students have when they are homeschooled is that they do not get to spend as much time with their friends when compared to their public school counterparts. When you attend a public school, then the connections that you can make are automatically there. If you are homeschooling, then it is up to each family to find the connections in their community where relationships can begin to build. If you are the only family that decides to homeschool or you live in a very rural area, then it can be an isolating experience.

7. Public schools offer a guaranteed schedule. Unless there is a snow day or an unexpected emergency, you know what to expect from the public school calendar each year. Families receive this schedule at the beginning of the year, allowing them to plan for specific events in advance that might have a conflict with their regular schedule. When the end of the year comes along, you know whether or not your child will advance to the next grade. With homeschooling, parents must always be vigilant about motivation. Otherwise, the school year can easily extend into the summer months.

8. Public schools provide a glimpse of how the world operates. With the development of homeschooling co-ops, there are more opportunities for students who learn at home to socialize than ever before. Where a public school holds an advantage is in its overall structure. When you are in control of your entire schedule as a homeschool student, it can be a struggle to adapt to firm expectations about what you are supposed to do or when you must arrive. Being in a public school creates an opportunity to learn how to manage these expectations so that it is easier to be successful once you begin to pursue a vocational career.

List of the Cons of Public Schooling vs Homeschooling

1. Homeschooling allows parents to determine the curriculum. Parents have a lot more say in the curriculum that their children follow when they decide to homeschool instead of sending their kids to public school. Although there are state laws that must be followed in the United States regarding the quality of the materials are used, there are several options from which to choose that you would not receive if you worked with your local school district. You also get to be in control of the schooling schedule, which means you can work around family needs more often without having an extensive back-and-forth with administrators.

2. Homeschooling helps you to create stronger bonds with your kids. Many homeschooling parents act as the teachers for their children when using the educational materials for each grade level. There is much more time for family bonding when compared to public schooling because the classroom is wherever you want it to be. You are spending more time together in a way that promotes conversation and bonding that is just not possible when working with the local school district.

3. Homeschooling allows you to move at your own pace. Homeschooling makes it possible to adapt teaching methods to the best ways that individual children learn. Even when parents are using a K-12 online schooling option for their homeschooling needs, the teachers and administrators which work with the program can adapt to changing circumstances more quickly than public schools. If children need to spend extra time working on a challenging concept, then they can stay at that part of the curriculum until they have mastered the issue. This structure promotes a greater understanding of core issues that may impact the student later on in life.

4. Homeschooling provides students with greater safety. The stories of school shootings that flood the news cycle each year create a rightful worry for parents who send their children to public school. You may never know when a text or phone call comes in that says a lockdown incident occurred at the school where their child attends. When you make the decision to start homeschooling, then you can begin to provide an extra measure of safety for your family.

It is an opportunity to protect kids from more than just school violence. There are fewer issues with drug use, behavioral distractions, and other adverse events which can sometimes occur in a public school setting. As a parent, you won’t be dealing with lollipops in the hair or gum being thrown at someone because another child thought it was funny.

5. Homeschool allows parents to discuss controversial topics with discretion. One of the most critical elements of parenthood today is to teach children your family’s culture and perspectives on life. Even though kids may disagree with the perspective of the parent, the discussions on controversial topics can lead to more information and knowledge about the subject matter. This structure may not always be available in public schools. Whether the topic involves sexual education, spirituality, or the potential problems with common core math, the extra level of control that is available outside of public schools allows for a greater depth of individual learning.

6. Homeschool students often score higher on standardized tests. Homeschooled students average more than 70 points higher on their SAT scores when compared to kids to attend their local public school. The average score on the ACT for homeschooled students is 22.8, while it is 21 for the general population. Although critics may point out issues with demographics and sampling, both boys and girls who receive homeschooling score in the 85th percentile or above on average – even when household incomes are below $35,000 per year.

7. Homeschooling allows for more play learning opportunities. Public schools often stick to a specific schedule for play opportunities by incorporating recesses of 15-20 minutes a couple of times per day. Although there are in-classroom play opportunities growing in some districts, homeschooling provides this option whenever you want to have them. Even if you don’t get outside to play all of the time, there are STEM toys that can become part of your lesson plan.

8. Homeschooling provides more opportunities to learn how to schedule priorities. When students attend a public school, their schedule is often dictated for them. That includes any extracurricular activities which they may wish to pursue through their district. Because homeschooling encourages more independent learning, it creates a situation where a student and their family must become cognizant of their educational priorities. You must learn how to identify essential tasks, and then manage your time in such a way that it becomes possible to complete them.

List of the Similarities Between Public School vs Homeschool

1. Both groups can take vacations during the school year. In the past 20 years, the regulations that require students to attend public schools have eased considerably. As long as parents provide enough notice to their school district about a vacation or trip that they need to take during the school year, they have the same advantage as homeschooling parents do when it comes to schedule flexibility. Public school teachers provide assignments for students on vacation during the school year just as homeschool parents would offer to their children.

2. Both groups have access to multiple teaching opportunities. Many states have encouraged their public school districts to identify students who would benefit from learning opportunities that fall outside of the definition of “normal.” You will find gifted and talented programs creating different classroom environments for students today. Teachers and administrators are creating pods in schools that get students away from their desks. There are gardening and farming program opportunities available to students as well.

3. Both groups can eliminate homework from the learning equation. More public schools today are embracing the idea of removing homework from a student’s routine than ever before. Homeschooling doesn’t really have homework either because you are completing lesson plans based on the schedule that works with your family. Although there are exceptions to this similarity on both sides, many kids have their evenings free to pursue other activities.

4. Both groups can pursue curriculum choices that are interesting to the student. Both educational groups have the opportunity to provide input on the curriculum choices that they pursue at school. Although homeschooling families have it easier with this similarity because they can choose specific courses based on their local requirements and resources, public school students are finding more choices available to them as well. The number of districts that are requiring study halls or filler classes to complete the school day are diminishing rapidly.

5. Both groups can still encounter bullying. Although homeschooling will typically create a family environment where bullying does not occur, it does not eliminate this issue entirely. It is not uncommon for kids to encounter this issue at homeschool co-ops, at church, or even by other families in their neighborhood. It may be less prevalent than at public school, but bullying happens everywhere. Parents in both groups must teach their children how to recognize a toxic environment and how to respond to that situation to help protect their kids.

6. Both groups provide opportunities for children of any age. You can choose to attend public school through the 12th grade in the United States, which is also an opportunity that homeschooling families can access.

A Final Thought About Public Schools vs Homeschooling

The pros and cons of public schools vs homeschooling must be taken from an individual perspective. There is no right or wrong answer that is specific to everyone when comparing these two educational options. Some families are more comfortable with the idea of sending their child to a local school. Others prefer to provide educational opportunities within the structure of their family environment.

What matters most is that each kiddo gets an opportunity to maximize their potential. Choose the option that will do that for your family, and you will have a successful experience either way.

Homeschooling Vs. Traditional Schooling: The Differences, The Pros And The Cons

Categories Homeschooling

Deciding between homeschooling and traditional schooling is a significant choice that families often grapple with, and as we attempt to help you navigate this decision-making process, we’ll encounter notable disparities in both approaches.

We’ll delve into the dissimilarities, advantages, and disadvantages of homeschooling vs. traditional schooling and hopefully provide some insight into the educational landscapes that parents have to explore.

The Educational Environment

One of the primary distinctions between homeschooling and traditional schooling is the learning environment, as traditional schools offer structured, classroom-based learning.

Homeschooling provides a flexibility that allows education to unfold within the comfort of a familiar environment. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for children who thrive in a personalized setting and who function best in a place where they feel comfortable and safe.

Curriculum Customization

Homeschooling stands out for its flexibility in the curriculum as parents can tailor it to their child’s learning style and pace, which encourages a more profound understanding of subjects.

Traditional schools adhere to standardized curricula designed for large groups, which can potentially leave some students behind. The ability to customize a curriculum is a significant advantage for homeschooling, as it ensures that each child’s educational journey is uniquely tailored to their needs and can be delivered at a pace that suits the child instead of a standardized timetable.

Social Interaction

A critical consideration is social interaction, as traditional schooling provides consistent interaction with peers, which helps to develop essential social skills as students learn to navigate social dynamics, work in groups, and build relationships. In homeschooling, deliberate efforts are required to create social opportunities, ensuring children develop interpersonal skills beyond the family circle, and while homeschoolers can engage in community activities, join clubs, and participate in group events, it requires proactive planning on the part of parents.

Individualized Attention

An advantage of homeschooling is the ability to provide individualized attention, as in a school setting, teachers often face numerous challenges when attempting to cater to the diverse needs of a large classroom. Homeschooling allows parents to identify and address individual strengths and weaknesses, which makes sure that each child receives the attention they need to succeed academically.

Learning Pace

Flexibility in learning pace is another crucial factor, and homeschooling allows students to delve deeper into subjects of interest or spend additional time on challenging topics. This flexibility is invaluable in cultivating a genuine love for learning, but in traditional schools, the pace is generally standardized, which can potentially leave some students struggling to keep up while others may find the material unchallenging and, as a result, can, ultimately disengage from, and with, education.

Academic Performance

Numerous studies show that homeschoolers often outperform their traditionally schooled counterparts academically, and this success may be attributed to the personalized approach and the ability to focus on the aforementioned individual strengths and weaknesses. Homeschooling provides an environment where children can wholeheartedly grasp concepts, and parents can tailor teaching methods to suit their child’s learning style and strengths.

Time Flexibility

Homeschooling affords the luxury of time flexibility, which allows for unique learning opportunities, such as field trips, real-world experiences, and extended exploration of subjects.

Traditional schools operate on a fixed schedule, which may limit the time available for in-depth exploration or pursuing specific areas of interest.

Parental Involvement

Homeschooling necessitates significant parental involvement, and this increased engagement in a child’s education can strengthen the parent-child bond, but it does require dedication and time. Parents become not only educators but also learning facilitators and actively participate in their child’s academic journey. It isn’t for everyone, and we strongly advise that you think long and hard about whether or not it’s a journey that you want to embark on.

Extracurricular Activities

Traditional schools offer a range of extracurricular activities, from sports to clubs, fostering holistic development, and students have the opportunity to explore diverse interests and develop teamwork and leadership skills. While they can access similar opportunities through community programs, they may need to be more proactive in seeking them out, and this is one of the areas where parental involvement is crucial in ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

Standardized Testing

One drawback of homeschooling is the potential lack of exposure to standardized testing, and even though some educators argue that this reduces stress, others believe it may hinder a child’s ability to perform well in future academic settings. Standardized testing is a prevalent feature of traditional schooling and provides a benchmark for academic performance, but homeschoolers can still prepare for standardized tests through specialized programs and resources.

Teacher Qualifications

In traditional schools, teachers are required to meet specific educational standards and undergo rigorous training and certification processes to ensure they are well-equipped to teach. Homeschooling, however, relies on the parents’ qualifications, raising questions about the consistency and quality of education.

Even though many homeschooling parents are highly capable educators, there is a potential variation in educational backgrounds and teaching styles.

Cost Of Homeschooling Vs. Traditional Schooling

Traditional schooling is often associated with costs such as tuition, uniforms, and extracurricular fees, and homeschooling while requiring an initial investment in supplies, can be more cost-effective in the long run. Homeschooling eliminates many of the traditional costs associated with schooling, and resources can often be reused for multiple children, but the financial impact is entirely dependent on the chosen curriculum and the availability of educational resources.

Diversity Of Perspectives

Traditional schools expose students to a diverse range of perspectives, which can potentially create a broader worldview as students interact with peers from different backgrounds, which helps to enhance cultural awareness. However, homeschooling, if not supplemented with diverse experiences, might inadvertently limit exposure to varying viewpoints, so families need to actively seek out opportunities for cultural enrichment to ensure a well-rounded education that includes diverse perspectives.

Transition To Higher Education

Concerns often arise regarding the transition from homeschooling to higher education, and while many homeschoolers successfully transition to college, some institutions may require additional documentation to assess their preparedness.

Parents and home-based educators need to carefully plan for the college application process to make sure their children meet admission requirements, and this may involve standardized testing, portfolios of work, and letters of recommendation.

Time Management Skills

Homeschooling cultivates strong time management skills as students learn to balance academic responsibilities with other daily activities, and they acquire the ability to set goals, prioritize tasks, and manage their time effectively. Traditional schools, with set schedules, may not provide the same level of autonomy, but the structured nature of traditional schooling can instill a sense of discipline and routine in students, which are valuable skills all children need for their academic and professional lives.

Parental Burnout

The responsibility of homeschooling can lead to parental burnout, especially for those juggling work and teaching, while traditional schooling, by distributing the teaching load among professionals, can alleviate this pressure. Parents who choose to homeschool need to be aware of the potential for burnout, and it’s essential to establish a support system, share responsibilities, and take breaks to prevent exhaustion.

Special Needs Education

Traditional schools often have specialized resources and trained professionals to support students with special needs, and homeschooling, while adaptable, may require additional resources and expertise. Families with children who have special needs face unique challenges in both homeschooling and traditional schooling, and the latter often have dedicated special education programs, while the former may need to seek out specialized resources and support groups. It’s a big decision and depends on the individual needs of the child and the available resources in the community.

Peer Pressure And Bullying

Traditional schools expose children to peer pressure and potential bullying, which can be absent or easier to manage in a homeschooling environment, and even though peer interactions in traditional schools can help to shape a child’s social development positively, they can also expose them to negative influences and the possibility of bullying. Homeschoolers, while avoiding traditional peer pressure, need to actively facilitate positive social interactions, and widespread concerns about bullying in traditional schools have led some parents to opt for homeschooling as a safer alternative.

Homeschooling Vs. Traditional Schooling – The Pros And Cons

Pros of homeschooling.

• Customized Curriculum: Tailors the curriculum to the child’s learning style.
• Individualized Attention: Provides focused attention to address individual strengths and weaknesses.
• Flexible Learning Pace: Allows students to delve deeper into subjects of interest.
• Time Flexibility: Facilitates unique learning opportunities and field trips.
• Strong Parental Involvement: Strengthens the parent-child bond and active participation in the child’s academic journey.
• Cost-Effective: Eliminates many of the traditional costs associated with schooling.

Cons Of Homeschooling

• Limited Social Interaction: Requires proactive efforts to create social opportunities.
• Potential Lack of Standardized Testing Exposure: Raises concerns about future academic performance.
• Parental Qualifications: Relies on the parents’ qualifications, which can lead to potential variations in teaching styles.
• Parental Burnout: The responsibility of teaching can lead to burnout, especially for parents juggling work and teaching.
• Transition to Higher Education: Requires careful planning and additional documentation for college admission.

Pros Of Traditional Schooling

• Consistent Social Interaction: Provides opportunities for regular peer interaction.
• Diverse Extracurricular Activities: Offers a range of activities for holistic development.
• Exposure to Standardized Testing: Prepares students for standardized tests commonly used in higher education.
• Structured Learning Environment: Instills discipline and routine in students.
• Specialized Resources for Special Needs: Offers dedicated resources and support for students with special needs.

Cons Of Traditional Schooling

• Limited Curriculum Customization: Follows a standardized curriculum designed for large groups.
• Less Individualized Attention: Teachers face challenges in catering to diverse needs in a large classroom.
• Fixed Learning Pace: Potentially leaves some students struggling or unchallenged.
• Limited Time Flexibility: Operates on a fixed schedule, limiting time for in-depth exploration.

In weighing the pros and cons of homeschooling versus traditional schooling, it’s crucial to recognize that each approach has its merits and drawbacks, and the decision ultimately hinges on the unique needs and preferences of the family.

In Conclusion

As we explored the vast educational landscape, we found that while homeschooling demands dedication, it also offers unparalleled customization and flexibility, while traditional schooling, with its structured environment, provides a comprehensive social and educational experience. Regardless of the path that parents ultimately decide to pursue, the sole factor that should help them determine their course of action is the continued commitment to their child’s education and development.

Further reading: Homeschool or private school – which is best ?

• Recent Posts

• Homeschooling In High School: Pros And Cons - February 24, 2024
• How Do I Withdraw My Child From School To Homeschool? - February 23, 2024
• How To Not Go Crazy Homeschooling Kids: A Guide For Frazzled Parents - February 22, 2024

Related Posts:

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• [email protected]
• Login / Register

Homeschooling: Pros, Cons, and Alternatives

Article 26 Sep 2023 1423 0

Homeschooling, a method of imparting education in a home environment, has seen a surge in prevalence in modern education. For parents and educators contemplating the various modes of education available, understanding homeschooling's nuanced pros and cons is pivotal. The practice involves children being educated by parents or tutors, diverging from the conventional setting of public or private schools. This article provides an exhaustive analysis of homeschooling, highlighting its benefits, challenges, and offering insight into the modern alternatives and methodologies available.

1: Understanding Homeschooling

1.1 definition and prevalence.

• Homeschooling , also known as home education or home-based learning, is an alternative education system where parents, tutors, or online educators instruct children, unlike the systematic structure found in public or private schools.
• The prevalence of this educational approach has seen a remarkable increase, with parents opting for homeschooling due to its flexibility and the opportunity it offers for personalized learning experiences.

1.2 Reasons Parents Opt for Homeschooling

• Personalized Learning Environment: Homeschooling enables a tailored curriculum that suits the learning pace, style, and needs of the child.
• Flexibility: The adaptability in scheduling and curriculum choices allows for a balanced incorporation of academic learning and extracurricular activities.
• Closeness in Family Bonds: A home-based learning environment fosters closer family ties and stronger familial relationships.

Case Study: The Robinson Family The Robinsons, a family of four, chose homeschooling to meet their children's unique learning needs. They emphasized the benefit of personalizing the learning experience and adapting teaching methodologies that align with their children’s developmental pace.

2: The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling

2.1 benefits of homeschooling for children.

• Customized Learning Experience: Enables children to learn at their own pace, focusing on their interests and learning preferences.
• Flexible Schedule: Offers the ability to structure academic schedules around family needs, travel opportunities, and other activities.
• Enhanced Family Bonds: Homeschooling encourages stronger familial relationships and values instillation.

Expert Opinion: Dr. Jane Nelsen Dr. Jane Nelsen, an educational psychologist, asserts, "The personalized and adaptive learning experiences offered by homeschooling can be highly beneficial in fostering cognitive development and cultivating a love for learning."

2.2 Drawbacks of Homeschooling

• Potential Isolation: Children may miss out on social interactions, impacting the development of their social skills.
• Parental Burden: The onus of educational responsibility and planning falls on the parents, which can be overwhelming.
• Skepticism about Academic Rigor: There exists a concern regarding the comprehensive coverage and rigor of the homeschooling curriculum.

3: Impact of Homeschooling on Social Skills and Development

• Building Social Skills: While homeschooling can limit interaction with peers, active involvement in community services, sports, and group activities can mitigate this limitation.
• Academic Development: Homeschooling can facilitate individualized learning, addressing the specific needs, learning styles, and pace of the child, contributing to substantial academic development.

4: Modern Homeschooling Methodologies and Curriculum Choices

4.1 modern methodologies.

• Online Programs: Various platforms offer structured homeschooling programs, providing interactive learning experiences.
• Hybrid Models: These combine traditional homeschooling methods with online learning and community-based activities.
• Co-ops: Homeschool cooperatives enable families to share educational responsibilities, providing diverse learning opportunities.

4.2 Curriculum Choices for Homeschooling

• Customized Curriculum: Parents can design a curriculum that aligns with their educational philosophy and their children’s needs.
• Purchased Curriculum: Numerous accredited organizations offer comprehensive homeschooling curriculums.

5: Alternatives to Traditional Homeschooling

• Online Homeschooling Programs: These provide structured learning environments and curriculums, addressing various subjects and educational levels.
• Homeschool Co-ops: Cooperatives offer group learning experiences and shared educational responsibilities among participating families.
• Hybrid Learning Models: These integrate traditional homeschooling with online education and community engagement.

6: Homeschooling vs. Public Schooling Outcomes

6.1 academic outcomes.

• Homeschooling Outcomes: Studies show that homeschooled children often outperform their peers in standardized tests and show higher college acceptance rates.
• Public Schooling Outcomes: Public schools offer a structured curriculum with diverse social interactions, preparing students for societal integration.

6.2 Social Outcomes

• Homeschooled Children: They may experience fewer peer interactions but can develop substantial social skills through community engagements.
• Public School Attendees: They gain extensive social exposure, aiding in the development of interpersonal skills.

7: Tips and Resources for Transitioning to Homeschooling

7.1 transitioning tips.

• Research extensively on homeschooling methodologies and legal requirements.
• Connect with other homeschooling families for guidance and support.
• Be patient and flexible in adapting to the homeschooling environment.

7.2 Essential Resources

• HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association): Provides legal information and support to homeschooling families.
• Time4Learning: Offers online homeschooling curriculums and resources.

Conclusion: Informed Decisions on Home-Based Education

Homeschooling stands as a testament to the evolution of educational methodologies, with its benefits of flexibility, personalized learning, and the fostering of close family bonds. However, it brings forth challenges like potential isolation and skepticism about its academic rigor.

Modern methodologies and alternatives like co-ops, online programs, and hybrid models offer varied and enriched learning experiences, making homeschooling a viable option. Parents, educators, and policymakers must weigh the pros and cons, understanding the profound impact of homeschooling on a child’s academic and social development, to make informed and judicious decisions in the field of education.

• Latest Articles

Top Study Strategies for Student Success

Top study tips for exam success: effective strategies for academic achievement, what do colleges look for in an applicant: top qualities and traits , how to study smarter, not harder: tips for success, top strategies & tips for effective exam preparation, 10 important roles of technology in education, the real reason why you can’t learn something new, how to make learning mathematics easier and more effective, unpacking the mental health crisis and technology’s role, 20 essential tools every student needs for success, understanding the psychology of shame: causes and solutions, how to enjoy reading even when you hate it, ai benefits for teachers & students learning, why you should consider tuition classes to help improve your test scores, brain vs. consciousness: a new perspective, why financial literacy is vital for young adults, understanding how agi will work, theory of intelligence without purpose: a comprehensive exploration, apply online.

Find Detailed information on:

• Top Colleges & Universities
• Popular Courses
• Exam Preparation
• Admissions & Eligibility
• College Rankings

Sign Up or Login

Not a Member Yet! Join Us it's Free.

Already have account Please Login

Homeschooling Vs Traditional Schooling

How Does Homeschooling Compare To Traditional Schooling?

Homeschooling, also known as home education, does exactly what it says on the tin; it is a system of education in which parents elect to keep their children home from school in order to educate them. This is perfectly legal as long as the parents follow the required legal process which involves informing the school and local authority of the decision.

It is important to remember that this legality is only required if the child has previously been in school; in situations where the child has never attended school, parents have no legal obligation to tell the authorities about their decision to home-educate.

Benefits of Homeschooling

The decision to home educate has a range of benefits when compared to traditional schooling methods. It gives the parent greater autonomy and choice over the curriculum, and the subjects studied, allowing them to focus on a preferred path of study. If the student shows particular strengths, interests,s or passion for a specific subject, there is far more flexibility and freedom to pursue this avenue and to tailor a programme of study which suits the needs of the pupil exactly.

In a similar sense, this flexibility extends to the timetable. Home education offers a much more fluid schedule, not constrained by a traditional sequence or time period. Instead, lessons can be structured and addressed in a way that best suits the lifestyle of the family involved, offering a more free and easy approach that can take into account days out, activities, clubs and even trips.

Home education is in many ways a family affair, and many parents cite this as a key reason why they made the decision. It allows the child and parent to spend more time together, making it particularly appealing during adolescence, as families can support one another during what can be a challenging period of the student’s life. Couples can also become closer as a result of the decision, as more time is spent together on a common goal. Some families also believe this strengthens the bond between parent and children, as more time is spent together during the formative years.

Home education can also be an ideal way to help children who may be struggling to achieve or progress, particularly if there are other school avoidance or anxiety issues at play. Parents can adapt their teaching methods to get the best results, and extra time can be spent on concepts that are tricky to grasp. With focused one to one attention, there is less danger of a misunderstanding being overlooked or forgotten, making steady progress more likely. In the same way, if a child appears to be excelling in a particular area, there are no curriculum or scheduling restraints; they can simply power ahead and onto the next topic.

For some parents, their religious or personal beliefs are a large part of their decision to home educate their child; not being bound by a timetable means there is more opportunity to spend time focusing on religious instruction or imparting ethical or moral lessons. Parents in the UK are not required to follow the National Curriculum when homeschooling, and this means there is more scope to follow a set religious lifestyle or belief system which may be restricted by traditional mainstream education.

Benefits of Traditional Schooling

There is no doubt that home education has a range of benefits, and can be a huge help to many students and families. For the sake of balance, however, it is important to consider both sides, and traditional education in a school environment can also offer a number of bonuses to both parents and pupils.

The most apparent advantage to choosing a mainstream school is of course access to a highly trained professional in the form of the teacher. Teachers are required to have a degree and postgraduate qualification in order to practice as a teacher in state schools, and this gives them a high level of not only subject knowledge but best practice and effective pedagogy. They are trained in the best way to teach and deliver information, to inspire and educate children and young people, and to develop and encourage critical thinking and analytical skills to a high level.

Time is another issue when it comes to traditional versus homeschooling . Home education requires a massive amount of commitment and dedication on the part of one or both parents. While some choose to bring in external tutors, this can be expensive, and cannot cover the whole curriculum. School is an environment dedicated to learning, and it is the sole job of the teacher to be there, allowing parents to pursue other commitments such as paid work which may be essential to the family.

Both home education and traditional schooling have pros and cons , and it is important to do your research thoroughly into each side before coming to a decision. Each child is unique, with their own learning style, interests, strengths, and challenges, and will all respond differently to different methods of learning. One of the most essential elements of schooling is to foster and inspire a genuine love of learning which the pupil will carry throughout their lives; the way this is achieved is down to personal preference.

Simon Kensington

Simon Kensington, homeschooling parent and creator of Get Homeschooled, shares insights from over 20 years of educating his three children at home. Balancing work with homeschooling as a single parent, he aims to empower others on this rewarding journey.

Recent Posts

How To Make A Report Card For Homeschool

Key Takeaways Understand the Purpose of a Homeschool Report Card: A homeschool report card serves as a record of a student's academic performance throughout the year. It helps parents track their...

How To Make Homeschool Fun

Key Takeaways 1. Create a Positive Learning Environment: Design a comfortable workspace that encourages learning and creativity. Incorporate hands-on activities that align with your child's interests...

Is Homeschooling Right for You? Pros and Cons of Homeschool in the US

If you’re looking for an alternative to the typical education system,  homeschooling  can be an option that provides a tailored educational experience! Read on for the pros and cons of homeschooled education.

What Is Homeschooling?

Homeschooling is a pedagogical system in which parents choose to educate their children at home. The number of homeschoolers has grown tremendously over the years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic . According to the US Census, during the fall of 2020, about 11% of U.S. schoolchildren were homeschooled, though this percentage dropped to around 8-9% by spring 2021.

There is no one reason why parents choose to homeschool their children. It can be related to anything from religious beliefs and dissatisfaction with local schools to issues with traditional education. Many parents also opt for homeschooling so they can tailor their curriculum to the child’s unique learning needs.

Homeschooling is legal all over the country, but the specific legal requirements vary from state to state. Here’s a great guide to  homeschool laws by state , so be sure to check into these to make sure you can fulfill the different requirements. But at the most basic level, homeschool parents should be dedicated to education and learning and enjoy the time with their child.

What Are the Benefits of Homeschooling?

For many families, homeschooling is a great education alternative that can provide physical, emotional, and educational benefits . Especially with new restrictions due to COVID-19, homeschooling can offer a more flexible environment where students can learn at their own pace.

There are plenty of ways that homeschooling can offer kids an edge. Here are some of the top benefits.

Homeschool Lets You Embrace Different Learning Styles

Whether a child learns differently or has a disability, it can be difficult for them to learn in the classroom. With the  homeschooling curriculum , they can adapt their studies to their learning style. Plus, you have more freedom for creativity. Your student can do science experiments or projects to make learning easier. A homeschool education also provides more time and space to prepare kids for life when their parents teach them how to cook or hone a skill. That can mean more success for your  homeschooler in the long run!

It can also be a great option for a highly motivated child who might want to complete learning requirements more quickly. It’s not uncommon for a homeschooled student to skip ahead a grade or two since they can learn at their own pace.

Homeschool Allows More One-on-One Instruction

It can be hard for students to get the teacher’s attention with so many demands put on educators. Fortunately, learning at home means your focus will be on your child, and you can help them with any problem. This is one of the huge pros for homeschooled students, especially when they are more introverted.

Homeschool Helps Students Foster Their Talents

As a parent, you’re going to know your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Luckily, being their teacher means you can center  homeschooling activities  on their skillset. It can be a surefire way to nurture their natural talent and give it the emphasis it requires. If you have any tips for prioritizing your child’s talent, share them on  FamilyApp !

The World Becomes Your Classroom

Many parents get frustrated with the limited time kids get to spend outside when they’re at school. This is where homeschool can be a great solution. The great outdoors can become much more of a tool in your child’s curriculum . Whether it’s scavenger hunts, messy science experiments , or just doing their work in the great outdoors, fresh air, sunshine, and exercise are particularly beneficial for kids.

Flexible Schedule

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average American student spends about 6.5 hours  in the  classroom   each day. By contrast, homeschoolers usually just spend about 2-3 hours on schoolwork per day. This allows students to have more time to pursue other interests.

Some parents choose homeschooling because their child has a natural talent or skill that goes above and beyond, and they want a schedule that can cater to nurturing that talent. Whether it’s a sport, instrument, or art, having a flexible schedule is helpful if you want your child to focus on a particular skill. Also, if you enjoy going on educational field trips and vacations as a homeschool family, the flexibility means you can travel whenever you want and avoid all the holiday/weekend crowds!

What Are the Disadvantages of Homeschooling?

So many of the homeschooling disadvantages for some families could be educational opportunities for others. But here are a few challenging aspects to look out for if you plan to homeschool.

• Parent-Child Relationship Boundaries : While it’s great to tailor your curriculum to fit your child, it can sometimes be more difficult to push your child in the areas where they struggle. The comfortable relationship between parent and child might make it for them to transition into the roles of teacher and student. This means that students can sometimes misbehave more for a parent than a traditional teacher. It’s also harder to leave the school stress “at school” since school and home are one and the same.
• Staying on Track: Homeschool allows kids to set their own pace, which is great for motivated students. But it can be difficult for kids who struggle with self-regulation and motivation. If they don’t receive enough structure and discipline , it could be easy for them to goof off and fall behind. Having the discipline to avoid distractions is especially important in the age of smartphone technology , where screen addiction is a serious issue.
• Creating Lesson Plans: It can also be pretty challenging to select the appropriate  education curriculum for your child while staying up-to-date with lesson plans. Of course, it’s not enough to have the curriculum, but you’re got to make sure you follow it!

There are many wonderful resources to ensure your children don’t fall behind their peers at traditional public and private schools, including standardized tests. So if sticking to a schedule is something you struggle with, make sure you have support and accountability before starting to homeschool! Also, keep in mind that what might be a disadvantage for one family might be a fantastic option for another.

Homeschooling Cons and How to Avoid Them

One of the most common points of criticism you will encounter when you homeschool a child might be a lack of socialization for your child. While it’s true that homeschooled kids may not experience that typical school life – there are also pros and cons to that!

So it’s important that your homeschool students interact with peers. That’s why many homeschooling families come together regularly. At these meet-ups, both parents and kids talk about their experience, the curriculum, or exchange homeschooling tips. Sometimes they also set up field trips together. These homeschoolers turn the alleged cons into pros.

What Are Good Tips for Homeschooling?

Ready to make the homeschool plunge? Here are our top three tips to have homeschool success.

• Prioritize Socialization . Most kids also begin to make friends when they start going to school. But if your child is a homeschooler, they won’t have that opportunity. It’s important for them to have these  basic life skills , though! Whether they join a sports team or a camp, make sure they’re getting in plenty of time with peers. It’s great if you can find an activity where they can engage with private school or public school students. That way, they’ll be able to comfortably interact with kids from all different backgrounds!
• Join a Homeschool Community  – Whether you want to befriend a neighbor or the online community , having the support of other homeschoolers can help. You may even want to try some  homeschooling apps  that will provide plenty of tips, tricks, and insights. Having a community or co-op also can help with socialization, especially if you are  homeschooling an only child.  This way, you can get feedback and interaction with other families who are on the same path.
• Set Goals  – It’s essential to begin homeschooling with an idea of what you want to accomplish in mind. If there are certain topics you want your child to focus on, ensure that you consider the knowledge they’ll require according to the curriculum. Share successful tips for goal setting with others on FamilyApp!

Homeschooling might not be for everyone, but it’s a wonderful option for millions of families nationwide. Whether you’re a family on the go or prefer non-traditional schooling, there are ways to help your children succeed! Do you have any tips or homeschooling resources? Share them with other parents on social #getfamilyapp or a family app! This  educational option may have its own set of challenges, but there are benefits that make it worthwhile.

Similar Posts

13 After-School Study Tips for Students

Need some motivation to get studying before your next test? The following after-school study tips will help make your study time easier and more effective!

Our School Story: The Copley Family

After their school system started the year virtually, the Copley family in Atlanta, GA got together with friends and neighbors to learn in a pandemic pod.

Pod, Co-op, Hybrid, Virtual? Your 2020 School Adventure

From pandemic pods, to school co-ops, virtual school, and more, read on to learn about different options for the 2020 school year.

My Kid Is Going to College – A Guide for Parents

The time has finally come– your child is now in college! Here are some helpful tips to make the most of this experience.

How to Teach Kids to Tell Time – 7 Easy Tips

How can you teach your kids to tell time? It’s easier than you think! Read on for these helpful ways to read a clock.

Bibliotherapy: Reading is a Super Power

Have you ever heard that reading books has healing powers? Find out here how bibliotherapy helps your kids and yourself. It may be just what your child needs!

• General Information
• Getting Started
• Deregistering
• Socialising
• Local Groups
• International
• Home Ed Articles
• Parenting Articles
• Home Ed Links
• Home Ed in the Media
• Blogs by Home Educators

Home Education in the UK

Pros and Cons of Home Education

In some cases, children thrive in schools, and there’s no reason to consider any alternatives. In other cases, children have such a bad time at school, for whatever reason, that home education becomes a necessity. But for most children, school is a mixture of good and bad. This article looks at some of the pros and cons of home education. I would like to think that more parents will consider their options before enrolling their children in schools. Perhaps, each year, they will discuss with their children, whether to continue what they are doing, or try something different.

The balance will be different for each family, and for each child within a family. An extraverted, sociable child who likes structure may be happier in school than at home. A quiet, focussed child with specific interests in the same circumstances may be happier at home. Much will depend, too, on where you live and what your local schools are like. The family structure is also relevant. For a single parent, or when both are working full time, home education is more complex than when one parent is able to be home full-time.

Nevertheless, there are some general principles to consider when determining how to educate your child. Remember that under UK law you must educate your child but not necessarily send him/her to school.

Pros of home education

1. Individual attention and instruction . However you decide to go about home education, there is a much higher adult-to-child ratio than there can ever be in a regular school.  Even if you have three or four children at home, you can give far more attention to them than a teacher can with a class of 28 or 30, even if there is a teaching assistant or parent volunteer to help. Even when schools have different levels of work for different abilities within a class, there will be some who are bored and some who don’t understand. With home education, you can tailor each child’s education precisely, working at his or her pace, answering questions as they come up.

2. Children work at their own pace . This is related to the first, but is from the child’s perspective. Whereas a school may take a term to cover – say – basic trigonometry, or Ancient Rome – a child educated at home can cover these topics in far more diverse time periods. An hour or two may be sufficient to introduce a maths or history topic, or – at the other extreme – it may take a year or more for a child to grasp something which, in a school situation, would make him feel ‘behind’.

Reading is a good example of this: some children learn to read as young as three, some not until they are nine or ten, or even older. It doesn’t matter! There’s no shame in being a late reader, and no reason for pride in early readers. At home, education can be tailored to the child’s needs and abilities (as, indeed, the law requires) and they can take as long as necessary to learn.

3. Children’s interests can be followed . While some home educators choose to use a curriculum, or follow school subjects, there’s far more scope for encouraging children to follow their own interests, whatever they may be.

4. More time for relaxation . While a typical school day is about seven hours, with – by the time a child is in the teens – two or three hours of homework each night, the actual learning/education part of the day is no more than a couple of hours. This gives so much more time for reading, music, board games, walks… or whatever appeals.

5. Flexibility with holidays . With education authorities becoming stricter about authorised absences, holidays or day trips in term time are almost impossible for children in school. With home education you can take a break whenever you wish, and take advantage of off-season travel or days out.

6. Lack of peer pressure. The teenage years can be stressful and depressing for teens who are bullied, or insecure in any way, or who feel that they don’t fit in. Peer pressure can be devastating, leading some teens to experiment with dangerous lifestyles that they might not wish to try. Home educated children and teens are usually confident in their abilities, and far less prone to negative peer pressure.

Cons of home education

1. It can be expensive. Quite apart from the potential loss of income when a parent is home full-time, any textbooks, art supplies, writing materials, musical instruments, and so on must be paid for, rather than supplied by the school. If you want to follow a curriculum, that can be pricey. If your children want to take GCSEs or A-levels, even if they can study them at home, there’s a fee for every exam taken as a private student.

2. Lack of friends. While some children are friendly with neighbours, or take part in youth groups, Scouting organisations, and so on, it can sometimes be difficult to find friends when educated at home. Even though there are more opportunities of mixing with local people of all ages, home education can feel isolating. This is particularly so if you live in an area where there are no other home educating families around.

3. It’s full-time for parents. Many parents love having their children around all the time. But still, it can be tiring and overwhelming never to have time to oneself. Home education is a full-time job. Children may ask questions at any time of day or night.  This is so even if you follow a curriculum and choose set hours of the day for structured education. As when looking after a toddler, parents are never really off-duty when home educating.

4. Disapproval of relatives and friends. It can sometimes be hard for grandparents, who are worried that your children might miss out. Friends whose children are in school may take offence, thinking that you see yourself as superior in some way. Discussion is usually helpful, and as time goes by, these facets may become easier. But they can be difficult to overcome when you first start home educating.

5. Dealing with the LEA. While home education is legal throughout the UK, some LEA officials want to monitor or advise, even if you don’t want them to. While some LEAs are fine, perhaps even helpful, you may have to deal with those who don’t like your style of education and do all they can to get your children into school.

6. Further education application may be complex . Applying for university is not straightforward for students who have not taken A-levels. Home educated students don’t have careers advisors to help or Head teachers to give references. Many of them have gone on to further education, and have been successful. But the process of getting there may be complex.

I’ve tried to be fair, giving six potential advantages of home education, and six possible disadvantages. Whether or not any of these are relevant to you will depend on your own educational philosophy. Much also depends on the character and needs of your children. However, if your child is being bullied, or finds school life impossible for any reason, please consider home education for at least a year or so. No decision has to be permanent. Most of the cons listed above are not relevant when home educating for short periods. Nor are they important if your child is suffering in a school environment.

You might also like to read:

Peer pressure or socialisation? Deregistering a child from school GCSEs for home educators Learning styles

Advantages and Disadvantages of Home Education

Looking for advantages and disadvantages of Home Education?

We have collected some solid points that will help you understand the pros and cons of Home Education in detail.

But first, let’s understand the topic:

What is Home Education?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of home education.

The following are the advantages and disadvantages of Home Education:

Advantages of Home Education

Disadvantages of home education.

You can view other “advantages and disadvantages of…” posts by clicking here .

If you have a related query, feel free to let us know in the comments below.

Also, kindly share the information with your friends who you think might be interested in reading it.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please turn on JavaScript in your browser It appears your web browser is not using JavaScript. Without it, some pages won't work properly. Please adjust the settings in your browser to make sure JavaScript is turned on.

Fha jumbo loan: definition, requirements & benefits.

A Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan generally has lower credit score and down-payment requirements than conventional loans, which might make it an appealing option for first-time homebuyers. But for those who might look to get a larger loan, while still enjoying many of the perks FHA loans offer, an FHA jumbo loan could be an option to consider.

What is an FHA jumbo loan?

An FHA jumbo loan is any FHA-backed mortgage loan that exceeds the loan limits set annually by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Because potential homebuyers can borrow more than conforming loan limits, FHA jumbo loans may have more requirements than regular FHA loans . Since they are guaranteed by the government, FHA loans allow for more flexible conditions than many other jumbo loans.

Also, the term "FHA jumbo loan" or Jumbo High Balance loan is not officially standardized by the FHA or lenders but is broadly used in the real estate world since loans with larger limits might have special requirements depending on the lender. If you're a first-time homebuyer and are just getting to know the basics, another thing to note is that the FHA does not issue loans itself. Mortgage lenders can be anyone approved by the FHA, and you might see many large banks offering FHA jumbo loans, including Chase.

Is an FHA jumbo loan right for you?

An FHA jumbo loan might be an attractive option if you qualify for an FHA loan but need to borrow a larger amount: for example, if you want to buy a property that significantly exceeds average home prices in the area. Borrowers may also consider this type of loan if they want to take a regular jumbo loan but don't have a sufficient amount for the down payment . If you’re looking to determine whether an FHA jumbo loan is the right choice for you, you may want to talk to a lending advisor to gain a better understanding of the available options.

FHA jumbo loan limits

Every year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development announces Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) loan limits and adjusts them, if necessary, based on market conditions. An FHA jumbo loan is the difference between an FHFA loan limit and the "ceiling," the maximum amount you can borrow.

FHA jumbo loan requirements

To qualify for the FHA jumbo loan, you'd have to satisfy certain lenders' requirements, which is generally a combination of those you might expect when applying for a regular FHA loan and some common for jumbo loans For example:

• Credit score: Lenders mostly follow the same credit score requirements used for a standard FHA loan. However, certain lenders might require a higher credit score due to the larger borrowing amount. Generally, the higher your credit score, the better your chance of qualifying for a loan with a lower down payment.
• Debt-to-income ratio (DTI): Your lender will determine the exact DTI requirement . However, keep in mind that it usually correlates with the credit score, and if you have a high enough credit score, you may be able to qualify for an FHA jumbo loan with a higher DTI.
• Mortgage insurance premium (MIP): A mortgage insurance premium is another necessity when getting an FHA loan. This helps protect the lender in case the borrower defaults on the loan. MIP involves two transactions: a one-time upfront payment and an annual payment. Your monthly MIP amount will depend on your down payment, mortgage term and loan-to-value ratio
• Principal residence condition: Generally, the basic FHA loan is not designed for investment properties or vacation homes, so you might encounter a "principal residence" requirement. The FHA defines a principal residence as the home a borrower occupies for most of the year.
• Second appraisal: A regular FHA loan requires an appraisal to confirm the property's real value. However, in the case of jumbo loans, some lenders to request a second appraisal. Whether you need a second appraisal usually depends on the loan amount and the lender. For example, one might require a second appraisal for all loans over $1 million.

FHA jumbo loan pros and cons

Even if you think one might work best in your situation, there are advantages and disadvantages of FHA jumbo loans. Here are some of them:

FHA jumbo loans pros

• Higher loan limits: This type of loan allows borrowers to reap the benefits of the traditional FHA loan without being constricted to conventional loan limits.
• Lower down payment: Compared to traditional jumbo loans, those who apply for the FHA jumbo loan can possibly end up making a lower down payment. This is because lenders might have more flexible requirements since FHA jumbo loans are backed by the government.
• Possible lower interest rates: Similarly, depending on your credit score, you might be able to receive lower interest rates throughout your mortgage compared to conventional jumbo loans.

FHA jumbo loans cons

• Mandatory mortgage insurance: Following the standards of FHA loans, FHA jumbo loans require borrowers to pay upfront mortgage insurance at closing, as well as annual premiums throughout the entirety of the loan.
• Higher closing costs: FHA jumbo loans may have higher closing costs than regular FHA loans. Since the house's price is one of the factors determining the FHA closing costs , jumbo loans are known for higher closing costs for borrowers.
• Set loan limits: As you learned earlier, the FHA announces mortgage loan limits annually, the size of which depends on the county the home is in and the number of units in the building. Borrowers who decide to go with traditional jumbo loans might not face these restrictions since the maximum loan amount is determined by the lender.

Buying a home with an FHA jumbo loan could be appealing for those who qualify for an FHA loan but live in high-cost areas with expensive housing. Just like other types of loans, it has some benefits and drawbacks to be aware of, so you may want to do your research and contact a home lending advisor to find the best borrowing option for your situation.

Take the first step and get preapproved.

Have questions connect with a home lending expert today.

• mortgage options

What to read next

Top questions asked about mortgage companies.

Are you planning to buy a home and searching for a mortgage company? Learn some of the top questions asked about mortgage companies from homebuyers like you.

What to do if your mortgage application is denied

Being denied for a mortgage can be frustrating. But that doesn’t mean your dream of homeownership is over. Here’s what you can do if your mortgage application fails.

History of the 30-year mortgage

How have 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage rates changed over time? Read on for a high-level timeline of the housing market and mortgage activity through history.

Construction loan: What is it and how does it work?

When building your dream home, a construction loan can help facilitate the costs. Learn how a construction loan works, how to get one, and more.