How a Traditional Education Compares to Homeschooling
The COVID-19 pandemic has done much to reshape the institution of education in this country. While many students in traditional education settings attended class from home, countless others transitioned into a homeschool environment, prompting many to consider alternatives to their child’s education.
Traditional education and homeschooling might seem at odds with each other at times. And while there are significant differences between the two models, there are also many similarities, pros, and cons shared between traditional education and homeschooling. Today, Reid Traditional Schools in Phoenix, Arizona is taking a look at these two systems and comparing them, so parents can make the right decisions about their child’s educational future. If you have additional questions, please contact Reid Traditional Schools to learn more.
Socializing Is a Unique Challenge in Homeschooling
In a traditional educational setting such as a public district or charter school, students have the opportunity to socialize with other students in class, during recess, or even after class in extracurricular activities. This socializing is vital to a student’s development, and, according to research, even contributes to the student’s success in the classroom. What some adults interpret as benign playtime on a playground, chatter in the hall, or even challenging group projects are actually opportunities for students to develop verbal and non-verbal communication skills, project management skills, and of course, make new friends.
Comparatively, homeschool parents have to go to great lengths to put students in contact with others in the same age range or education level, making it a challenge for students to develop friendships with their peers, or with others who share their educational background.
There Are Different Educational Priorities in Each Setting
Homeschooling, by default, is highly tailored to an individual student, or small group of students. Though some school districts or states have strict requirements for graduating from high school with a diploma, homeschooled students simply have to pass their required tests to obtain a GED. As a result, homeschool education allows students to pursue unique subjects and topics of interest, rather than holding them to a stiff curriculum that might not account for their interests or learning styles.
That said, traditional education emphasizes subjects that equip students with the skills necessary for success. Subjects such as public speaking, mathematics, classic literature, geography, and more, impart valuable, lifelong skills that are difficult to build outside of a traditional education setting without access to qualified instructors.
For parents choosing to homeschool, it’s also possible that the instructor — whether it’s the parents themselves, or another instructor — doesn’t have the training or expertise to teach certain subjects with confidence and authority that reinforce learning.
Access to Professional Instructors Varies
Educational institutions such as Reid Traditional Schools employ highly qualified instructors who have a background in their field of expertise. These subject matter experts also have teaching degrees with a specific emphasis on teaching students with best-practice techniques. By contrast, homeschooling settings don’t often give students access to instructors, as they’re usually led by the parents of the student. One thing to note, however, is that in homeschool settings the instructor can provide a granular level of feedback to the student and can tailor their teaching style or curriculum to meet the student’s needs directly.
Safety and Setting Are Everything
With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, students across the country returned home to complete their schooling online. As more and more districts lift their “at-home” requirements for schools, parents should consider whether or not it’s safe to send their children to school. Traditional education — like all educational institutions — puts student safety above all else, but the risk of COVID-19 infection, bullying, and physical violence is always present. And while homeschooling can still expose students to the same harm, the chances of this are much lower.
Schedules for Each School Are Unique
Parents who are choosing to homeschool may find it challenging to keep their children on a consistent schedule. The amount of time that is needed to provide a homeschool education is frequently underestimated by parents new to this style of schooling. For the most part, traditional schools and charter schools build a schedule for the student to follow each day, which can help students develop time management skills and stick to a routine.
Though some states require homeschooled students to receive a certain number of hours of instruction, the typical 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. isn’t a hard requirement. This gives students and their parents an unprecedented level of flexibility in their education. Instruction can begin and end at any time, which is great for accommodating demanding or unique schedules.
There is no easy answer as to whether or not to invest in homeschooling or send a child to a school that offers a traditional education. Families should consider their own needs, long-term goals, and values when making a decision about their child’s educational future. Have questions about enrolling in Reid Traditional Schools or about our award-winning approach to traditional education? Please contact Reid Traditional Schools to learn more.