Is homeschooling effective, or does it compromise your childs education and socialization skills?.?

Answer 1

I think for some people, it does compromise their child's education and social skills, only because of how they go about it. I know a few families whose kids' social skills are rather off and who are not anywhere near the academic level of schooled kids. However, these are select unschoolers that I know (not all of the unschooled kids I know are like that).

As for me personally, I do not feel that I'm compromising my children's education. My children have more time to learn, can go beyond what would be done in class, can learn more about what they want to learn, can spend more time learning HOW to learn rather than just regurgitating information. I know how to find local standards (I'm a former elementary teacher), have resources available and know a lot of homeschoolers who are teaching the same ages and we can share ideas and whatnot.

As for their social skills, I don't see how I'm compromising them. My kids interact with other kids easily, interact with most adults easily, they work together on things, they have almost daily conflicts to work out between each other and kids they do things with at activities... What useful social skills are they not getting in homeschooling that they would be getting in school?

What it boils down to is that homeschooling is only as effective as parents are willing to make it.

Answer 2

Here in California, going to public school compromises your education and socialization skills. In a homeschooling situation, the children still have sufficient contact with friends and other children to socialize. The education process can actually improve because most home schooling parents won't allow their children to slack off in class. The parent doesn't have to come up with their own lesson plan. There are organizations and groups that will help home schooling parents with lesson plans and other teaching materials.

Answer 3

It depends upon how it is done.

Homeschoolers tend to posess superior academic and social skills when compared to their public schooled peers.

Some homeschoolers do fall behind academically, but that is true at much higher rates in public schools.

Some homeschoolers are not given the opportunity to socialize, but it is far more common for public school students to fail socially despite the constant presence of their peers.


When homeschooling it is important for the parent to choose a good curriculum or mix of curriculums in order to ensure that their child remains at or above grade level.

It is also important that home school students be given to opportunity to be involved in activities outside of the home. Community sports teams, lessons in music, art or dance, community service projects, and church activities can provide children with all of the social interaction they need.

Answer 4

I was homeschooled through high school. I graduated from college and law school and passed the California Bar on my first attempt. I've worked as a lawyer since then. I've never been socially isolated.

I think for both scholastic and social reasons it's important to find a network of other homeschoolers in your area and make sure that you're taking advantage of all the resources available. I have close relationships with many fellow homeschoolers from high school although it's been nine years since I graduated.

Also take advantage of community activities such as girl/boy scout troups, church youth groups/camp and community sports teams.

Don't doubt your abilities. If you think your kids are doing well then they probably are.

Answer 5

I turned out ok.

Most long-term homeschooler's I've known have had some problem relating to childhood peers. As everyone grows up though, it all evens out (Most homeschoolers socialize better with adults than kids). Most homeschooling parents take steps to make sure their children get out and about and lear to interact with people. Very few homeschoolers I've grown up with have had long-term social issues.

As far as scholastics go . . . with the exception of kids I've known with learning disabilities, every homeschooler I know (except for my sister who was diagnosed with testing-anxiety) has completely blown every standardized test they've ever taken out of the water.

When I went back to 'real' school I had to skip seventh grade so that I could take 8th grade classes, which were just repeating the same work I'd done in sixth. (They wouldn't let me skip to ninth)

Homeschoolers are starting to become a hot commodity for college admissions boards.

Hope this helps

Answer 6

Absolutely. Homeschooling is wonderful. People will often think that kids are homeschooled kids are dumb. NOT TRUE! Most homeschooled kids I know are way above their public school level. Another thing: People think that homeschooled children have had no socialization, therefore no social skills. Nope. Think about this: Who gets more socialization (therefore social skills!)? The publicly schooled kid who is in the same building every day with the same problematic kids, OR the homeschooled kid who is always doing different things, going to new places, and mixing with adults as well as people their own age? I think you just might get me.

Answer 7

My ex partner was home schooled and although his education never suffered, he had next to no social skills what-so-ever and this has severely hindered him throughout life.

Whilst he was able to get a good education, don't forget that it is largely down to the person who is teaching the child as to what the outcome will be. Poor teaching in school or in the home will result in a poor education.

If you can guarantee a decent level of teaching and plenty of opportunities to develop social skills then go for it!

Answer 8

It's effective for our family. Their education and social skills are more than adequate.

I am in no position to make that judgement for some 2million other people who are homeschooling.

Answer 9

Yea it is effective, It helps my education alot, And I go to an online home school so I talk to alot of student by email or we can meet on feild trips or if you just get homeschoolled you can meet with other people in your area.

Answer 10

Academically, it depends on the parents and how dedicated they are. As far as the old socialization argument goes, I would think the ultimate goal is for kids to learn how to function in an adult environment and socialize with adults. It's kinda hard for them to learn to socialize with adults when their only role models are other kids with no social skills.