What are the pros and cons of being home schooled?

In the area I live in, the pros are a better, higher education. Focus is on the school work, not social issues. I teach homeschoolers in my home. I am a certified teacher. It is important that students have opportunities to socialize with others. I stress this to my parents. The cost is based on the curriculum you choose. DVDs are more expensive that books. Computer programs are less expensive, but a little more difficult for some if you do not have an adult that can help you. The best part is that it only takes about three hours to do all of the assignments for the day, and sometimes less time than that. You must be organized, set up your school times, and stick to it. I know some parents that should not be trying to home school. Their children are not getting the proper amount of instructional time. I highly recommend it for someone that is having problems at school and is unhappy. School is for education, not for misery. Some of my students do not work well in large groups; they home school so they can get a lot of idividual help. Others just can't stand all the meaness that goes on in school. Some have tried home school and hate it. I tell all my parents to try it if they want, but believe me, the school will take them back any time if it does not work out.

Pros: -More individual attention for student -Ability to slow down or speed up on certain subjects based on child's learning ability -More time at home with family -Less negative influence from other children who don't share same values -Less peer pressure -Less pressure for kids to date -More focus on education and other interests -Ability to tailor a program espcially for your child and inlcude many of their interests or even advanced studies not offered by public schools. Cons: -In high school, possibly less of a chance to learn advanced college prep courses unless a tutor is hired or other online classes are taken. -Less opporunity to make variety of friends, although they'll probably make entirely new friends in college or in the workforce anyhow. -It's a full time job for the parent, and they must be willing to commit to spending time preparing lessons and teaching, which can be time consuming and sometimes gets old for some people who aren't really "natural" teachers. Burnout can happen fast for some. -Less time for housework/chores -Possibly less alone time for spouses depending on work schedules

Megans Mom sounds like she had a less than stellar experience. However, HSing in 1987 as a "pioneer" is toally different than today. Today, if I do not understand a subject, I do not teach it. I send my kids to a tutor, or have them take it in a co-op setting. Furthermore, this is a big industry now. There are plenty of programs, such as Videotext Algebra, and Teaching Textbooks that teach to the kid directly. My 15 yr old scores highly on his standardized Math tests, yet I do not know Algebra, (he does). Homeschooling has changed.

I was home schooled from fourth grade through high school. When we started back in 1987, we really were pioneers because we didn't know anyone doing it. If I had to go back, knowing what I know now, I would NOT have chosen home schooling for myself....not that I had a choice to begin with. I don't think my parents handled my education properly. Neither of them were certified teachers (which wasn't necessary), but they weren't even college graduates, so when they came to something they didn't know or couldn't teach they'd just skip it (like algebra). There is no way I could have made an easy transition into college. I didn't know enough. I don't know how much or if it costs to home school using a state or area school program, but the books do cost. I think we spent about $250 a year on books. I would say that if the child is being given nearly all of the opportunities that other kids have that home schooling can be wonderful. Here are my personal pros and cons, but not necessarily everyone's: Pros: -I was not only taught the basics (math, history, etc), but from a young age I learned other useful life skills: cooking, cleaning, sewing, child care, running a household...etc. -I did not have peer pressure or bullies to deal with and I became very close to my brother, who was also home schooled. -I was not taught bad behavior from outside sources, and learned how to interact well with all age groups -When I had an interest my mom could incorporate it into my lessons Cons: -I started gaining weight from lack of exercise and easy access to food, and I never recovered -After the first couple years my parents didn't keep me involved in social activities with other home schoolers, so my social life was almost non-existent, and it was hard to cope with becoming an adult and going out into the real world. -I was not given opportunities promised to me like being involved with sports, activities, dances, ect, at a regular school. -I was not prepared for college, and the thought of even high school scared me, so I did not further my education. -I was teased by neighborhood kids who would tell me that I was not smart enough to go to school. That turned into being jealous that I did not go to school and they would tell me that it wasn't fair and that I probably sat around in my pajamas all day and watched tv. -My parents were suppose to set me up to have a graduation ceremony at the school we were home schooling through, but the last couple years of school they switched to home schooling through the state, so I had to take a GED, and no one celebrated my graduation. I hope this helps you.

If your parents are creative and have time to invest in your education, homeschooling can be cheap. However, spending money on curriculum can save a lot time learning the subject from scratch. Our family with five kids spends about $200/year on books, and about $30/month on field trips and other learning support activities. It would be much more if we were doing music or sports right now. My favorite homeschool "pro" is that my kids are close to each other. It is something that people comment on (though to me they seem to fight like cats and dogs!) Other moms have said that homeschooling has made their families especially close. My biggest "con" to homeschooling is that I feel isolated at home in the country. I miss having a job where I was an individual and recognized for my achievements. You don't get a raise for being a killer homeschool teacher! However, this is really minor when weighed against what I am getting to do: be there to hear my kids first sentence that they read, cheer for them when they master their multiplication table, etc.

The only cost for home schooling is what you are willing to spend. In fact in certain states you are paid to be home schooled. Do you want a $100 curriculum or a $20 dollar one?