Pros and Cons of Homeschooling
Thinking of homeschooling? Before you start, examine the pros and cons of homeschooling.
Author
Lisa Luciano
Published:
February 2025
Key takeaways
- • Homeschooling life has pros and cons.
- • Homeschooled kids can be successful learners and happy adults.
- • Homeschooling parents need help and support.
Some parents are intrigued with homeschooling but have many questions and concerns before starting. This article seeks to demystify home education while presenting a sampling of the positives and negatives of homeschooling. Having been both a public school teacher and a homeschooling parent, I have an inside view of the benefits of homeschooling and the downsides of homeschooling. The good news is that you do not need to be a licensed educator or a superhuman parent to give your child a solid educational experience.
Pros of Homeschooling
Individualized Learning
It can be challenging for teachers in traditional schools to individualize instruction for each child’s unique needs. One of the benefits of homeschooling is the opportunity to customize instruction and accommodate varied learning styles. Once you have assessed your child’s learning style, you can choose suitable materials and the right educational approach.
Flexible Environment
Studies show that it’s not healthy to sit all day, but students in a traditional classroom are required to do just that. Homeschooling offers the chance to move throughout the day and even learn outside while soaking in fresh air and sunshine.
Adaptable School Schedule
One of the benefits of homeschooling is tailoring the school schedule to suit your family. Plan a traditional 9-month schedule with a summer break, or plan a year-long schedule with a winter break. Homeschooling means no mandatory teacher in-service days, conferences, or snow days. This allows flexibility and the chance for families to supplement their child’s education with valuable experiences such as:
- Community involvement and service
- Field trips and travel
- Entrepreneurship and apprenticeship
Positive Socialization
One of the biggest concerns about homeschooling is the topic of socialization— learning to behave in a culturally acceptable way. Parents want their children to exhibit academic progress. Still, they also want them to have the soft skills not taught in the classroom, such as cooperation, getting along with others, and developing approved social behaviors. Some assume homeschooled students will become isolated, socially awkward, and friendless. However, a study published in 2013 reported that homeschooled children can interact successfully with a wider variety of people than just their peer group. Homeschooled children also tend to show strong leadership skills and high levels of maturity.
Strong Family Relationships
Any homeschooling parent knows there are good days and bad days. For me, homeschooling has been a satisfying way to bond with my children while we learn together. Homeschooling can provide an unparalleled connection that includes:
- Knowing exactly what my child is learning
- Forging strong sibling relationships, not divided by age and grade
- Allowing newly learned concepts to weave into daily life.
- Everyone learns together, with each person bringing their gifts and strengths to the table.
- Having a school schedule that is the same for every family member, makes it easier to plan family events and vacations.
Educational Excellence
Research has shown that homeschooled students often perform better academically than their peers in public school, and tend to score higher on standardized tests.
Table of contents
Cons of Homeschooling
Homeschooling is not all ice cream and rainbows. There are some downsides to homeschooling, too. After hearing about all the benefits, you may wonder, “Are there any negative effects of homeschooling?” Getting real about the other side of homeschooling will help you make a sound decision for your child.
Socialization…again.
It’s time to talk about socialization again – the biggest obstacle for many parents. Socialization is possible, but it takes work to arrange opportunities for children to interact with others their age. In a traditional school setting, kids are constantly rubbing shoulders with other kids, but in a homeschool setting, this must be arranged on purpose. To ensure making friends and bonding with peers, the parent must do the work of initiating playdates and activities with other friends.
Organization and Record-Keeping
Some people are gifted at details and record-keeping, but many are not. As both teacher and parent, you are spinning many plates that include lesson planning, grading, planning activities, choosing materials, and more. For your child to have a quality education, you must stay on top of everything.
DIY Special Events
If you grew up in a traditional school setting, you know that many milestone moments happen throughout the school experience, from sports events to graduation. I remember talking about homeschooling to our local librarian, and she moaned, “Then your kids can never go to Prom?”
It’s on the parents to create memorable school-related events. Local homeschooling groups often band together to create homeschool ceremonies so kids don’t miss out.
Expenses & Lack of Resources
From computers to textbooks, one downside of homeschooling is the cost of materials that comes out of pocket. Besides that, one parent usually stays home to educate the children, forgoing that income source. Besides materials, homeschools don’t have access to resources such as science labs and sports equipment.
Pressure and Criticism
When you homeschool, you are with the family all day, every day. There are advantages to this, but homeschooling parents also need a break. In addition, homeschooling parents may sense pressure from extended family members (or librarians) who seem critical and doubtful about the “whole homeschooling thing.” If you homeschool, be prepared to answer questions from curious and occasionally critical people who don’t understand. Lastly, sometimes pressure and criticism springs from inward sources, as you think, “I’m not doing enough; they still haven’t mastered ___.” Be patient with your students and yourself, and don’t take things personally. Getting support from other homeschooling parents can make a big difference.
Conclusion
There have never been more resources, options, and support for homeschooling parents. If you have weighed the pros and cons, and want to get started with homeschooling, it might be helpful to check out your state homeschooling guidelines and contact a local homeschooling organization with any unanswered questions. Learning and discussing the pros and cons of homeschooling can help you decide if homeschooling is the best option for your child.
FAQs about the Pros and Cons of Homeschool
The downsides vary according to what your family expects, needs, and wants. Review the pros and cons of homeschooling listed above. It may be helpful to call a local homeschooling group and discuss the downsides with members.
We all have our weak spots, but the good news is that you do not have to be an expert in every subject to teach your child effectively. For instance, some parents struggle to teach homeschool math or science. More than ever, there are abundant resources and help in each subject area. You can learn along with your child, and you can also serve as a coach, encouraging them and cheering them on along the way.
If your child is extremely social, it may be a rough transition to homeschooling. If you desire an immaculately clean house, it may be challenging to have people around all day. If your child wants a sports scholarship upon graduation, you may have to ask your local school about participating in sports while homeschooling. The problems that surface are tailored to each student and family. Be sure to contact a local homeschooling group for answers to your questions.
People might wonder, “What are the effects of homeschooling later in life?” One recent Harvard study reported that homeschooled kids become well-adjusted, happy people and involved community volunteers.
About the Author
Lisa Luciano
