by Terri Edinburgh

Created on: May 18, 2008   Last Updated: February 23, 2012

We live in a world where going to public high school can be like entering a war zone; metal detectors, bullying, physical violence, verbal threats, etc., and/or a dysfunctional learning environment; outdated textbooks, lack of materials and resources, poor quality of education, and more. Because the quality of a high school education has diminished over the years, the appeal for an alternative to a public high school education has increasingly drawn parents to consider home schooling as an option.

The benefits or advantages to home schooling seem immediately apparent. Your child is removed from a potentially threatening environment and he/she no longer has to deal with unruly students and nasty teachers. As the parent and teacher, you dictate the academic course of your child; you make sure the homework and studying is done; etc. The student can learn at his or her own pace, and the parent can focus lessons in the areas of those skills that need extra attention. The entire focus is learning.

But, these same advantages to home schooling can also be its disadvantages. It is not at home where a high school student learns to deal with adversity, unruly students and nasty teachers. It is not at home where a student's social skills and communication skills are continuously developed to take them to the next level—college and life. It is not at home where a student learns about diversity and getting along with their fellow high school students and people in general. Yes, high school can be a breeding ground for poor social behaviors, bad attitudes, and inadequate role models. But are we not as parents supposed to lay the foundation at home first?

Another disadvantage to home schooling is the parent as the teacher. The parent may not be able to fully implement an educational plan and/or understand what is necessary to ensure a student has access to the proper curriculum. Many parents are not qualified teachers and those parents who are are only qualified in their area of expertise. Also, home schooling does not guarantee your child will develop proper study habits, time management skills, and an overall love for learning.

Yes, a home schooled student might have an academic advantage, but it is the high school student that has the advantages of all of the extra-curricular activities that high school has to offer that presents them as a more well-rounded individual.

Learn more about this author, Terri Edinburgh.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.