by Lisa A. Goff

Created on: June 21, 2007

Is Homeschooling Better Than Formal Education? Yes, in many ways homeschooling is better than formal education. Is it flawless? No. Neither is formal education. Obviously, homeschooling is not an option for everyone, nor is it the best choice for every student. Not every parent is equipped or willing to homeschool. However, as exposure to bullying, violence, drugs, and sex, and poor performance scores within school systems is becoming more prevalent, more and more families are considering homeschooling and are pulling their children out of public schools.

Formal education develops the mind and knowledge, skills, character, and a sense of community. These areas of education are developed in state-certified programs within a structured large group environment. In comparison, homeschooling develops the mind and knowledge, skills, character, and a sense of community within either a structured, less structured, or non-structured one-on-one environment.

Though homeschools may not be certified by the state, some states have strict state guidelines for homeschools while others are less strict. Certified programs are offered on-line through public schools using public school curriculum. Otherwise, there is a wide variety of curriculum, some with on-line tutors, which can be tailored to fit a student's varied levels of learning in order to provide an exceptional homeschool education. A homeschool education can also be tailored to fit a student's strong interests and skills rather than being limited to the one-size-fits-all curriculum of a formal education.

Many homeschooling parents happen to be certified teachers or college graduates. Others have the dedication and creativity to effectively give their children a well-rounded education based on their children's needs and individual rates of learning. Through networking groups, libraries, tutors and outside activities and sports, homeschool students achieve education, socialization, and integration among a diverse background of people of all ages, races, interests and experiences.

No homeschooling child will be left behind if he/she has difficulties with a particular area. There is no pressure to keep up with the rest of the class or be lost. The homeschooler can learn, at his/her own pace, and can stick with the problem area until it is mastered. If the homeschooled student is gifted or even diverse in achievement levels, he/she doesn't have to sit and be bored, and perhaps become a behavior problem while waiting for

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