Home School, Private School, or Public School

What type of schooling do you prefer? I've been wondering what would be the most beneficial. I choose one option, but I'm listing what I think are advantages/disadvantages of each.

Home School

You choose the curriculum as a parent. Your children receive more one-on-one attention. You can take field trips any time and make anything educational. This is cheaper than a private school. It's debatable if this is cheaper than public school. Don't have to have nice clothes or a uniform or other things. You can find free or used textbooks.

I see disadvantages that you have to put more effort into having your children socialize, but you also guide the social activities. This can be time-consuming if both parents have to work, or it would be too much of a physical or emotional strain. Some parents need the mental break while their children are at school.

I know some parents really enjoy learning with their children and feel that they are growing intellectually through homeschooling.

Private School

Private school provides socialization and has a curriculum you may prefer over public school. However, private school is more expensive than home school and public school most of the time. I haven't had much experience with this.

Public School

You can't beat free! Well, it's not free, but since we already pay property taxes or our landlords pay it from our rent, we might as well use it if we want to. It provides socialization, but not always positive. If you work, you don't have to hire a babysitter.

You may disagree with the methods and curriculum taught at public schools. Often, the curriculum follows the current fad among upper management who aren't in direct contact with children. Teachers in the trenches know what each child needs.

Public school is "free," but it isn't. You still have to pay for lunch, or buy lunch bags, and sometimes a uniform. Public schools ask for donations since their funding is siphoned down the line. You still pay textbook, lab, and other fees for 7th-12th grade. You can get a waiver if you don't make enough, but many people don't or can't.

Charter school is a public option where parents can control more of the curriculum. It is hard to get into a charter school or parents can form a new one.

Conclusion

This is such a personal decision. It depends on your physical and mental abilities and so many other factors. Each child is different and each parent is different. I had one neighbor who would pray about where she should take her children to school each year. Sometimes they needed public school, charter school, or home school. God knows each child better than we do.

Please leave comments! Education is so important for children and adults.