The differences Between Homeschooling and Public School at Home

by Andrea Hermitt | More from this Blogger

11 Dec 2006 11:20 AM

Homeschooling or Public School at Home...

These two terms sound the same, don't they. To the contrary, however, they are radically different.

Homeschooling: Homeschoolers educate their children at home, and in the community. They use personal knowledge, learning resources, and community resources to educate their children. Such an education is considered comparable and often superior to public education because it is done on an individualized basis and at the child's pace.

Public school at home: Public school at home, while done at home, is still public school. It is an internet version of public school where No Child Left Behind standards are rigidly adhered to, and curriculum is identical to that found in public schools. The main benefit of public school at home is the children are at home, instead of in school.

The attraction to public school at home: Many homeschoolers (mostly newer homeschoolers) are attracted to the "Public School at Home" model. These "homeschoolers" generally educate at home primarily because of danger in the schools, and not for religious reasons. They have no aversion to curriculums that other homeschoolers find offensive, and feel the regulations will help ensure that their children are properly educated.

The problem: Veteran homeschoolers (as well as many other homeschoolers) take offense to "Public School at Home" families calling themselves Homeschoolers. They want to keep the definition of homeschooling pure. To add public school regulations and curriculum to homeschooling waters down the way homeschooling is perceived in much the same way that same sex marriage is seen to water down the meaning of marriage.

Would I do it? I have to admit that the thought of having a free, government funded and approved, curriculum I can use at home sounds very appealing. I would feel comfortable with college admissions, as my child would have the same diploma as public school kids. Meanwhile, I would be able to help my children to focus in a way that they would not be able to in public schools. At the same time, the thought of giving the government that much control over my home and my child's education scares me. By taking public money, what my children are taught would be controlled, even when it comes down to religious instruction. I envision a time in the future when homeschool counselors would want to inspect my home. Can you imagine it?

In summation, while I think Public School at home is a good and healthy alternative for public schooled children and families seeking other alternatives, it is not homeschooling, and perhaps there should be a clear distinction.

Learn more about Andrea Hermitt

Andrea Hermitt is a native New Yorker currently residing in GA. She has been married for over 16 years and has two teenage children.

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LEC23 (216) 12 Dec 2006 03:52 AM

I agree entirely with your point Andrea, there should be some distinction between public school at homeschoolers and independent true homeschoolers. The word is independent (out of the control of the public school system). Again, its a matter of finance. As in it is cheaper to have an employee working from home, as it actually costs the employer less than employing him on company premises but a certain amount of control would be relinquished in supervision. However, it seems that public school wants to have their cake and eat it as well, as they want parents to public school their children off the premises at home, whilst retaining all the control and power over the child and the person teaching and the child itself, therefore reducing costs but retaining all the power and control (and in effect increasing it). Beware parents who are thinking of taking this route. Three words come to mind - INVASION OF PRIVACY.

Andrea Hermitt (5512) 12 Dec 2006 06:49 AM

Too true, a question I often get from people interested in homeschooling is "so does the government supply your curriculum". I gladly answer no. I am afraid this 'free offer' is going to attract alot of people who are considering homeschooling, what is free and easy is seldom good.