Homeschool Myths Debunked. Find The Truth about Homeschooling! (Part_2)
When it comes to homeschooling there are many misconceptions and homeschool myths. I am honestly not sure where some of these originated, but many, if not most, have been circulating for decades. If you haven’t seen the first post on this, I would highly recommend you check out Homeschool Myths Debunked here.
Only religious people/people of faith homeschool their children is a myth
It is easy to see why people think this is true. A lot of homeschool curriculum is faith based and it was initially very popular with Christian families. BUT, homeschooling is on the rise and the options for curriculum – faith based or secular – are growing. There are numerous reasons why parents choose to homeschool their children. But it is a still prevailing homeschool myth that you need to be religious to homeschool.
The top reasons for homeschooling according to the National Household Education survey include:
- negative school environment
- the desire for a higher quality education
- improving social interaction
- better support for a child with learning disabilities
- family relocation
Religious reasons don’t even make the top five!
The myth that homeschool children don’t learn as well
Actually, studies have been showing that homeschooled children learn better than those in traditional schools. Why? When their learning style, their interests, and their goals are the focus of their education it means your child’s experience isn’t about what is best for all, it’s about what is best for them. (If you want to know more about the learning styles, you can check it out here.)
When in a classroom, the teacher can’t individually tailor the lesson to meet every child’s learning style or ability, no matter how much they would like to or try. At home, you can customize for your child. You can find a curriculum that works best for you – flexible or highly structured. You can follow your child’s interests rather than a rigid learning program based on what content is covered in public schools at a certain grade.
It isn’t about what is best for all – it’s about what is best for your specific child.
It is hard for homeschooled children to get into college is a misconception
One homeschool myth often heard is that homeschooled children are not going to get into college, let alone a good college. The opposite is true! Many colleges and universities accept homeschooled students in high numbers, and even seek them out. They recognize that homeschooled students often come to college more prepared, more independent, and possessing valuable skills like self-motivation.
The admission process may vary from that of traditionally schooled students. There are some challenges that homeschooled students may face – like demonstrating academic proficiency through ways other than traditional grades or providing portfolios of their work. But if homeschool families keep good records and meet the specific admission requirements of the colleges they are applying to, then their children can definitely get into college. Yes, even the Ivy League ones!
Are there any other homeschool myths or misconceptions that you have heard? Are there any that truly annoy you? I would love to hear them.
1 Comment
Superb website you have here but I was curious if you knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I’d really like to be a part of group where I can get responses from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Bless you!