Before I say another word, let me confess something: I went to public school. I loved it. I even became a teacher. So why am I homeschooling now? The answer surprises people—and it might surprise you too.
There’s an assumption that if you homeschool, you must be against public school. But that isn’t true. I went to public school and loved it (my girls say it’s because I’m a nerd). I trained as a teacher and taught for several years. We don’t homeschool because I think public school is terrible—we just wanted something different for our family. It also isn’t fair that public schools get demonized. They’re doing the best they can with limited resources.
Top Dislikes
Yes, homeschoolers often mention issues with public schools, and a few are very vocal about it. But when you look at how huge the homeschool community is, those loud voices are only a handful.
The top 5 dislikes are:
• One-size-fits-all learning
• Overemphasis on testing
• Bullying and peer pressure
• Conflicts with family values
• Stress and emotional health
I get some of these concerns, but I’m not going to say public schools are bad because of them. We need public schools. Not everyone can—or wants to—homeschool.
Teachers vs. the System
Most homeschool moms I know deeply respect teachers. They work incredibly hard with too many students and too little time.
What’s frustrating is the structure: testing, rigid schedules, and the idea that everyone learns the same way. Kids don’t fit neatly into that box. At home, learning can be hands-on and connected to real life. We need less memorizing on a set timeline and more focus on real learning skills.
Every Kid Learns Differently
One of my girls learns best while moving and might be labeled ADHD even though she isn’t. The other needs breaks and flexibility. Homeschooling lets me meet them where they are. If we need to do math on the trampoline, that’s where we go. In school, teachers have to teach to the middle, usually one learning style at a time. They’re not paid enough, and expecting them to individualize everything after hours isn’t fair.
Values and Environment
I wanted more say in shaping my girls’ education. I prefer skills-based learning and meaningful conversations about the ideas influencing them. It’s not about controlling everything—it’s about being intentional. If my kids were in public school, we’d talk through what they heard and learned, and that would still be my job as a parent. I’m not afraid of them hearing something controversial, but I want to guide those conversations.
Homeschooling isn’t the only “right” way. Families need to do what works for them. Many love their public schools, and that’s wonderful. What matters is choice and finding what fits your family’s rhythm, values, and goals. And who knows—one day my girls may go to school.
It’s not that I think public school is bad. It works for so many families, and I love that.
I’m just grateful we have choices and can shape an education that feels peaceful, natural, and true to who our kids are.
Here are my views on unschooling as an educator.
And if you want to know the difference between homeschool, unschool and worldschooling, check out this video.
