Families usually decide to take on homeschooling with a specific agenda. For some, teaching their children at home allows them to impart faith-based values. Others have had negative experiences with the school system. For others, home education helps them address their child's special needs. Some students will achieve more with one-on-one teaching and limited distractions in their learning environment.
Parents may struggle at times to find or develop appropriate curriculum, but cooperative teaching, video-based curricula and tutoring can address these issues. Another potential disadvantage is increased cost. Families that decide to homeschool are still responsible for school taxes in most states, though tax write-offs may be available in others.
Homeschooling critics often mention lack of socialization as a drawback. They worry that children will have fewer opportunities to interact in large groups, form friendships and resolve conflicts. Some also raise concerns that homeschooled children will not develop sensitivity to diverse populations.
Homeschool supporters maintain that it might take a little more effort but they are able to address these issues through community involvement, sports teams and other extracurricular activities, and cooperative homeschool groups. Many also believe that fewer or more controlled social opportunities keep children free from the negative influences of peer pressure, which can lead to wise choices and more responsible decisions.
Homeschool advocates often cite flexibility as a key advantage in this lifestyle. Materials are often very portable, and families report learning while traveling or living in remote locations. Many teachable moments can also occur in day-to-day activities such as shopping, gardening or volunteering. Some homeschooling families stick to a consistent routine; for others, late starts, adaptable schedules and pajama days are completely acceptable. Some families consider this more informal approach too difficult to manage, preferring the more structured school setting.
An advantage for many homeschoolers is the time spent together in mutually enjoyable activities. When learning at home, children and parents are together for many more hours each day than those in formal education. In some families, this would be a disadvantage. Some feel strongly that parents need a break and children need time on their own to pursue individual interests, increase their independence and enhance their ability to think for themselves. Others find that spending a greater amount of time together is a bonding opportunity, helping them to forge stronger family relationships that will last a lifetime.