One of the main things that you must consider when determining if your child is to be homeschooled or enrolled in public education is the type of setting your child needs for a proper learning experience. For example, if your child requires special attention or is considered "special needs," you may look for educational settings that include specialists in working with your child's diagnosis. Homeschooling may not be the best situation for your child in that example, especially if she requires additional medical equipment or support.
Another challenge that your child may face when choosing homeschool over public education is the lack of classmate interaction. In addition, your child will not have the opportunity to learn from other teachers or professors in an effort to experience multiple viewpoints on a variety of subjects. Social interaction can become rather limited for your child in a homeschool situation, whereas a public education setting provides the child more opportunity for diverse interactions with classmates and teachers.
Perhaps the biggest challenge your child may face when choosing homeschool over public education relates to continuing education at the college level. According to the EducationBug.org website, colleges sometimes have strict admission requirements or policies directly related to children who have been homeschooled, as opposed to the traditional public education model. Official high school transcripts, permanent records, and other documentation may be required by the college your child is interested in attending.
Another challenge to homeschooling is the fact that many states often require inspections of homeschool situations. According to Homeschool-Curriculum.org, these inspections are done to ensure that a home situation meets all of your state's requirements as a legal education-providing entity. The scope of this inspection can include medical records for your child, a list of subjects that are being taught, and examples of your child's work. The inspections are typically conducted by your state's Department of Education.