Families may choose to home school their children due to problems with the school they are attending. Some may also see home schooling as a less expensive alternative to public or private education. Home schooling is also an option for those who wish to work with a customizable curriculum. Older students seeking a more flexible schedule for their classes opt for independent study. Gifted children seeking more academic challenge also choose this method of education.
Home school is becoming increasingly popular as a method of education because its curriculum may be customized based on what the student or the parents deems most important to learn. These curricula or educational materials may be obtained from free or paid sources, such as websites, books, and institutions that cater to home schooling. Independent study curricula may follow an institution’s classroom-based material; such is the case for online classes. In some states, California for example, independent study curriculums must be in accordance with the school district’s curriculums for the same course.
Home schooling is legal in all 50 US states. However, laws regarding home schooling vary from state to state. This method does not require the student’s consent or a teaching license for the student’s teacher, who is the parent in most cases. Independent study, in some states like California, requires the student’s consent and may only be done voluntarily. Online courses are considered independent studies. To be awarded credit hours for these studies, online classes must be recognized and accredited by institutions such as universities and colleges.
Home schooling a child is similar to a demanding full-time job; time allotment, attention and preparation for this method of education must be considered. Since home schooling does not have to be voluntary for the students, the child’s willingness to study at home is an advantage. Independent study, on the other hand, requires motivation and discipline from the student or else he will fall behind with the material. The quality of education should also be considered and be of equal quality to that of classroom-based education. Independent study is employing the student’s own method of learning for basically the same material.
Numerous universities admit home schooled students to their institutions including ivy league universities, such as Harvard University and Stanford University. Although independent study is an increasingly used method for education some state laws require that the ratio of independent study-based teachers and students do not exceed the ratio of classroom-based teachers and students.