Nowadays, many parents opt to homeschool their children instead of sending them to traditional schools. Homeschooling allows parents to be in control of their children’s education, as well as creating a curriculum that fits their individual needs.
But, the main question is whether homeschoolers are more successful than their counterparts in the traditional education system. In this article, we will answer this question by examining what homeschoolers can gain from the homeschool experience, studies that compare homeschoolers to traditional school pupils, and whether there are unique benefits to being homeschooled.
What Do Homeschoolers Gain From Their Homeschool Experience?
When parents choose to homeschool their children, they are determined to provide the best education possible. They will develop curriculums to suit their child’s specific needs, including the subjects they want to master, how long they want to spend on each subject and which learning approaches they prefer.
The parents will also provide tailored instruction to their children and can spend as much time as they want to help their children retain the knowledge they gain. The parents also get to select the materials used in their homeschooling, which can be designed to reflect the child’s interests and aptitudes. Another key gain for homeschoolers is increased individual attention.
The parents are usually the main instructors and the number of other students in the homeschooling environment is much fewer than in a traditional school. This means that there is more time for the pupil to focus on their learning, as well as an opportunity for the parents to answer any questions the pupil might have and address any issues concerning their progress.
Furthermore, homeschooling allows parents to provide a safe and nurturing environment, as well as flexibility regarding learning – something that is often much harder to achieve in a large classroom. Finally, homeschoolers have the benefit of being able to take part in more extracurricular activities than their peers in the traditional school system. As homeschooling takes place at home, it leaves the homeschoolers with more time to pursue their own interests and activities.
This could range from taking part in sports to participating in clubs and other activities outside the classroom.
Studies Comparing Homeschoolers to Traditional Schools
Several studies have been conducted over the years to compare the academic performance of homeschoolers with those in the traditional school system. One of the largest studies, conducted in 2019, involved interviewing and surveying 50,000 homeschoolers and traditional school students from across the United States. The results of this study revealed that students who were homeschooled were, on average, two years ahead of traditional school students in reading, math and science.
Furthermore, the study showed that homeschoolers consistently scored higher on standardized tests than their counterparts in the traditional school system. Other studies conducted around the same time found similar results.
For example, a study in Australia showed that homeschoolers had a higher GPA than pupils in the conventional schooling system. A separate US-based study showed that homeschoolers also outperformed their peers in the traditional school system in college entrance exams.
Are There Unique Benefits to Being Homeschooled?
Studies that have looked at the academic performance of homeschoolers have shown that, generally, homeschoolers are more successful than their counterparts in the traditional school system. But, the question remains – are there any unique benefits to being homeschooled?For some homeschoolers, the unique environment that is created for homeschooling can provide them with the opportunity to develop confidence, maturity, and self-discipline.
As the parents are in control of the curriculum and resources, they can create an environment that is tailored to the individual needs of their children. This means that the pupils may be able to develop skills and qualities that they wouldn’t be able to do in a traditional school setting.
Homeschoolers may also have access to extracurricular activities and social events, both of which may not be available in regular schools. Another potential benefit that homeschoolers may gain is an increased level of creativity and problem-solving skills. In a homeschooling environment, the children may have more freedom and flexibility to explore different subjects and materials, which can help them develop their creative skills.
Furthermore, the home-based learning environment may allow pupils to think more critically and come up with creative solutions to problems they may encounter in their studies.
Conclusion
When it comes to measuring the success of homeschoolers, there is little doubt that homeschoolers often outperform their peers in the traditional school system. After examining what homeschoolers gain from their homeschool experience, studies that have compared homeschoolers to those in conventional schooling, and the potential unique benefits that homeschoolers may gain, the answer appears to be yes – homeschoolers are more successful than their counterparts in the traditional school system. However, it is important to note that this success largely depends on the dedication and commitment of the parents, and the type of curriculum and environment they create for their children.