Stats don’t lie. At the moment, they say the number of kids who are homeschooled across the US is 1,500,000. Compare this to 2016 and the number was 1,300,000, a rise of 6.5%. There is no doubt that homeschooling is becoming more popular, but the question is why?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
After all, the majority of parents see education as vital to their kids’ upbringing and rely on ‘professionals.’ The reasons are underneath, just a few of them.
Education Inequality
In 2016, theatlantic.com did a bit of digging and found some disturbing figures. On average, the publication concluded that schools in higher income areas spend $6,000 more than poorer schools. Quite simply, there is a huge divide between rich and poor/middle-class kids in America. So even if you put your child in the local public school, if you live in a poorer school district, you will not get the same education as the families from gated communities. Public school does not always mean the same access to the same resources for all children.
Cost Effective Materials
Yes, but how can parents bridge the financial gap? Let’s face it – kids that go to public schools tend to come from deprived backgrounds. So, it doesn’t seem that the families who can benefit the most will have the resources. It is a savvy distinction to make, but it isn’t the case thanks to thrifty parents. Moms and dads know that resources like DontPayFull.com are excellent places to find reading and teaching materials. Plus, a single iPad or mobile device is not difficult to find online. Then, there is the personal time, which doesn’t cost a penny.
One-On-One Time
Because schools are underfunded, teaching resources are at breaking point. That doesn’t just mean the computers and textbooks. The main resource, the teacher, is in a catch-22 position. They want to improve the quality of the teaching, but it is hard when they have 30 to 40 kids per classroom. As a result, the personal, one-on-one time for most kids need isn’t forthcoming. When they are at home, the teacher only has one or two pupils to educate. OK, maybe four or five. It’s still less than 30. Therefore, there is additional quality time and more opportunity for the children to learn.
Curriculum Tweaks
To get results, teachers opt for the tried and tested route. This might sound like a good idea, but one size doesn’t fit all. Indeed, kids are unique in every way, and a teacher needs to make tweaks for this reason. At home, you are the boss and you choose what and how your children learn. The flexibility which comes with homeschooling is something parents and kids alike love. It originates from the fact that you know them the best, so you understand what works.
Bullying
School is not only about learning. There is a social aspect, and it isn’t always positive. In the United States, 40% of kids in grades 4-12 say they get bullied at school. As a parent, it is your job to make sure your children are safe and happy at all times, but the stats don’t lie. As a result, it is not rare for moms and dads to take their kids out of school to negate bullying altogether.
