R.C.
Hi A. A,
I have experienced both settings. When the class size was small and accommodating in all the learning areas, We chose public school. When my children needed more one on one instruction, We chose to home school. My children had several illnesses and tube surgeries and were physically not transitioning between healing and returning to school plus, keeping pace at the level at which they were capable. Another reason for choosing homeschool is that the public school would introduce a learning concept but their father and I had to do the practice, study, tutor, homework, and even stretch their learning experiences. Sometimes, our children were capable of stretching beyond the expectation in the classroom. We knew our children and could identify the teachable moment faster than their teachers who were accessing twenty (20)plus other children. We also, wanted a family value education that included both family tradition and faith based education. The public school could not give specific guidance on either of these which are Huge for our family's education. Once our children reached a point where they were self sufficienct in choosing their actions responsibily toward homework, setting goals consistently for themselves, managing their calendars well, and we could ask to see their progress on issues and the children could produce. We then returned them to public school. Public school gives them an actual environment in which to practice enteracting and developing other leadership skills in real time. Our children could practice challenges to what they were taught concerning values, schedules, as well as pass test in different learning environments. I think as parents we chose both environments based on when the environments best suit our needs as a family. I could stay home with them but I also added activities and events where my children could enteract with other children and participate in extra curricula activities like music, sports, scouting, writing, math, and science competitions. As girls, my children enjoyed being a part of a team. In public school, some of these opportunities are easier to get involved in. As a home schooler, parents have to arrange time and opportunity for their children to participate, especially choosing to participate in music. All of children particpated in some sports, all but our son play several instruments, all stayed on honor roll over 85% of the time. Out of 5 children, at least one kid dropped honor roll each semester. One child was evaluated as gifted. She did not enjoy home school. The pace was too slow for her. She required multiple learning environments at a fast pace. She was always envolved in math competitions, writing contest, gifted activities, field trips, leadership forums around the country. The others were less willing to schedule themselves so rigirously. Our son loved track and joined a fraternity rather early. After growing up mainly with sisters, we could understand that.