Public Verses Homeschooling.

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.

Hi A....
I went to public schools in Tampa. I remember being advanced, but not enough for "advanced" classes and feeling so bored when I'd get it, but the handful of kids who didn't would cause the teacher to have to continue teaching the same things over again. My daughter seems advanced for her age. I have decided to homeschool for this and many other reasons: flexibility, the problem with teachers having non-appropriate relationships with children, predators, making sure that she learns at her own pace and being able to apply real life scenarios to her learning experiences. I belong to a local group of homeschooling families, 46 of us to be exact. I don't know what I'm doing yet, but they are taking me under their wings. We've attended some great events so far. They are at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SarasotaAreaHomeschoolers/ if you want to check it out. You could join by letting them know you are considering homeschooling and then pick their brains. Lots of them have had their kids in public schooling and then pulled them out for various reasons. They could help your decision making process out a bunch. Good luck whatever you choose.

K.

Most of my friends are home schooling and they have co-ops where they get together and take turns teaching different subjects and stuff. I'm not sure exactly how it works, but I have heard that being in a home school group is the way to do it. You and your child can make some good friends along the way and you don't have to worry so much if there's a subject you're not so great at.

But for my own family, I work and I figure I pay my taxes to have free public education so I might as well give that a try. I live walking distance to an elementary school with a great reputation and my oldest kid is there in kindergarten and so far I really am impressed with the teacher he has. If I ever see a problem that can't be worked out though, I'd find a way to home school.

Hi Angela,
I have experience with both homeschooling and public schools. My oldest daughter was homeschooled for 4th - 7th grade. In our case it was the best thing for her. In my opinion, it depends on the child and the teacher. With my daughter, she had a learning problem and her 4th grade teacher did not know how to better equip her. After a few years at home, then part time in school and finally full time again she now receives honor roll. The time at home helped her with more one on one. Also, at home there is less pressure. We have also found that sometimes with the fcat in place, they don't even learn about real history. Just what is going to be on the fcat. My children did not even know who president Ford was. Of course they even said that all they learn is FCat material. Not good!! My step son is in a public school getting all F's and they still pass him. So basically if your child does not get into a Fundemental or Magnet program and you want what is best for them as far as learning, Home school. I have a friend who homeschooled and her daughter is leaving 12th grade and headed for college with a 2 year Associates degree because of her credits.

I have a 5 year old starting school next year and if she does not get into the Fundemental my Husband and I have chosen then she will be homeschooled. It is just better for her. She is very smart and I don't want her to get lost in the cracks. Plus, as you know kids at school are not always the best behaved and you spend a lot of your time undoing what they learned from another child that you find highly inappropiate.

Anyways.... Good Luck. Go with your instincts. You know what is best for your kids. Actally, with homeschooling now even having their own sports teams, it is really advanced.You could also join clubs with other homeschool parents and kids....

T. B

My little girl started kindergarten this school year. It was really hard for me because she didn't want to go to school. She wanted me to homeschool her. I went back & forth & she now attends a wonderful school. (Finegan Elem.) My daughter really needed the social skills with kids her age. I am on the PTA board at her school & do lots of volunteer work so I can still be with her and put her mind at ease. Finegan is a smaller elem & the teachers & principal are amoung the best. My friend homeschools all 4 of her children & they are doing just fine. Try public school first and see how it goes. Some children (lots) cry at first because they don't want to leave the security of mommy!!!!! Please visit my schools PTA website & view the article that Fl times union wrote on my daughter. www.fineganpta.org it's under the news section of our site. My daughters name is Makayla. If you want to talk more my phone # is ###-###-####. Good Luck!!! A. Stoneback

Hi. I'm a homeschooling mom and taught in public school for 7 years before teaching. As far as choosing, there's several things I looked at before decided. I also did a lot of praying for guidance.

I could not stand the thought of my kids in public school. When I was teaching, I was shocked at some of the people in charge of kids. I worried so much that my kids would end up with one of these lazy teachers who did nothing. Of course there were lots of wonderful teachers out there too. I'm not putting down all public school teachers. I was one! If I knew the teacher or knew of the teacher I might feel more comfortable. But, we've moved and I don't know any here.

So we had to decide between private/christian and homeschooling. I researched the private schools and narrowed it down to two. But, the costs were just way more than we could afford. So we decided I would homeschool. I kind of figured that's where we would end up anyway : )

I love homeschooling. Don't get me wrong, there are days I wonder why I chose this. But, I know, without a doubt, my daughter is getting the best education she can get. I love the flexibility of it. If we want to take off on vacation, we do. I am able to decide what curriculum I want my daughter to use. Last year's math program didn't go as well as I liked so we switched it this year. Everything has clicked and she loves math and is flying through it now. In public school you don't have a choice. I love being in control of her learning. We can pick and choose what themes we want to learn about. When I plan themes, I can check in my area to see what field trips are available. She's very smart and I can push her more than she would be pushed in school.

And we have so much fun. When she sees the Eiffel Tower on tv, she shouts out for me. We did a study on Paris and she fell in love with it. If she had learned it somewhere else, I don't think she'd be excited to show me when she saw it. When she graduates high school, we plan on going there to celebrate : )

I'd also recommend looking into what's offered in your area. My daughter goes to Parks and Rec for PE on Wednesdays. We did a coop last year for awhile. This year we joined a playgroup for homeschoolers that meets in the afternoon on Fridays and has monthly field trips.

Another thing I love about it is how much 4yo son has picked up. He joins us off and on for things and loves it too.

Best wishes in making this decisions.

Hi A.,

I have had my son in public school and I have also home schooled. My advice to you is, if you have patients homeschool! It is the best. Your kids are with you all the time and you can do so many fun things with them. I faced many problems with the public school system. My child was teased and beat up on a daily basis. He was treated so badly that he would come home sick to his stomach and with a nervous twitch in his eye. And of course the teachers/principles would do nothing. As soon as I took my child out of public school these symptoms were gone. Also, his knowledge increased. He was in 2nd grade with a 5th grade level!!
Good luck to you and I hope this helped.

we moved here last year from LONG ISLAND and I was sceptical about what I had heard about the schools here..and ontop of that my daughter had always gone to a private school but let me tell you we got so lucky!!! now both of my girls go to Sallie Jones elementary- and the teachers theyy have are awesome! my oldest daughter can watch animal planet and tell me about animal habitats etc..before they even get into it! it blows my mind just how much these teachers give! they arent just content to let the kids "get by" they give them every opportunity and then some! that school is such a blessing! and as far as non sence they do not tolerate any! no bullying etc!
they have so many programs to help each child stay at their best..my oldest daughter came out of a shyness she now strives for her best in private school she was medeocre as far as grades now hse gets all a+'s and is so happy loves her teacher!
and if your children love their teacher they will love school and want to learn..my hubby was thinking on moving for work related issues and my first thought wasnt about missing our nice new home it was my kids are thriving and love their school that would be the hardest! because not every area or even state has a great school..like I have heard some of the mom's say they can be over-crowded and so the children may not get the attention they need..faced with that situation I would
"try" to learn how to homeschool I give alot of praise to those who do it!

Count me in on the playgroup! I am a sahm - have a 3 and 4, plus one on the way in about 3 weeks :) I, too, am at the time where I am starting to research home schooling vs. public school. it is very difficult to choose and tp plan for social activities if you plan to homeschool. Not sure if public schools here include home-schoolers in extracurriculars, etc? anyone know?
anyway -= e0mail me and I will give you my number - lets get that playgroup going ASAP - my kids sure need to see other kids!

Every child is different in how they respond to being in public school. Check out what school you're zoned for and research in what it's rating is. If you can though, homeschooling is amazing. My 13 year old brother is homeschooled with Texas Tech curriculum (he lives in Florida). It is considered a public school even though it's done at home and you can test out of courses, so there's every chance for your child to advance or "skip" a grade if they pick up on things quickly. That means there's also the chance of dual enrollment (high school and college) by the time they are 15, just like with public school. John wanted to try public school, so he went last year and he was bored stiff. He scored in the top 3% on the FCAT and got to sit in on the SAT's for Duke University (at 13!). If you choose to go for the homeschooling, look into Texas Tech.