Argumentative Essay: Home Schools Vs. Public Schools

With the evolution of education, society has two different methods of education, homeschool and public school. While both approaches have their positives and negatives, homeschool has more positive attributes making it the superior option. In recent years, homeschooling rates have risen seventy-five percent (Courtney 1). Homeschooling allows the student to have freedom in many aspects, and it is proven statistically that homeschool students out-perform their peers significantly. But with any argument, there are oppositions.

Being homeschooled allows for freedom educationally, emotionally, physically, and chronemically. Course material can be selected according to the student’s learning level and style. In a public school setting, material is tailored for a large group, and it is not based on the individual student (Courtney 1). Homeschooled individuals do not have to deal with the peer pressure and stress that accompanies the public school system. Also, students who are

homeschooled have increased flexibility. “With their lives no longer revolving around school hours, homework, and the school calendar, these families plan off-season vacations, visit parks and museums during the week, and live their lives according to what works for them” (“The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling” 1). This newfound time can be used to accomplish quality work that benefits the student.
In addition to the leeway that homeschooling has to offer, homeschool students perform significantly better than public school students.

In all subjects, homeschool students scored in the mid to high eightieth percentile, while public school students scored in the fiftieth percentile (“Some Fascinating Facts about Homeschool vs Public School” 2). Public school students may have scored significantly lower due to the wasted time in the classroom. “In a recent interview, John Taylor Gatto, New York City Teacher of the Year and a 26-year teaching veteran, said that in many classrooms less than one hour out of each school day is spent on ‘on-task’ learning” (“The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling” 2). Not only did homeschooled students perform well in their high school studies, but they had higher graduation rates from college. Homeschool students’ graduation rate was 66.7%, and their peers’ graduation rate was 57.5% (“Some Fascinating Facts about Homeschool vs Public School”

1).
Amidst the overwhelming positives in favor of homeschooling, there are oppositions. One of the most common opposition is that homeschool students are sheltered and are not exposed to the social situations that they would encounter at a public school. Studies have shown that this is exactly opposite. “In a study measuring communication, daily living skills, socialization, and maturity, homeschoolers outscored public school kids on every level” (“Some Fascinating Facts about homeschool vs Public School” 4). This is due to the exposure that homeschooled students have to the various age generations they are exposed to (Courtney 2). Another opposition to homeschooling, is the lack of school involvement. While homeschooled students are limited to their choices in school activities such as clubs and sports, they have the opportunity to participate in competitive sports and activities because of their flexibility (“Pros and Cons of Homeschooling” 2).
Because it is essential to have an advantage in the workforce, an advantage in education is necessary. Homeschooling allows for students to have an edge over traditional, public school students. They have increased flexibility, intelligence, and social skills to aid them later in life. The overwhelming positive effects from homeschooling prove it to be the superior choice of education.