Why Parents Should Home School Essay example -- Essays Papers

Why Parents Should Home School When Americans think of education, they almost automatically think of public education. However, education in our public schools has been on a down slope for over twenty years now. This is because many parents today are deciding to home school their children. Although most people think that a public education is better, statistics and facts tend to show that home schooling is beneficial in more ways. Since the beginning of civilization, children have been learning in and with their families. Children learned how to survive and make a living through life with their families and in the community. Parent’s taught their children everything they needed to know or established them in private school or apprenticeships. Until about 150 years ago, this was considered the norm of society (Lahrson-Fisher 49). The term â€Å"home schooling† began to flourish in the 1970’s when it found a place in the dictionary. For many people, this was the only option because public schools were too far away to attend. There is over a fifteen percent rise in home schooled students each year. A majority of home schooled students are white middle-class families, but minorities are finding that this option is also better for their children (School Choice). It is estimated that there are currently two million children home schooled in the United States (School Choice). The number of children being home schooled increased from 32,804 in 2000 to 53,216 in 2003 (Brown 1). There are three basic reasons parents keeps their children out of public schools. First, they think that raising their children is their business and not the governments. Second, they enjoy being with their children and watching and helpin... ... admissions policies for children that are taught at home (School Choice). What was once looked down upon has become a popular alternative to public schooling. There various reasons why children should be home schooled. Children will have time for sporting activities, musical groups, church and youth organizations, field trips, volunteer opportunities, arts and crafts workshops, neighborhood activities and more. Home schooling provides time for family support of critical areas of social development: love, self-discipline, security, independence, and responsible use of freedoms (Lahrson-Fisher 24). Current statistics and facts show that home schooling is highly beneficial. Parents simply want is the best for their child. Through home schooling, this want can be met. In closing, home schooling offers numerous advantages and opportunities over public schools.