Homeschooling vs Public School Can We All Get Along?

Homeschooling vs Public School Can We All Get Along?

Homeschoolers and the public system can (and do in many communities) comfortably and successfully work side by side and in the best case scenarios, these two entities actually become benefactors of each others time and talents. As homeschoolers, having the respect of a local educational community is an essential factor in this co-existing equation and is readily achieved by following three very basic, yet vital, steps.

First homeschooling  parents make a point of meeting and talking with the local school  principal. Explain to him or her why the family has chosen homeschooling vs public school and discuss any long term educational goals which may eventually include entering your child into the public school arena.

This would also be a good time to inquire about other homeschoolers in the area, their relationship with the school system, their successes with re-entry, and their possible participation in public school activities such as band, chorus, art programs and physical education. The conversation will also give the principal an overall view of your genuine commitment to homeschooling and the education of your child. Secondly, make friends with the school librarian. He or she can be one of your child’s greatest allies in learning resources! A librarian who is happy to teach a homeschooling student how to use the school library is generally also willing to keep the family informed of new book titles that become available for a particular area of study as well as any upcoming book fairs, clubs, and so forth. This relationship could provide your child with regular access into the school building itself, thus allowing him or her not to seem isolated from the school, but instead befriended by it.

Thirdly, participate in an active, visible homeschooling group. If there isn’t one, consider forming one. The obvious reason for homeschoolers to get together with other families who are homeschooling is to provide support and camaraderie for both the children and the parents, but a secondary and no less valuable reason is the public image the group will no doubt choose to put forth. Providing the public with the opportunity to see a group of conscientious mothers, raising respectful children who are active in community events, charitable causes and educational endeavors, speaks volumes. Homeschooling vs public school – It’s your choice.

As the number of homeschoolers throughout the United States continues to grow, the public school system is being forced to consider the opinions and needs of homeschooling families but how much nicer it is to meet out of respect rather than force, to find a common ground rather than a source of contention and to build a sense of unity in education through mutual understanding. Tested and retested, the steps presented offer tried and true techniques that will assist homeschoolers and the public school system in achieving a successful working relationship in which all those involved benefit. And that’s education at it’s finest! Homeschooling vs Public School- It’s a Choice.

For more information and resources on homeschooling vs public school visit http://www.homeschoolingvspublicschool.info

 

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