Homeschooling gets its fair share of criticism; however, if you speak to critics about their objections, the reasons are often derived from old wives’ tales, misinformation and outdated statistics and views.
Like traditional schooling models, homeschooling has evolved significantly over the decades, especially with the rise of internet access and online communication technologies.
Some of the classic criticisms and tropes of homeschooling generally go something like this:
- Children do not get socialised properly
- They are missing out on quality education
- Students won’t achieve the scores needed for university
- It puts a strain on the family
- Parents are not equipped to teach correctly
- and more
Not only are these views outdated, but they are also not supported by facts and figures.
The truth about homeschooling
Since the COVID pandemic lockdowns of the past few years, many Australian students and parents have been forced to embrace a homeschooling model.
Between late 2019 and 2022, many outside the homeschooling community discovered that homeschooling could provide more than an adequate approach to education.
In fact, some students struggling in traditional classroom environments found that they excelled when the daily distractions of a conventional classroom were removed.
The benefits of homeschooling
There are currently around 20,000 Australian children registered for homeschooling in Australia, and that number is expected to rise over the next few years. Below we will look at some of the benefits of homeschooling that are driving educators, parents and students to usher in a homeschooling renaissance.
More freedom of education
While some students perform optimally in a traditional classroom environment, for others, it is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, especially if that student has neurodivergent conditions, like ADHD, or they have a unique learning style.
Having a learning style that differs from the conventional can potentially leave students behind in their studies and have them receive grades that do not accurately represent their abilities.
Homeschooling can provide these students with a more personalised education format which may see them thrive and significantly improve their academic performance and test scores.
More flexibility
Families are becoming increasingly more time-poor. The morning commute is getting busier, school drop-offs are becoming more chaotic, and jobs are becoming more demanding, leaving many with impossible schedules that burn out the whole family.
Although a consistent school structure is important, homeschooling can provide a more flexible lifestyle and significantly reduce commutes during school and professional hours.
Higher quality socialisation
One of the biggest criticisms of homeschooling has always been the lack of peer socialisation. However, homeschooling data suggests otherwise.
Between 2011 and 2017, homeschooling in Australia grew by more than 80%, and the subsequent surveys conducted during these periods indicate that homeschooled children:
- Have higher-quality friendships
- Better general relationships
- Better relationships with parents and siblings
- More engaging relationships with other adults and peers
Modern homeschooling incorporates more socialisation than you may think, as many homeschoolers join homeschooling communities that arrange co-study days, outings, online group class time and more.
Because homeschoolers are spending study time studying, rather than experiencing the distractions and pressures of a large class of peers, they can focus unfettered while learning and fully engage their peers, less socially exhausted.
This means their social batteries are fully charged for normal social environments, such as:
- Playdates
- Social gatherings
- Sports and recreation activities
- General play with friends and siblings
- and more
Young people who are more primed to engage with people during social events may strengthen their social skills and solidify more meaningful relationships within their community.
More cost-effective education
Education is getting expensive, and families across Australia are feeling the pinch in the current financial climate. There are also increases in ongoing costs throughout the school year, like special outings, camps, and other school-related events. There is also the constant rise in fuel costs for school commutes—it all adds up.
Compared to state and private education, homeschooling can be much more cost-effective, saving families that can effectively adopt a homeschooling model considerably while yielding equivalent and sometimes superior academic results.
Lions Education offers a new approach to homeschooling
Our team of experienced educators at Lions Education are at the forefront of modern homeschooling curriculums, offering more freedom and support for homeschooling parents and students.
We are driven to provide a tailored education system that produces exemplary educational performance while encouraging students to develop real-life skills they will carry into adulthood.
Utilising cutting-edge pedagogy and embracing technology, our curriculum models meet or exceed all Australian standards for education. As a result, we have a long list of happy parents and students who excel in their studies—the results speak for themselves.
Lions Education: Excellence in Homeschooling in NSW
Our Lions Education educators strive to set the standard for homeschooling in NSW, providing cutting-edge homeschooling systems with optimal support for students and parents.
Join the new-wave homeschool education movement by registering your interest via our online reservation form, and one of our representatives will respond promptly.