Homeschooling vs Public Schooling: A Guide for Parents

The topic of homeschooling vs public schooling brings a lot of anxiety and indecision. How do I know which way to go? What if I try it and it doesn’t work? What if I ruin my kids??

Homeschooling or Public Schooling – How to Decide?

In this episode, I’m going to help you figure out if homeschooling or public schooling is better for your unique family. We’ll go through the decision making process and take you from indecision to clarity. Be sure to have your Homeschooling vs Public Schooling Decision Matrix ready!

Listen here:

Public / Home School Timestamps: 

We review public / home school topics to consider and I help you to figure out what decision to make this year, LIVE!

[10:42] “The best use of imagination is creativity. The worst use of imagination is anxiety.” Deepak Chopra

[11:58] 1. Our role is to choose the environment in which our children educate themselves.

[14:04] 2. Our choices aren’t right for everyone. They’re only right for our own families.

[16:27] 3. Nothing is set in stone. We can make changes if something doesn’t feel right.

Homeschooling vs Public Schooling Decision Matrix Timestamps:

[18:40] Use this matrix & process to help you make a decision.

[20:31] Education

[22:13] Time

[23:31] Cost

[24:39] Reliability

[26:16] Method

[28:01] Socialization

[31:50] Autonomy

[33:22] Health

[34:17] Relationships

[35:58] Intuition

[36:45] Add in any additional considerations for your unique situation.

[41:02] If you’re going to homeschool, work on mindset before you go out and buy all the awesome stuff. 

[42:12] Learning can only be effective when you and your child feel good about it.

Home Education Q&A Timestamps:

[49:29] I want to homeschool, but my spouse thinks I’ll ruin our kids. 

[51:47] How old were your (Avital’s) kids when you started using your Focus Time approach?

[53:03] What is a “hybrid model”?

[54:25] How do I homeschool a preschooler and still work 8 hours from home?

[56:07] What homeschool system do you recommend for non-English speakers?

[56:43] My spouse thinks socialization will suffer if we homeschool.

[58:22] I’m not a structured person and already struggle with routines…I fear it may be a little too much.

[59:55] What time are the Q&A sessions if I join Focus Time?

[1:01:02] What age should we start? I think my kids are too little.

[1:02:20] Do I need to homeschool, or is unschooling an option?

[1:03:30] Does homeschooling work between divorced parents?

[1:04:33] Would Focus Time help me decide if homeschooling is for me?

[1:05:13] How do you handle “demand avoidance”?

[1:08:06] My Mom is an elementary school teacher and talks about homeschoolers always being behind when they start school.

[1:11:28] What age range does Focus Time cover? And it sounds like a structure & strategy, but I would have to find my own curriculum.

[1:14:22] Can I send some of my kids to school and homeschool the others? 

[1:15:20] How do I find programs for homeschoolers?

[1:16:04] Did COVID impact the homeschooling experience?

[1:17:01] Is diversity and socialization only available to rich families? 

[1:18:41] What is the right age to start schooling in general?

[1:19:51] How would you organize a co-op with 5 families that are new to homeschooling?

[1:20:44] What’s the difference between unschooling and homeschooling?

[1:21:55] How much does Focus Time cost?

[1:23:47] Due to COVID, I’m not sure when I’ll go back to work. How can I make a decision with this big of an unknown?

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Home Education Resources

Check out these home education resources if you’re still unsure or are homeschool-curious.

1. Focus Time Homeschooling Course

Focus Time is my homeschooling course that will help you gain clarity about HOW to homeschool. Take a peek behind the curtain to see what it’s like to homeschool!

2. 10 Zen Secrets Of Persuasion eBook

Need help convincing your spouse? Check out my free ebook!

3. Love Parenting with Avital Facebook Group

Want to connect to like-minded parenting junkies? Join our (free & awesome) FB community.

4. Homeschooling vs Public Schooling Decision Matrix

Print a second copy of your Homeschooling vs Public Schooling Decision Matrix, compare with your partner if you have one, and share your ultimate decision below!