Pros of Public School

As you look over the list below, keep in mind that your situation is unique to
you, and not every benefit may apply to your child.

1. There is no cost to attend a public school.

2. Your child will attend school with children living in the neighborhood,
making it easier to encourage friendships with classmates residing
nearby. You will also meet local parents in your community.
3. Public schools often have more options for classes, after-school
activities, and varied curriculums than many smaller, private schools.
4. Your child may be exposed to a greater diversity of cultures and
ethnicities than in some private schools that may be religion-based.
5. Public schools tend to offer more accommodations and services such
as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), speech
therapy, physical, occupational, and behavior therapy to students who
need it.
6. Some public schools have better facilities, such as sports fields,
swimming pools, art and music programs, and even theatres.
7. Public schools have requirements in place to provide education options
that meet the needs of all students as outlined in the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004.
8. They may be better equipped to handle children with special needs,
offer a 504 plan or be able to develop an Individualized Education
Program (IEP).
9. Staffing for schools with special needs students is based on IEP service
hours.
10. A study by The National Center for Education Statistics showed
public school teachers tend to have more experience and qualifications
to serve special need students than those at private schools. Public
school teachers must be certified.
11. Some public schools offer specialized programs that speak to a
child’s interests.

Cons of Public Schools

1. Overcrowding is often an issue as communities grow faster than
schools that were built for fewer students. With funding cuts, class
sizes increase, and some students may study in portable
classrooms far from the main building. This could pose a problem
for some children with limited mobility.
 2. Larger class sizes mean less individualized attention. Your child
may not get the one-on-one attention he or she might need.
3. Some public schools face increased discipline issues in certain
neighborhoods. The school may be limited in its actions.
4. Not all public schools are the same. The quality of education can
differ significantly from one school to another – even in the same
city.
5. School budgets may limit access to quality learning materials.
6. Students are required to take standardized tests, and teachers
are pressured to spend a significant amount of time “teaching to
the tests.”
7. Although the school is bound by law to provide your child with an
individualized education, you may have to be more proactive to
get your child what he or she needs to thrive in the educational
system.
8. The school must work with you if your child is absent due to
illness, treatments, or therapy, to prevent falling behind. You may
have to intervene for your child to receive the necessary services.
9. In the wake of recent tragedies, the safety of public schools is
often questioned.

Homeschooling Pros and Cons

Homeschooling Fact: More family time spent on homeschooling.

Pros: Cons:

 You have a more direct role on your
child’s daily learning.
 You have the satisfaction that your
children are learning, developing skills, 
and maturing in a way that aligns to your
goals and values.
 Build stronger relationships with your
children.
 You have to plan school-time and
activities and handle the administrative
work of being a teacher.
Less time each day for yourself.
 Potential for more stress and fatigue by
taking on parenting and teacher
responsibilities.

Homeschooling Fact: More money dedicated to education in homeschooling.

 Pros: Cons:

 You can use vacations and other
activities as part of your homeschool
curriculum.
 Purchasing bundled learning packets
can help with budgeting and ultimately
help reduce costs.
 Dedicating time to homeschooling can
mean a loss of income or reduced time
working.
 Need to tighten your family’s spending.

Homeschooling Fact: Team sports options change for homeschoolers.

Pros: Cons:

 Your children can still participate in  Most school districts do not allow
recreational leagues, amateur leagues, homeschoolers to participate in public
attend local homeschool sports classes, school sports teams.
or create their own sports leagues.

Homeschooling Fact: Different path for your child’s socialization.

Pros: Cons:

 Less ridicule and social pressures that  Some kids who were homeschooled recall
reduce self-esteem and discourage having a smaller circle of friends.
learning.
 Less daily interaction with large groups of
 No bullying. kids within the same age group.
 Greater exposure to more adults through
field trips and other activities.
 Connection to other homeschoolers of
varying ages and skill levels.
 Real-life skill building is stronger in
home-based learning.

Homeschooling Fact: More educational freedom and flexibility in homeschooling.

Pros: Cons:
 Your child can move more quickly
through assignments and subjects they
understand, and spend more time on
topics that are challenging.
 Homeschoolers tend to perform better
on standardized tests.
 No homework! Yeah, that’s right. Since
all learning is going on during the day,
there is no need to task your child with
additional work.
 Ability to pursue child’s interests, and
have more personalized learning –
matching lessons to child’s learning
styles.
Homeschooling Fact: Recognition for achievement is limited to homeschool.
Pros:
 Less distraction from students who do
not value learning allows for greater
achievement
 Homeschool students often show a
greater pride in their own achievements,
as they are self-motivated.
Homeschooling Fact: More time for community involvement.
Pros:
 Less distraction from students who do
not value learning allows for greater
achievement
 Homeschool students often show a
greater pride in their own achievements,
as they are self-motivated.
 Possibly fewer resources such as
technology that may be available in a
public school.
 Parents must teach a broad range of
subjects. Greater freedom and flexibility
requires more time and responsibility
from the parent.
 Potentially less structure when compared
to public school.
Cons:
 Less outside family recognition of good
work.
 Fewer award ceremonies, as are common
in public schools.
Cons:
 More time to be involved in the
community whether through volunteer
opportunities or community projects.
 Children lose some social interaction with
peers.