Mixing Public School And Homeschooling

Homeschooling families are passionate about teaching their own children, but that free public school education should not be overlooked either. There are ways to integrate the benefits of public schooling into the education of a child taught at home.

Some school districts allow homeschoolers to choose one or two classes to take at public school. A student could potentially take their science and math classes at home, but then attend public school for choir and guitar. Parents can also delegate a subject they may not be qualified or comfortable in teaching to an accredited school. Homeschoolers interested in this type of program would need to talk to their local school principal about logistics, but most schools do allow this.

By mixing public school classes and homeschool classes, students can get the best of both worlds. Their parents can still teach the classes that they are passionate about, but there is also the option to receive traditional education if they wish. However, if a student takes one class or more in a public school, then he or she is subject to the schedule of public schooling. This will inevitably restrict the freedom to determine hours and trips that homeschooling families cherish.

Another option that blends public and private schooling is through switching off years in school with years at home. Many families choose to teach their children at home through middle school and then move their children to public school for their high school education. Colleges and universities only look at high school transcripts, so previous education methods would not affect a student’s chances at admission. This way, a student can receive the foundation of their education with their parent’s guidance and then move to a traditional school for the older grades. Parents should still stay involved in their child’s education even when another person is teaching the classes. Take your student on educational fieldtrips and help with homework to make sure that your child is receiving an acceptable education outside of the home.

The hardest adjustment to make for previously homeschooled students is the restrictions on time and scheduling. Some homeschooling families have set hours for certain classes like a traditional school, but many families like the flexibility of not having a fixed schedule. School bells and ten minute breaks can therefore take some time for students to get used to. Homeschooled students are also familiar with learning all classes from the same teacher in a one on one format. In public school, they will not only have to get acquainted with a larger setting and an unfamiliar teacher, but also have to be comfortable with seven different unfamiliar teaching styles for each of their classes. Adjustment success and the time it takes to adjust will of course depend on the individual student. Some students thrive when put into public school, but some students long for the freedom of learning at home. These differences in learning style and emotional maturity should be considered before the switch is made, but homeschool families should consider taking advantage of at least one or two classes at the local public school.

Homeschooling is a challenge, but it can have outstanding rewards for yourself. At the same time, it can be reat for your child. Just be sure to take it very seriously and try to make an effort to separate your roll as an everyday parent with your roll as a home school teacher.


The famous daily shows you important history that happened on this day.