In eighth grade, when the clock hit the designated time, feet marched towards their assigned destination. Every ear only heard the teacher’s voice. Classes began. While all these hassles occurred early in the morning, Kimberly Hilby, now a junior, was just about to wake up. After having her breakfast, she headed towards her computer table to start her study session, which would last for four hours.
After spending her first two years of high school at Aragon, she now attends middle college at CSM. In eighth grade, Hilby experienced two alternatives to public education: homeschooling and online education. Instead of a more facilitated environment such as a public school, some students and parents turn to these kinds of education to explore a different and more convenient way of acquiring knowledge.
There are many reasons to be homeschooled varying from religious affiliations to despise of public education, financial reasons, and personal beliefs. Hilby says, “Middle school was so horrible, and I just needed a change. I hated the structure of it.” Emily Heiden, a former Aragon student, who is currently homeschooled, adds, “I didn’t like the curriculum, the busy work, and the class setting at Aragon.”
Moreover, home education aids students who lack the opportunity to go to school. Computer lab teacher Candy Bandong, who knows a homeschooled student, says, “There are students who need to drop out because they need to work and support their family. Home schooling is a good way to continue their studies.”
Homeschooling gives a child an opportunity to focus on particular fields of interest and provides parents with immediate feedback. Heiden says, “My curriculum includes more classic literature than I was reading at Aragon. “ Bandong adds, “Home schooling personalizes and customizes learning. Some kids are not meant to do math, and parents are sensitive to that.”
Moreover, homeschoolers do not have to wait for the bell to ring before moving on to their next class; they have the freedom to manage their day. Heiden says, “I have more time to try different things and mix up my schedule. I can run to a Taqueria and eat Mexican food for lunch.”
Furthermore, the social pressure of fitting in at school or being part of a stereotypical group can be avoided. Hilby says, “I thought it was easier for me to adjust because I came to high school feeling like I knew who I was. I took classes that I wanted and not just because a friend said they would take it. I also did not have those ties to the drama that my other friends did.”
Also, although the environments are different, both public school and home school share the same goal of teaching and preparing a child to face a competitive world. Hilby says, “I went into high school not feeling like everything was such a push and not having quite as hard of time adjusting to the work that happened in high school. I also felt like I gained a better sense of myself when I was home schooled.” Bandong adds, “Home schooling curriculum also has to align with the district’s standards.”
However, homeschooling has some shortcomings. Hilby says, “You have to try and work to be your best because you have no one to compare yourself to and I did not have much of a social life.”
Heiden disagrees. She says, “I love dancing. Being homeschooled gives me more time to dance. I still hang out with my friends. There are also formal dances for homeschoolers every year that I could go to.”
Meanwhile, modern technology affects home education the same way it dominates public education. In some way, it replaces the teachers and parents and limits their influence. Hilby says, “I took my classes over the Internet. It was called California Virtual Academy. They send you all the materials that you will need for all your classes. I had a teacher I had to report back to or I could talk to over the Internet.”
Education is an integral part of many people’s lives. Public education is the first choice of some people as their learning ground. However, with the growing technological advancement and needs for a more focused environment, home and online education provide an alternative to public education.
