The Top 5 Misconceptions About Home Schooling

My partner and I embarked on our home schooling adventure over a decade ago when our eldest child, Mia, was just four years old. Instead of enrolling her in preschool, we chose a more unconventional route: we simply didn’t sign her up for kindergarten. As she learned through exploration, reading, creating art, and playing with family and friends, we found ourselves perfectly content with this path.

However, as our family grew and Mia transitioned to her sophomore year of high school, the questions began to pour in. How long do you plan to home-school? How will you tackle complex subjects like chemistry? What about college? And, of course, how will they learn to socialize in the real world?

These inquiries often highlight common myths surrounding home schooling. While the landscape of home education has evolved significantly in recent years, certain stereotypes remain stubbornly entrenched. Let’s debunk the five most prevalent myths surrounding home schooling, drawing from my own experiences.

1. Home-schooled kids lack socialization.

Ah, the infamous “S” word! Do people really think home-schooled children are hermits? Unless you’re home-schooling under a rock (which, let’s be honest, who does that?), we’re out mingling with friends, family, and the community on a daily basis. In every place we’ve lived, we’ve discovered vibrant home-schooling groups that offer classes, clubs, and social activities, ensuring our kids have ample opportunity to make friends. They also participate in sports, music groups, and scouting, mixing with both home-schooled and traditionally schooled peers. Sure, they might not be in a classroom with 30 other kids all day, but they engage with individuals of various ages, learning valuable social skills along the way. Some may be shy or introverted, but you’ll find that trait in public school kids too. Honestly, if my kids are a bit quirky because they don’t follow every kid pop culture trend, I’m totally fine with that!

2. Home-schoolers are all Fundamentalist Christians.

Remember the infamous scene in Mean Girls where a home-schooled boy hilariously claims, “And on the third day, God created the Remington bolt-action rifle”? While it’s a funny stereotype, the truth is, the home schooling community is incredibly diverse. I’ve met families from various religious backgrounds—Protestants, Catholics, Muslims, Hindus, and even atheists—all coexisting harmoniously. While there are vocal Christian home-schoolers, an increasing number of families choose home schooling for secular reasons. In fact, only about two-thirds identify as Christian, a stark contrast to the 83% of the American population. So let’s retire the outdated notion that all home-schoolers are religious zealots.

3. Parents aren’t qualified to teach their kids.

It’s a common belief that only trained teachers can effectively educate children. I get it—I hold a teaching degree myself. But let me tell you, teaching a classroom of 30 kids is a whole different ballgame from guiding your own children at home. My degree often got in the way of my home schooling journey, as traditional ideas about education sometimes clashed with the reality of learning at home. The beauty of home schooling is that parents, regardless of their educational backgrounds, know their kids best. We understand their learning styles, challenges, and preferences, allowing us to customize their education. Sure, I can’t teach chemistry, but I can find resources and experts who can, making it easier than it seems to craft a well-rounded education.

4. Getting into college is tough for home-schooled kids.

As we’re currently navigating the college admissions process with Mia, this myth resonates deeply with me. Initially, I had my doubts about how our home schooling journey would end. However, Mia is already taking community college classes through Washington State’s Running Start program, and by the time she graduates high school, she may have earned an associate’s degree! Many colleges now embrace home-schooled students, recognizing the unique perspectives they bring. Even prestigious institutions like Stanford appreciate their independent learning experiences. The college admission process isn’t nearly the hurdle I once imagined.

5. Home-schooled kids struggle in the real world.

What kind of alternate reality do people think home-schooled kids inhabit? In fact, I’d argue that they often have more opportunities for genuine “real world” experiences than their peers in traditional school settings. Most adults don’t spend their days confined to a single room with a bunch of their same-age peers while following a strict agenda, right? We manage time, homes, finances, health, and relationships—skills that our kids are also learning through their diverse activities. Home-schooled children naturally encounter challenges and learn to navigate them with the guidance of both their parents and their own experiences.

Over the years, I’ve questioned our choice to home school, but those doubts stem more from my own energy levels than from any of these myths. Overall, home schooling has granted our family the flexibility to learn creatively and explore the world. I’m grateful we didn’t let misconceptions deter us from this enriching path. For more insights into topics related to home schooling, check out this blog post.

In summary, while home schooling comes with its own set of challenges and questions, it also offers a unique and flexible educational experience that can prepare children for the real world in ways traditional schooling may not.