Homeschool vs. Public School vs. Private School: Which is best?

Choosing a path for your children’s education is a big deal, especially when choosing between homeschool vs. public school vs. private school. You’re going to face questions like “should I homeschool,” “is homeschooling better than public school,” or “is private schooling better than public or homeschooling?” In addition to which option is most effective or best for each child, you’ll also be wondering about the cost of each education option. Which is the best choice? That may depend on your family, needs, and the decisions you come to personally after prayer and consideration. Here are the differences, pros, cons, and costs of each schooling option. We have also included tips on how to make your decision for your children’s education.

Homeschool vs. Public School

You’re going to see the largest number of differences between homeschool or public school. While the public-school movement and state mandated education has lead many positive changes in America and other nations, homeschooling also has its unique opportunities, challenges, and benefits that a public school can’t account for. If you’re asking whether homeschooling is better than public school, that may be a question you need to decide on a case-by-case basis.

What are the differences?

Homeschool

Personalized education. Parents choose their child’s curriculum and personally oversee their education.
Flexible time management. Families can schedule school to fit their time needs and preferences.
One-on-one teaching. Parents can devote the time and attention their child needs to learn.
School at home. Children are at home with their parents during school hours instead of in a classroom.

Public School

Comprehensive curriculum. Every public school is required to teach a district-wide or statewide curriculum to all students in all grades.
Taught by trained professionals. Teachers must be state certified and have a bachelor’s degree. They must also undergo background checks.
Group learning. Children are with at least 20 other students in a class and are all taught at the same time.
More resources available. Public schools offer extra programs such as sports, theatre, debate, and other clubs.
Free.
Flexibility. Both parents may work outside the home if needed or wanted.

Public School at Home (Virtual School)

Home learning from trained professionals. Children are at home but are under the instruction of trained professionals.
Statewide or district-wide curriculum. Children learn from a statewide or district-wide curriculum. They access classes online instead of in an actual classroom.
Limited in-person exposure to other students. Children don’t generally interact with fellow classmates.
Operates during regular school hours. Your child must participate in and finish their work within a certain time frame during the day.

Cost of Homeschooling Vs. Public School

Homeschooling is more expensive than public school, especially depending on which curriculum you use. Public school, by law, is free to everyone.

Cost of Homeschooling

Homeschooling can cost anywhere from a couple hundred to nearly $1,000 a year depending on the curriculum. They will also need to pay for additional resources and supplies, but these costs can be greatly reduced because you only need to purchase what your students may need or use. Additionally, many free resources are available, including free printable downloads. Parents can also save money by purchasing curriculum from other homeschool parents or at homeschool conventions.

Cost of Public School

Public school is free. But you do have to pay for school supplies. And those costs are significantly higher than they were even a year ago. In fact, families will pay an average of $577 on supplies for elementary students this year. Those with middle school students should expect to spend an average of $763. Parents of high school students should plan on paying around $1,223 on supplies.

Families are also required to pay mandatory school fees, which include textbook fees and use of technology. These mandatory fees range between $20 to $40 per student but can be much higher. For example, some schools charge as much as $300 for a required Chromebook that students must purchase, even if they already have their own tablet or laptop. Schools can also charge additional fees for things such as textbooks and a yearbook.

Extracurricular activities don’t come cheap, either. Some public schools charge as much as $400 per year for student athletic programs.

Homeschool vs. Private School

When choosing between homeschool or private school, private schooling options can often give you the same options as a traditional school environment with fewer drawbacks that you might see in a public-school environment. You can choose a Christian school that more closely aligns with your family goals, or a private school that focuses heavily on academics. You ensure that trained professionals are teaching your children and can be confident that you agree with the curriculum they’re teaching.

What are the differences?

Smaller class sizes. Private Christian schools tend to have smaller class sizes than public schools.
Peer-to-peer relationships. Despite smaller class sizes, your children will still be able to develop and build relationships with their peers and teachers.
Curriculum provided. Many private schools include the cost of textbooks and other required materials in tuition costs.
Faith-based or academic focused. Christian schools and other private schools have the freedom to change their curriculum and programs to align with a biblical worldview or more specific learning goals.
Tuition. Private schools include tuition costs that may be significant, especially for single-income households.

Cost of Homeschooling Vs. Private School

Although private school can cost thousands of dollars—much more than homeschooling—there are several private school scholarships available. There are also a small number of free private schools. Boarding schools provide a good financial alternative.

The average annual cost of a private school in the US is $12,350 for K-12. For a private high school, the average annual cost is $16,040.

Homeschooling Vs. Traditional School Learning

Undoubtedly, there are differences in learning between homeschooling and traditional schooling.

Homeschool Learning

In a homeschool environment, every child receives personal, one-on-one instruction from either you or another teacher online or on DVD. Since you control your child’s schedule, you can decide at what pace to keep your child’s schooling. For instance, if your child breezes through math but takes longer to grasp reading, you may adjust his daily schedule to accommodate his needs. You also can choose the time frame to fit your required 180 days of school. For example, you may decide to take a shorter Christmas break and no spring break so you can finish before traditional schools for summer vacation.

Additionally, you can plan how much of the curriculum you complete in the year. If you think your child can finish some if not all his courses by the end of the school year, you have a good chance of accomplishing your goal. One of the biggest differences in homeschooling is that your child can work at his own pace and take extra time with certain subjects if needed.

Traditional School Learning

In a traditional school setting, whether public or private school, your child learns from trained professionals in a classroom setting. Class sizes can range between 10–30 students. Teachers in smaller classrooms may be able to offer personalized guidance for students, but larger classroom sizes can make this difficult.

Teachers in state-run or private schools must meet state standards, so their curriculum and lesson plans will often be fixed according to set guidelines. Private schools may have more flexibility while public schools will more closely follow these guidelines. Students will also take time to prepare for and take achievement tests, which are often required for accreditation.

Comparing the Pros and Cons of Schooling Options

As you make plans for your children’s futures, you’re going to need to compare the pros and cons of the schooling options available to you. Compare and contrast the benefits and disadvantages of homeschooling, public schooling, and private schooling.

Benefits of Homeschooling

Parents have control over the child’s curriculum and educational goals.
Parents choose the cost and complexity of curriculum and materials. You also get to control exactly what your child is learning and can ensure that their curriculum is taught from a biblical worldview.
Children are at home with one or both parents all day. This allows you to give your child the spiritual, emotional, and academic support he needs.
Parents enjoy flexibility to manage the school schedule.
Your children are safer in your care. You have greater influence over the friendships they form. There are also more opportunities for interacting with adults.
Testing is optional.

Disadvantages of Homeschooling

Requires a substantial commitment of time and effort by parents. This is especially important to consider if you have more than one child.
Education may not be well-rounded if parents avoid subjects such as higher science, math, and foreign languages.
Parents who lack time management and organization skills will struggle to fulfill their educational responsibilities.
Families may have a harder time finding socialization opportunities for their children, particularly in less populated areas without a nearby homeschool group, or if financial limitations prevent participation in extracurricular activities.

Benefits of Public School

Your child’s care and education are overseen by trained professionals.
Your child has many opportunities to interact and socialize with other children.
Larger classroom sizes can encourage students to compete academically and motivate them to work harder.
More extracurricular activities are available. Your child will have plenty of opportunities to get involved in sports or other clubs that interest them.

Disadvantages of Public School

Your child may be negatively influenced by other children and are limited in their opportunities to connect with adults.
Students don’t have the opportunity to learn at their own pace. Some may struggle to understand the material and fall behind while the rest of the class moves on.
Children learn a secular curriculum that lacks a biblical foundation.
A fixed, state curriculum may not offer the flexibility and learning opportunities your child needs.
You may find it more difficult to develop full relationships with your children when they are away for 7–8 hours per day, five days a week.

Benefits of Private School

High academic focus. Private schools motivate students to push themselves academically and achieve greater success.
Networking. Private schools have community connections that can help your child pursue the college, internship, or career of their dreams.
Superior technology. Students may have access to much better computers and other technologies.
Biblical worldview. Christian private schools can offer a biblical worldview just as you would choose for your child in a homeschool setting.
Smaller class sizes. Private schools generally keep class sizes to 10 or fewer students. This gives teachers greater opportunities for one-on-one time with pupils.

Disadvantages of Private School

Expensive. Be prepared to invest as much as $12,000 to $16,000 for your child’s education.
Not as many extracurricular activities. Private schools don’t offer as wide a range of sports or clubs as public schools.
Greater pressure. Students face a considerable amount of pressure to succeed in a private school. High academic standards and expectations can result in anxiety and stress for some students.
Your child may be negatively influenced by other children and are limited in their opportunities to connect with adults.
Limited availability. There may not be a suitable private school with open enrollment in your area.

How to Choose Between Homeschool, Public School, and Private School

To choose between homeschool, public school, and private school, you’ll need to consider all the information about each schooling option. Narrow it down to the two you believe would work best for your family. Seek guidance from God’s Word and apply biblical principles in making your decision. Some good questions to ask are, “Which choice would most glorify God?” “Which one would be the most spiritually beneficial for our family?” “Which one best meets our family’s specific needs and goals?” If you know people who have school age children in one or all these schooling options, ask for their opinion and advice. Spend time praying together as a family. Ask that the Lord will bring you and your spouse to the same decision.

Should You Homeschool?

Homeschooling is a personal decision that requires much consideration and prayer. Just because homeschooling works for one family doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for another. It is a huge family and time commitment. As your child’s educator, you are responsible for choosing the curriculum, planning the school calendar, keeping up with daily assignments, and grading your child’s work. You are also legally responsible for your child’s education and making sure they are meeting state requirements. However, homeschooling is also very rewarding.

We at BJU Press believe homeschooling is a valuable and truly wonderful option for your child’s education. No one else knows your child as well as you; therefore, you understand your child’s educational strengths, limitations, interests, and capabilities better than anyone else. But homeschooling may not be right for your family, and that’s okay.

Whichever option you choose, ensure that you make your decision in the light of God’s word and go into your choice confident that you are pursuing His will for your children.

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Jennifer is a pastor’s wife and mom of two young girls and loves homeschooling them. During her own twelve years of being homeschooled, Jennifer developed a passion for reading and writing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and relishes writing during her free time.

Homeschool vs. Public School vs. Private School: Which is best?