Many people jump into home schooling without really looking at the possible disadvantages of home schooling.  Home schooling does offer a great way for a parent to educate their child but along with all the benefits of home schooling are some disadvantages that need to be seriously looked at prior to making the home school commitment.  If a parent carefully looks at the possible disadvantages of home schooling they will be prepared and accepting of the outcomes of these disadvantages.

The first disadvantage of home school to be looked at is the fact that a parent will have to be at home with the child each day to monitor and instruct the education.  If the family requires both parents to be working this may become a problem.  Parents will have to be prepared to sacrifice their careers and other activities to devote time to educating their child.  This can be a great disadvantage initially but the rewards of home schooling a child can be much greater than the sacrifice.

Along with the sacrifice of career goes the loss of income from the parent.  When person adds the cost of home schooling to the loss of income it may prove to be a great hardship for the family.  This disadvantage of home schooling needs to be seriously considered and the family needs to be ready for the economic changes in the home.

Home School Disadvantages For The Student

One great home school disadvantage for the student is the loss of activities which are available in the public school setting.  It is difficult for the student to participate in team sports, clubs, dances and other activities when they do not attend public school.  Some states have begun to allow home school students to participate in a few activities but there is still discrimination for the student to face.  Home schooling parents will need to look for ways to allow their child to be involved in activities outside of the home.

Another disadvantage for the home schooled student is not graduating from a public school.  Unless the parents pay the extra money for an accredited home school program that offers a diploma the home schooled student will not have a high school diploma.  Although the child may have a superior education they will not have the documentation to prove it.  The student can take the GED test which offers the equivalency of a high school diploma but is not always viewed the same.  But, many colleges and employers have become aware that home schooled students are, for the most part, highly educated and very successful as adults making the lack of a diploma less of a disadvantage than in previous years.

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