How Successful Are Homeschooled Students?
Are homeschooled students successful? This is a question that many parents ask when considering homeschooling as an option for their children.
While there is no one answer that fits all students, research shows that homeschooled students can be successful in a wide variety of areas.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the reasons why homeschooled students may be successful and share some tips on how you can help your child be successful if you choose to homeschool.
Why Are Homeschooled Students More Successful?
There are a number of reasons why homeschooled students may be successful. Here are 10 of the most common reasons:
1. Deeper Learning
Homeschooled students often have a deeper understanding of the material they are learning because they are able to spend more time on each topic than students in a traditional school setting.
In a traditional school, students may only have one hour per day to learn a particular subject. However, homeschooled students can spend several hours each day learning the same subject. This allows them to master the material and understand it at a deeper level.
2. Improved Social Skills
Homeschooled students often have better social skills than their peers because they are not exposed to the negative peer pressure that can occur in traditional schools.
In addition, homeschooled students have the opportunity to socialize with a wide variety of people, including adults, which can help them develop strong social skills.
3. Greater Family Involvement
Families who choose to homeschool their children are typically very involved in their education. This means that parents are able to provide more support and guidance than would be possible in a traditional school setting.
In addition, homeschooled students often have close relationships with their siblings and other family members, which can lead to a stronger sense of support.
4. Flexible Schedule
Homeschooling provides families with great flexibility when it comes to scheduling. This can be a huge advantage for families who have busy schedules or who live in remote areas.
Moreover, homeschooled students can often take advantage of opportunities to travel or participate in extracurricular activities that might not be possible if they were attending a traditional school.
5. Increased Individualized Attention
One of the biggest advantages of homeschooling is that it allows parents to tailor the educational experience to their child’s individual needs. In a traditional school setting, it can be difficult for teachers to give each student the attention they deserve.
However, homeschooled students typically receive one-on-one attention from their parents, which can significantly affect their academic success.
6. More Time for Hands-On and Experiential Learning
Homeschooled students often have more time for hands-on and experiential learning than their peers in traditional schools. This type of learning can be extremely beneficial, as it allows children to apply what they are learning to real-life situations.
Additionally, hands-on and experiential learning can help children develop essential life skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking.
7. Customized Instruction Based on Student Needs
Another reason homeschooled students are more successful compared to their traditional counterparts is that customized instruction can be given to them according to their needs.
In a traditional school, there is always a set curriculum, leaving little room for customization. On the other hand, in homeschooling, parents have the flexibility to design a curriculum that is best suited for their child’s individual needs. This ensures that each child gets the most out of their education and has a greater chance of success.
8. Avoidance of Negative Peer Pressure
Another main advantage of homeschooling is that it helps children avoid negative peer pressure. In a traditional school setting, children are often exposed to classmates who may engage in harmful behaviors, such as drug use or violence.
However, homeschooled children are not typically exposed to this type of environment, which can help them stay away from negative influences.
9. Increased Opportunities for Parent-Child Bonding
Homeschooling provides parents with increased opportunities to bond with their children. In a traditional school setting, parents often drop their children off at school and pick them up after class.
Conversely, parents are typically present in homeschooling during the entire learning process. This allows them to develop a stronger relationship with their child and also helps them better understand their individual needs.
10. Fewer Distractions in the Learning Environment
Lastly, homeschooled students often have fewer distractions in their learning environment. In a traditional school setting, students are often surrounded by other children who may be disruptive.
In homeschooling, the learning environment is typically more relaxed and focused, which can help children stay on task and avoid distractions. This enables them to absorb the material they are being taught, leading to greater academic success.
As you can see, there are reasons why homeschooling students are more successful than their traditional school counterparts. If you are considering homeschooling your child, keep these advantages in mind. With proper planning and execution, homeschooling can provide your child with a high-quality education that will set them up for success in the future.
Tips On How You Can Help Your Child Be Successful
To ensure that your homeschooling high school student is successful, there are a few tips you can follow:
1. Encourage Them to Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities
It is important for your child to get involved in extracurricular activities, such as sports or clubs. This will help them socialize with other children and also learn essential life skills. Additionally, colleges often look favorably at applicants who have been involved in extracurricular activities.
2. Make Sure They Take Challenging Classes
For your child to succeed in college, they need to take challenging classes in high school. This will prepare them for the rigors of college coursework and also make them more attractive to colleges. Consult with your homeschooling curriculum provider to ensure that your child is taking classes that will challenge them.
3. Encourage Them to Get Involved in the Community
Community service is another great way to help your child be successful. It allows them to give back to the community and also learn important life skills. Additionally, colleges often look favorably at applicants who have been involved in community service.
4. Prepare Them for Standardized Tests
In order for your child to be eligible for college, they will need to take standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT. Prepare them for these tests by providing them with study materials and practice tests. Additionally, there are many online resources that can help your child prepare for these tests.
5. Encourage Them to Pursue Their Passions
It is important to encourage your child to pursue their passions. This will help them develop a strong work ethic and also make them more likely to succeed in college. Additionally, colleges and universities usually consider applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to their passions.
6. Help Them Develop Good Study Habits
In order for your child to be successful in college, they need to develop good study habits. Be sure to provide them with a quiet place to study and give them regular breaks. Additionally, there are many online resources that can help your child develop good study habits.
7. Encourage Them to Stay Organized
It is crucial for high school students to stay organized while they are studying from home. This will enable them to keep track of their assignments and also make them more likely to succeed in college.
8. Help Them Set Realistic Goals
Your homeschooling student needs to set realistic goals for themselves while they are in high school. This will help them stay on track and also make them more likely to succeed in college.
9. Encourage Them to Seek Help When Needed
Your child needs to seek help when needed while in college. This will help them stay on track and also make them more likely to succeed in college. Besides, colleges often look favorably at applicants who are willing to seek help when needed.
10. Encourage Them to Take Advantage of Resources
There are many resources available to college students, such as tutoring services and library resources. Make sure to encourage your child to take advantage of these resources.
Additionally, universities usually look favorably at applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to taking advantage of available resources.
By following these tips, you can help your homeschooling high school student be successful. With proper planning and execution, homeschooling can provide your child with a high-quality education that will set them up for success in the future.
Final Thoughts!
Homeschooled students have consistently been shown to be more successful than their traditionally schooled peers. There are many reasons for this, but one of the most important is that parents can tailor the curriculum and learning environment specific to their child’s needs.
If you are considering homeschooling your child or just want to help them succeed in any educational setting, the tips we have outlined above will help them succeed.
Contact High School of America today if you want more information about our homeschool program or how we can help your student succeed!