Homeschooling Can Build Confidence and Independence While Accelerating Learning

Imagine a world where you stay in your pajamas all day, finish your school assignments before lunchtime and every day is an out-of-school day. Welcome to my young life! After two years in traditional school, I was homeschooled through the end of high school. Despite this, and like most children with no understanding of the luck that had befallen them, the grass always seemed greener on the other side. All through elementary and middle school I craved what the regular schoolers had – classes (opportunities to make dramatic entrances and wear cute clothes every day), excuses to have a new backpack and a huge pool of people to befriend. The icing on my envy cake was other’s vocalized beliefs that being homeschooled would leave me vulnerable, awkward and unprepared for “the real world.” It wasn’t until recently that I realized how homeschooling had saved me, grounded me, and how, ironically, it had prepared me for the voices of criticism. Homeschooling allowed me time, freedom and taught me the most important lesson I could learn – who I am.

Megan Murray, age 17, homeschooled, college sophomore, writer and model. Photo by Kimberly Parodi

Fast academic progression and preparation for college.

The ability of modern homeschooling to streamline the education process promotes a fast academic progression, and in doing so provides opportunities for taking on a substantial number of college classes and pursuing extracurricular activities. I graduated high school Summa Cum Laude as a junior with 35 college credits, in addition to completing a CTE certification in performing arts. I should be entering my senior year of high school this fall, but instead I am entering my sophomore year of college at 17 and will be able to transfer as a third-year student to a four-year university next year.

In spite of these benefits, it is a common fear that homeschooling leaves children unprepared for the demands of the real world, be it college or the workforce. This understanding neglects the fact that the fundamental workings of the homeschooling education style are closely aligned with collegiate formats, focus and time management skills employed in undergraduate and graduate studies. In homeschooling, I learned to self-motivate in studying at my own pace and became prepared to manage college and workforce demands. My homeschooling fostered my passion and taught responsibility and ownership.

Social skills, confidence and a sense of self

Concerns that the substantially private nature of homeschooling and an assumed consequential ignorance to social inner workings produces awkward or socially stunted children overlooks the maturity that is inherently promoted in homeschooling. I found that the extra time spent with family taught me conflict resolution, empathy and loyalty on a deep level. Being homeschooled, I was forced to sit with myself, gaining intimate knowledge of my mind and become independent. Being homeschooled enabled me to be my true self without the hindrance of pressure to conform to peers, a standardized schedule or being away from my family much of the day during the most formative years of life. This time that I spent with my family as a young child helped me solidify trust in my family relationships, thus grounding me and instilling in me an invaluable confidence and sense of self that has greatly aided me in my search for identity and purpose.

Plenty of extracurricular activities

Homeschooling offered me extra time to pursue a variety of extracurriculars. During my elementary years of homeschool I was an avid swimmer and soccer player, and I trained heavily in classical ballet for 8 years. I recently had the opportunity to join a theater group, where I have built close, lasting friendships. I am surrounded by people who share my interests and who support my authenticity by giving me their own. Incorporating extracurricular activities in the lives of homeschooling children aids in the finding of a like-minded tribe and kindred spirits with aligned interests and personality traits. Children can fill their days with different activities, interact with just as many people as they might in traditional school and have the opportunity to surround themselves with companions who support them in being their authentic selves.

Freedom of thought and courageous expression, a personalized schedule, a diverse friend group and endless extracurricular opportunities are only a few of the many advantages I have received through my homeschool education. Homeschooling gave me tools to succeed not only in my studies, but in all aspects of life.