A resource guide for parents regarding the choices of public schooling, private schooling, or homeschooling their elementary or secondary school age children

Abstract

There are numerous education models available to parents of elementary and secondary school aged children. Public schooling, private schooling, and homeschooling are three of the numerous options from which parents can choose for their children. Each of these options has numerous sub-categories and different methods of delivery. Parents today need to make serious decisions regarding what type of education they want for their children and what they want their children to receive from their education. The purpose of this manual is to review current relevant literature and provide parents with a resource regarding the three primary models of elementary and secondary schooling available: public schooling, private schooling, and homeschooling. A review of the literature regarding these different models of education available in the state of Wisconsin and nationwide has been completed. This manual contains information regarding the history of each of these three models and a discussion of key positive and negative aspects of each model as reported in the literature. Additionally, statistics from Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and other resources regarding the numbers of students recorded as participating in each of these three types of schooling is discussed herein. Lastly, this manual presents discussion of the differences or similarities that are observed regarding each type of schooling option as well as a brief discussion of other issues parents may consider when choosing the type of education their children will receive.