Is Homeschooling Right for You? Honest Pros, Cons, and Biblical Encouragement from a Christian Mom

For the mom who’s curious, uncertain, and maybe even a little scared

My Unexpected Journey Into Homeschooling

I never pictured myself homeschooling.
Not in a million years.

I didn’t have a teaching degree. I didn’t grow up around homeschoolers. And to be honest, I believed the stereotypes.

But when God began whispering the idea to my heart, I couldn't shake it. At first, I resisted. 

All of the what ifs played on repeat. I worried I wasn’t equipped.

“God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called.” – Unknown

But the moment I said “yes”—even in fear—God met me with peace. Not a clear roadmap. Not a guarantee it would be easy. But peace...

A knowing that this was exactly what He had for our family.

I have dear friends whose kids thrive in public and private schools—this was simply the path God had for us. And while it hasn’t always been easy, I’ve never once regretted taking the leap.

A Brief History of Schooling in America

Did you know?

• The modern public school system in the U.S. is based on the Prussian model from the 1800s? 

• It was designed during the industrial era to create uniformity and prepare children for factory work.¹ 

• Before that, most education happened at home or in one-room schoolhouses, often tied to churches or communities.

Homeschooling was the original way to learn.

• It wasn’t until the late 19th and 20th centuries that school became standardized and compulsory. 

• By the 1980s, homeschoolers had to fight for the legal right to educate their children at home. 

• Today, homeschooling is legal in all 50 states and has grown significantly—especially since 2020.²

Still, it’s easy to feel like stepping outside the system makes you strange or selfish. 

But I’ve come to believe that what’s right doesn’t always look familiar. And different doesn’t mean wrong.

What the Research Says

If you’re the kind of mom who loves data, let’s talk:

• Academics: Homeschool students score 15–30 percentile points higher on standardized tests than public school students, according to long-term studies from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI).³

• Socialization: Homeschoolers are often involved in church, sports, co-ops, and community volunteering. Research shows they match or exceed their peers in social and emotional development.⁴

• Mental health: Many homeschoolers experience reduced stress and anxiety, thanks to a slower pace, personalized learning, and supportive environments.⁵

“The first education children receive is in the home. Parents are the first and most important teachers.”– James Dobson

You don’t need to be a perfect teacher—you just need to be a present and willing parent.

Pros and Cons of Homeschooling

Let’s keep it real. Homeschooling isn’t all nature walks and fresh-baked bread.

Pros:

• Deep relationships – More time together builds stronger bonds.
• Tailored education – Teach to your child’s pace and interests.
• Faith integration – You can freely include God in learning.
• Flexibility – Travel, life skills, and real-world learning included.
• Siblings becoming best friends – Time together nurtures deep connection.

“Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.”– C.S. Lewis

Cons:

• Financial pressure – One parent may reduce hours or leave a job.
• Time-consuming – You’re with your kids… all the time.
• Outside criticism – Not everyone will understand or support you.
• Mom doubts – Feeling unqualified or overwhelmed is normal.

You’re not doing it because it’s easy. You’re doing it because you believe in something bigger than ease.

Different Homeschooling Methods

There’s no one right way to homeschool. That’s part of the beauty.

Here are a few popular methods:

• Charlotte Mason: Literature-rich, nature-based, short lessons.
• Classical: Focus on logic, memorization, and history timelines.
• Unit Studies: Thematic learning that ties subjects together.
• Unschooling: Child-led learning based on interest and curiosity.
• Eclectic: A mix of methods, customized to your family.

We tried a few and adapted over time. You don’t have to pick the “right” one from the start—you grow into what works.

Breaking Free From Expectations

When we began homeschooling, it wasn’t trendy or common. We faced confusion and pushback, even from people we loved.

Comments like:

“Aren’t you worried they’ll fall behind?”
“What about college?”
“They will be unsocialized.” 

Those words stung. But I was more afraid of ignoring God’s call than facing criticism. And guess what? My kids are thriving. And so am I.

“Obedience to God is not always the easiest path, but it is always the right one.”-Elisabeth Elliot

You don’t need a college degree.

You need faith. 

And grit. 

And grace for the days that feel like too much.

The Unexpected Gifts

This journey hasn’t just shaped my kids. It’s shaped me.

I’ve watched my children grow—not just in academics, but in character. I've seen lightbulb moments that I never would’ve witnessed if they were away all day. I’ve learned alongside them. We’ve explored God’s creation together—from road trips to national parks to quiet backyard mornings reading Scripture.

One of the greatest gifts?

Watching my kids become best friends.
The time they’ve spent side-by-side—playing, learning, disagreeing, forgiving—has built a bond I never could’ve orchestrated.

Yes, it’s hard. But it’s worth it.

To the Mom Who’s Wondering

If you’re reading this and feeling a nudge, this is your encouragement.

You don’t have to decide today. And if you don’t homeschool, please know this:

There is no one-size-fits-all formula for raising and educating children.

Every family walks a different path—and God leads us in beautifully diverse ways.

But if He’s stirring something in you—don’t ignore it. Bring your fears to Him. Ask questions. Seek out other homeschool moms. You’re not alone.

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. God will meet you there.”
– Corrie ten Boom

Psalm 32:8 

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the children You’ve entrusted to us. Give us the courage to step into the unknown and the wisdom to walk in Your way. For the mom who is exploring homeschooling, calm her fears and increase her faith. For the one who’s weary, renew her strength. May we always remember that You guide, You provide, and You equip.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

• I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below. 
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📚 Sources

1. National Center for Education Statistics. “The History of Education in the United States.” https://nces.ed.gov/pubs93/93442.pdf

2. National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI). “Research Facts on Homeschooling.” (2023) https://www.nheri.org/research-facts-on-homeschooling/

3. Ray, Brian D. “A Nationwide Study of Academic Achievement in Homeschoolers.” NHERI, 2010. https://www.nheri.org/nheri-research/nheri-study-2010/

4. Medlin, Richard G. “The Social and Emotional Health of Homeschooled Students.” Peabody Journal of Education, based on NSCH data.https://www.nheri.org/home-school-researcher-the-social-and-emotional-health-of-homeschooled-students-in-the-united-states-a-population-based-comparison-with-publicly-schooled-students-based-on-the-national-survey-of-child/

5. Power Homeschool. “The Positive Effects of Homeschooling on Children’s Mental Health.” (2024) https://www.powerhomeschool.org/articles/homeschoolings-impact-on-mental-health/