English Class: Social Topic: Home School vs. Public School - Essay Example

The issue of school violence has reached startling proportions. The events surrounding the infamous Columbine Massacre in Colorado, created an almost nation wide panic towards the possibility that public schools were just s unsafe as un policed streets ruled by gang violence. The purpose of this discussion, is to outline the ongoing debate as to the drawbacks and benefits surrounding both home schooling and public schooling. Certainly, poor educational criteria along with the issue of safety are paramount in many people’s decision to home school instead of sending their children to public school.

The issue of religion is essentially one of the largest factors influencing those who have chosen to home school their children. Many who observe a fundamental value system of Christianity, have opted to home school their children as opposed to sending them to public schools or what they may also refer to as ‘secular’ schools. The issue of evolution and Darwinism being taught as the accepted theory on human origin, has been less than tolerable to many who follow the teachings of Christianity which are routed in creationism.

Due to the need for separation between church and state, it has been decided that theories on creation and monotheism are to be l;eft out of the teachings of public schools. Furthermore, prayer in schools has been decided to be unconstitutional. These implementations of the separation of church and state have been integral in many family decisions to educate children at home. When examining the benefits of home schooling from the angle of those who engage in it, it does serve to minimize safety risks as well as can potentially guarantee a child’s thorough education.

It also maintains whatever religious views are adopted and embraced by the child’s family. But even with an unbiased point of view, when looking at the drawbacks and benefits of home schooling, it’s drawbacks far outweigh its benefits. To begin, public