Insight on Public Elementary School Experience vs. Homeschool

I am seeking to hear people’s experience, opinions, and insight on homeschooling vs. public school for elementary school.

The title says it all, so you don’t need to read the body of this to give advice, but if your interested in our situation so far, this is it:

My kids are 5, turning 6 next month and we have homeschooled them for their first year. Originally, I wanted to homeschool because I felt that my public school experience was full of busy work and, in older grades, significant negative influences. I thought that we could give the kids a better education ourselves at home.. and I think they’re ahead for their age… but my concern is not that they aren’t getting what they need academically right now, it’s more about environment, life experience, and socialization. Im worried that they are missing out on opportunities to make friends and build life skills that come naturally in the public school setting by interacting with many different people, learning from different instructors, meeting the expectations of people that aren’t your parents, etc.

I just want to gain some perspective and hear other peoples opinions and experiences. I want to make the decision that is best for my children, but am having a hard time deciding what that is… so any benefits, negatives, experiences, etc. that you’d like to share could help me get the perspective I need. I am interested in any insight you all can provide.

Thank you!

Submitted July 10, 2026 at 06:27AM by Most-Employer3779 https://ift.tt/yaZUlGg