Why More Families Are Quitting The Traditional School?

raditional school can be great for many families, but it’s not the right choice for everyone. With the increased availability of online learning options, homeschooling and other types of alternative education, more parents are reexamining their educational choices for their children. Here are a few reasons why traditional school might not be the best option for your family.

• Cost. Traditional school can involve a lot of costs, from tuition to textbooks and technology fees. When you factor in the cost of commuting, meals and extracurricular activities, it adds up quickly, especially if you have multiple children in school. Online learning or homeschooling may be more cost effective for your family.
• Time Commitment. Traditional school can require a lot of time and effort, both in and out of the classroom. Parents need to ensure their child is attending classes, completing homework, studying for exams and preparing projects. Some families are not comfortable spending 8 hours in school along with the hectic travel time, this hardly leaves any time for after school activities or family time.
• Education Philosophy. Traditional school is geared towards teaching to the test and preparing for standardized tests. The curriculum is usually focused on textbooks and lectures and may not provide the right mix of hands-on learning, critical thinking or creativity that your child needs. Like my son would rathe prefer creating things, learning at his own pace and with plenty of projects to work on.
• Curriculum and Learning Style. Traditional schools often have a set curriculum that may not be the right fit for your child’s learning style or interests. Some parents might want to consider personalising the curriculum to fit their child’s needs and interests, which can be difficult when attending a traditional school.
• Families might have different needs. Traditional school is not always the best option for families with different needs. Some families choose to spend time with each other, travel , or pursue special interests that might not be possible if all family members are in school at the same time. Parents are choosing to world school their kids now more than ever, teaching them in the environment that best suits their learning experience.
• Geographical limitations: Traditional schools may not be easily accessible or available to students in remote or underserved areas. When we shifted to our hometown we relaised we didnt have to choose a school just for the sake of it , but rather create the learning environment at home.
• A life centric lifestyle. Traditional schools can eat up a lot of family time and energy as well. A traditional 9-5 school day, with homework on top of that, is stressful for both parents and children. Being able to create a life-centric lifestyle around your child’s education may be the best choice for your family. More and more parents are choosing to leave the hustle culture behind as they embrace a simpler and healthier lifestyle.
• Bullying or social issues: Traditional schools can sometimes have a negative social environment, with issues such as bullying, peer pressure, or social exclusion. One of my friend has shifted various schools after her son was being bullied for not having his father at home . Alternative schools that prioritize social-emotional learning and positive relationships may provide a healthier and more supportive environment for students.
• Career-focused education: Traditional schools often emphasize academic achievement and college preparation, which may not align with the goals or interests of all students. Vocational schools, apprenticeships, or other career-focused education programs can provide students with the skills and experience they need to pursue their desired careers without the emphasis on college readiness. For example if there is a child interested in technology, programming or coding , they can focus on it rather than just memorizing theories.
• Emotional and mental support.Traditional schools can sometimes lack adequate resources to support students' emotional and mental health needs. This can lead to students feeling unsupported or isolated, which can negatively impact their academic performance and overall wellbeing. Many adults grow up to have unresolved issues from school. That is why it is essential to provide emotional and mental support to our children, so that they can learn in a safe environment with the tools for self-expression and resilience.
• Flexibility. Traditional schools often have rigid schedules and structures that can make it difficult for students to balance their academic, personal, and extracurricular commitments. Children these days seek freedom and flexibility, they want to design their own learning journey. They want to learn by doing, rather than by listening to lectures. Kids need the autonomy to explore and pursue their interests, without the pressure to conform and compete.
• The world is changing too fast. Traditional schools can struggle to keep up with the ever-evolving world of technology and innovation. Not being able to use the latest tools, resources, and trends can limit students’ preparation for their future careers. Parents on the other hand can find the best for their kids and provide them with tailored learning experiences, using the world’s most current tools.
• Internet on fingertips. With the internet, students have access to more information and resources than ever before. Learning can be done anytime, anywhere, with online courses and materials. Whether you live in a remote village or an urban center, if you have access to the internet, you can use it to learn almost anything.
• Children might have found their interest. Parents want their child to pursue what they are passionate about. As traditional schools rarely focus on the passion and interests of every student, its not possible for children to explore different fields in schools. This way many children never have the opportunity to pursue their true interests, or discover what they are passionate about.
• Fear of being judged. Traditional schools can often be competitive and performance-driven, which can cause students to fear failure. Alternative education models prioritize learning over grades and celebrate the journey of exploration rather than a single end result. This can help create an environment that is more supportive and inclusive for all learners, allowing them to take risks, learn from mistakes, and become resilient problem solvers
• Unnecessary assignments . Traditional schools have homework assignments and worksheets that are often considered to be too much for the students. Children spend their evenings finishing their assignments , thus leaving no time for leisure activities. This can lead to burnout and fatigue.

Why homeschooling is the preferred over traditional education?

Homeschooling provides an individualized learning experience for students. Parents can create a curriculum tailored to their child’s specific needs, interests, and abilities. Homeschooling also allows for more flexible schedules and the opportunity to explore different topics in-depth as needed. Additionally, homeschooling offers parents the chance to monitor their children’s academic progress more closely and provide them with the guidance and support they need to reach their full potential. Finally, homeschooling eliminates distractions from peers and can help children focus on learning without the pressure of competition or comparison. This can be particularly beneficial for students who may not thrive in a traditional school setting.

The rise in online education after COVID

Online learning can provide an engaging, interactive learning experience with flexible schedules and the ability to take classes from anywhere. It also allows students to learn at their own pace, without having to compete against other students or adhere to a rigid timeline. Additionally, many online courses offer courses in specialized areas such as coding, robotics, and design that are not typically offered in a traditional school setting. These courses can help prepare students for future career paths or provide them with valuable skills they can take with them into their adult lives.

It's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to education. Every child's needs, interests, and goals are unique. Alternative education can provide an opportunity for students to pursue their dreams and develop a better future. Parents should consider all the options when deciding on the best educational path for their children. With more options available today than ever before, there is sure to be something that can meet your needs and help your child reach their fullest potential.

The key is to find the right environment for your child, and make sure that it provides the support they need in order to reach their goals. That is why it's important to take into consideration these and other factors when evaluating which type of education will best meet the needs of your child. With the right combination of traditional and alternative methods, any child can have a successful educational experience.

No matter which path you choose for your child, prioritize their health, mental well-being, and overall happiness. That is the only way to ensure that your child's educational journey will be fulfilling and successful.

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