Debunking the 10 Biggest Myths About Homeschooling

Have you been considering homeschooling and received pushback from well-meaning family and friends? Chances are, it’s because homeschool naysayers don’t understand how homeschooling works — and how it can set up your child for success both spiritually and academically. 

To help clear the air and give you the information you need to make an informed decision, we’re debunking the 10 biggest myths about homeschooling and offering our response.

1. Lack of Access to Professional Educators

The Myth: Homeschooling parents, even if well-educated, might not be equipped to provide the same level of expertise or teaching methods that professional educators can. 

Reality: All of our Covenant Journey Academy (CJA) courses receive grading support, facilitation, and feedback on assignments from ACSI*-certified teachers.  In addition, CJA offers over 300 self-paced online courses that include advanced placement, dual enrollment, honors, six world languages, and wide-ranging fine arts and STEM electives.

2. Reduced Access to Extracurricular Activities

The Myth: Schools often provide a range of extracurricular activities such as sports, music, art, and clubs that homeschooling families may not have the resources to replicate.

Reality: CJA facilitates several extracurricular activities, including Student Community Group meetings led by CJA’s principal and Christian Service opportunities in which our students identify needs and serve in their home communities. In addition, the flexibility that students have as CJA students allows them more time to focus on their interests and hobbies since they’re spending less time sitting in a school building 7-8 hours per day. We have students who play travel basketball, compete in horseback riding competitions, participate in theater activities, and so much more.

3. Potential for Overburdening Parents

The Myth: Homeschooling requires a significant time commitment from parents, not only for teaching but also for planning, grading, and organizing various aspects of the curriculum.

Reality: Courses are complete, and certified teachers provide grading support and facilitation. Additionally, full-time students on track to earn CJA’s diploma receive academic advising from CJA and follow CJA’s diploma completion plan.  

Homeschooling is more supported and less burdensome now than ever before. With full service online K-12 institutions that provide instructional support and access to such a broad range of classes, parents are free to provide fun and enriching experiences for their children. Partnering with CJA is truly Homeschool without the Hassle™.

4. Lack of Structure

The Myth: While homeschooling can offer flexibility, it may lack the structured environment found in traditional schools, which can be important for helping children develop routines and discipline. Some children thrive in a more regimented school day. 

Reality: While CJA does offer incredible flexibility, we also support parents to create a structure and school routine to guide students in their learning each day. We know that each family is unique and each student is different in learning styles and needs, and we support parents as they determine the appropriate schedule for their children.

5. Risk of Narrow Perspectives

The Myth: Homeschooling might result in a more insular learning experience, where children are exposed primarily to the perspectives and beliefs of their parents. Traditional schools, with their diverse student bodies and teaching staff, often provide a broader view of the world.

Reality: All CJA courses support a Christian worldview and are not ashamed of pushing back against the secularism and anti-biblical doctrine that is prevalent in the public and even in some private school systems. With this being said, we empower students and parents by providing a rigorous curriculum based on Judeo-Christian values.

6. Increased Financial Strain

The Myth: Many homeschooling families must invest in curriculum materials, educational tools, and resources. Additionally, one parent may need to reduce or leave their job to provide full-time instruction, leading to financial strain in some families. 

Reality: CJA is about 1/3 of the cost of the national average rate of private school tuition and about 25% of the average national cost to taxpayers of educating a child in the public school system.  CJA has a variety of discounts — you can review these on the website. CJA has partnered with America’s Christian Credit Union to which families can apply for financing.

7. Difficulty with Special Education Needs

The Myth: Children with special needs may require specific resources or therapies that are more easily accessible in a traditional school setting, where trained professionals and special programs are in place to cater to these needs.

Reality: CJA’s flexibility, course design, and support tools have been a great fit for children facing special needs challenges. CJA is an approved vendor for FES-UA students in Florida, and CJA works with parents to review and provide reasonable accommodation in accordance with CJA’s policies.

8. Limited College and Career Preparation

The Myth: While homeschooling can be effective for basic education, children in homeschool environments may miss out on certain aspects of school life that help prepare them for college or careers, such as standardized testing, structured extracurriculars, and guidance counseling.

Reality: For full-time students pursuing a diploma through CJA, we handle transcripts, course records, and academic counseling. In addition, we offer a number of Advanced Placement and dual enrollment course opportunities to help students earn college credit. Along with offering core subjects, several electives, world languages, and Bible courses, we equip students for success after high school and to, ultimately, be the next leaders of the Christian faith.

9. Limited Socialization

The Myth: Homeschooling can reduce opportunities for children to interact with peers, which is essential for developing social skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to work in diverse group settings.

Our response: CJA provides full-time students with a number of opportunities to facilitate socialization throughout the school year. Students will be able to interact with their teachers through discussion-based assessments that are routinely assigned throughout the year to monitor and gauge student progress and understanding. Full-time students also participate with their peers in CJA community groups monthly. These groups provide opportunities for fellowship and fun within the CJA student body. Finally, due to the flexibility that CJA provides, we strongly recommend that families participate in their local church, sports leagues, clubs, and many other social opportunities.

Covenant Journey Academy Is Here to Help

While it can feel difficult to navigate the myths surrounding homeschooling, you’re not alone in this. At CJA, we’re here to answer your questions and walk alongside you as you begin this journey. Contact us today!

*Association of Christian Schools International