Homeschooling vs. Private Christian School: Why We Chose Homeschooling

When it comes to our children’s education, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some families thrive in private Christian schools, others in public school, and many—like us—find homeschooling to be the best fit. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with either choice, but I do want to share why I personally love homeschooling and why it’s been such a blessing for our family.

For me, one of the biggest reasons is time. I simply don’t want my kids gone for seven hours a day. Childhood is short, and I don’t want to miss it. I love being part of their learning, but also part of their living. Teaching my kids, reading together, going on field trips, or even just having a slow morning over pancakes feels like a gift I don’t want to hand off to someone else.

Another reason I’m drawn to homeschooling is freedom and movement. I don’t want my kids trapped inside a classroom desk for most of the day. Kids are naturally full of energy and curiosity—they learn just as much running around the backyard, building forts, or exploring nature trails as they do filling out worksheets. Homeschooling allows us to blend learning with movement, creativity, and real-life experiences.

Then there’s the relationships. My kids spend hours playing together—usually four to five hours a day. Because of that, they have an incredibly strong bond. They’re growing up not just as siblings but as true friends. That kind of closeness is something I treasure and something I think homeschooling helps nurture.

I also value being my children’s greatest influence. Instead of their main role models being other kids in a classroom, I get the opportunity to guide them, shape their character, and instill our family’s values. Of course, that doesn’t mean they’re isolated—far from it. In fact, there are so many co-ops, field trips, holiday parties, and community activities available to homeschoolers that we’ve never felt like we were missing out. If anything, we’ve gained flexibility and variety.

Another personal reason for choosing homeschooling is that I don’t want my kids only surrounded by peers who come from similar backgrounds or financial situations. I want them to experience the richness of community, diversity, and real-life interactions, not just the bubble of one school environment.

And truthfully, homeschooling doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. There are hybrid programs that allow families to blend the best of both worlds—structured classes a couple of days a week, with homeschooling the rest of the time.

At the end of the day, I truly respect every parent’s choice. I know private Christian school families have their reasons, and their children are thriving too. For us, though, homeschooling has been a gift. It allows me to be present, to enjoy my children, to give them freedom, and to shape their days around what matters most.

If you’re wrestling with the decision, I encourage you to pray about it. Ask God to show you what’s right for your family. The best choice is the one that helps your children grow in faith, joy, and character—whether that’s at home, at a private Christian school, or somewhere in between.