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| Image Credit: Boy Raising the Bible Towards the Sky by chatkarenstudio, via Canva. |
Some things only make sense when one is older. When I was in primary school, I often thought I was slow. There were times I performed well and received awards, but more often, I found it difficult to follow the lessons. I later realized that a teacher’s support or encouragement made a significant difference. I am always grateful for my teachers. In high school, I had more support and encouragement than in primary school, I can say, which is why I did better. But I still wonder now what could have been of my other classmates and schoolmates had they received the same support. I am not saying our teachers did not try, but in Philippine public schools, where about 40 to 50 students are in a single classroom, there is little opportunity for any teacher to monitor the mental state or learning pace of each child. Only those who naturally fit the curriculum had a better chance of thriving.
According to Matthew M. Chingos (2013), smaller class sizes positively affect student performance, especially in foundational years. Larger classes, by contrast, often hinder individual learning progress and limit student-teacher interaction. It makes a bit of sense to me why my ability to learn was never properly nurtured—I simply did not fit the system, and the system could not adjust to fit me.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, my school discontinued our scholarship, and my parents lost their income. I had to stop studying for a while to work and help my family. Later, I found an online degree program and enrolled (the only choice because I still had to work). That was when I realized my preferred method of learning. I have always enjoyed studying independently and being given the materials to explore topics on my own. I often have many questions that need further research, which I could not pursue in traditional settings because of certain experiences. That opportunity made me understand that my earlier academic struggles were not due to a lack of interest, but due to a method that did not suit me.
I also remember many experiences, like me once learning an English word from a movie and eagerly sharing it in class. When the teacher asked how to pronounce it, I raised my hand and said it the way I had heard it—only to be told it was wrong. Later, as I studied to be an ESL teacher, I learned about the different English accents and spelling systems. I realized I had been correct, but the teacher had been, perhaps, unaware of the variation. These small experiences shaped my confidence negatively and left me confused for years. Sadly, many children go through similar things—feeling defeated, not because they are wrong, but because they are not understood.
This is one of the reasons why I would love to homeschool, should God bless me with children. A few years ago, I took the Home Education Diploma course from the Centre of Excellence. It gave me the desire to pursue homeschooling and the clarity to write about it. I plan to share more of what I learned in future entries, but for now, here are some of the key benefits according to the course, alongside my Christian reflections:
Tailored Learning for the Individual Child
According to the Centre of Excellence, homeschooling allows courses to be individualized and projects to be customized. I am sure we all know this. I believe this gives parents the opportunity to observe their children closely and teach according to how God designed them to think and grow (Ps 139:14). If one child learns best by doing, the lesson can involve hands-on projects. If another prefers reading, we can adjust accordingly. There is no one-size-fits-all. This also protects children from being mislabeled or overlooked because they do not fit a standardized method.
Flexible Schedules and Integrated Activities
Homeschooling offers flexibility in what, when, where, and how the child learns. The Centre of Excellence highlights this as a benefit not only for convenience but also for deeper family bonding. In a homeschool setting, P.E. can happen at the park or during a quiet hike. Social science can take place at a community event or while volunteering together. This allows us to combine subjects, save time and resources, and grow closer to our children. The Bible teaches us to walk with our children and speak of God’s truth in the everyday moments of life (Deut 6:6–7), and this freedom makes that possible. This is how I imagine it. I would like to take them out for a picnic or a quiet camp, or spend an afternoon at a museum, or simply play with them in the yard—not as part of a formal P.E. or science requirement, but simply as time shared. Yet in those moments, they will still be learning. And I will be there to guide them, not only in knowledge but also in faith.
Nurturing Creativity and Real-World Skills
Homeschooling allows for creativity to be encouraged and pursued. At the same time, it promotes learning through practical life experiences. As the course puts it, students learn practical skills by living and learning in the real world. From budgeting and cooking to travel and ministry, learning becomes part of life. This teaches children wisdom—not just knowledge (Prov 4:7). It equips them for adulthood by showing them how the world works while grounding them in truth.
Better Emotional Health and Healthy Routines
The course also notes that homeschooling can reduce power struggles over homework, support healthier sleep habits, and remove the constant battle over motivation. Children are not forced into routines that do not fit their development. They can rest when needed and learn when ready. They are less likely to be pressured into medication for being energetic or curious. Instead, those qualities can be guided with patience and purpose. Christ Himself was gentle with children (Mk 10:14), and homeschooling makes it easier for parents to reflect that same gentleness.
Protection and Godward Formation
I think one of the most crucial benefits of homeschooling is the ability to protect the child—not only physically, but spiritually and morally. The Centre of Excellence says that homeschooling reduces negative peer pressure and influences relating to drugs, immorality, and distorted identities. Homeschooling gives parents the opportunity to be the primary voice in their children’s formation, rather than surrendering it to trends or ideologies. More importantly, homeschooling allows parents to consistently teach biblical truth, not as a separate subject, but as the foundation of all learning (Col 2:3).
Cost and Accessibility
Homeschooling can result in cost savings compared to private education. There will still be expenses—books, materials, internet—but it eliminates recurring tuition fees. For families who cannot afford good private schools, this is a wise and practical alternative. And with the internet, which I personally see as one of God’s kind provisions, we now have access to sound teaching, global resources, and various methods to compare and evaluate. A well-informed parent today can make decisions with discernment and hope.
Support for Special Needs and Family Priorities
The Centre of Excellence also says that homeschooling is ideal for families with children who have special needs, medical conditions, or mental health concerns. Parents can set the pace and create a nurturing environment based on what the child genuinely needs. That kind of personal attention is rare in traditional systems. For active children, the freedom to move and learn without pressure to conform is a mercy.
Homeschooling is not an escape, nor is it a declaration of superiority. It is a decision that must be made with sobriety, wisdom, and above all, a sincere desire to glorify God in the life of your child. Not every family will be in the same position, and not everyone will be led in the same direction. But if the Lord provides the means, and you have the willingness to carry the weight that comes with this responsibility, then homeschooling can be a faithful and fruitful path.
This is not to say it is the only right way. But I do hope that those who are curious, hesitant, or unsure will consider that, for many families, the sacrifices involved are outweighed by the lasting gains—spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. I hope that the insights I have shared from both my personal experience and what I have learned in my studies will serve you well as you seek what is best for your children. And if the Lord ever gives me children of my own, I pray He will give me the strength and wisdom to live out these convictions faithfully.
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References:
Chingos, M. M. (2013). Class Size and Student Outcomes: Research and Policy Implications. Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 32(2), 411–438. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/pam.21677
Centre of Excellence. (n.d.). Home Education Diploma Course. https://www.centreofexcellence.com/shop/home-education-diploma-course/
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