The School/No School Divide

School or no school?
It can sometimes seem as though that is the only choice. You're either in this camp or that one. 


At first glance it's easy to think that these are the only two options.  Certainly in the minds of most of us they are.
But the truth is, there are other choices. They may be a little more difficult to find at first, but they are popping up all over the world and I find it very exciting.


Options like Flexi-School, Free School, Part-Time School, Learning Co-ops, tertiary institutions offering high school studies, online courses, Distance Education.


Choices! Hoorah!   


Even though I may sound it at times, I am not Anti-Schooling. I am Pro-Education and Pro-Choice. There are some amazing schools out there doing amazing things. Full-time home education doesn't suit all families and although I would like to see more children being educated in a way that doesn't involve traditional schools, I know there will always be a need for schools. 


Many families don't feel that sending their children to school 6 hours a day, 5 days a week for 13 years is beneficial. At the same time they don't want, or cannot, have their children by their side 24 hours a day. 


I would love to see a balance become available for these families, go to school two days a week, stay home three. Study certain subjects at school and the rest at home. It would certainly be beneficial for the home educated children, to have access to the resources that schools can provide such as rugby fields, experienced teachers, music rooms and science labs. 
And beneficial for the schooling families too! They may decide to have their children at home for a limited time, for reasons of illness or travel or distance, and then the home educating families would be a tremendous source of knowledge and support for them.  
However this option is still only very limited, especially for younger children. And not allowed in some Australian states and territories at all. 
It seems the attitude is all or nothing. Why is flexibility not more of an option? We're not enemies are we? We want the same things - the best possible educational experience for our children. 
We both have value, we both have something to offer. 
Moving toward a respectful partnership with flexibility, support and compassion will be beneficial to all involved, especially our kids. 


I hope this blog helps to challenge the preconceived notions regarding the Home Education/Traditional Schooling divide. At the very least it helps get this ongoing mental debate out of my head. Is anyone listening anyway?