Should You Home School Your Children?

Many of you reading this don't have children, but you might in the future so this could benefit you. Public school systems seemed to be a failure from the start. Lately it has gotten much worse because of lack of funding for programs, overcrowded classrooms, unhealthy food for lunches, and lack of security. Right now, I would much rather pay $10,000 a year that I can't afford to send my son to a private school rather than put him in the public school system.

When I was in school I remember the disgusting food that I was served. Rubber chicken patties, greasy orange pizza, and mushy fruit in a cup were a few choices that I had, much like the lunch that is pictured to the right. Unfortunately not much has changed because most of these items are still being served in cafeterias across the United States today. Thanks to Jamie Oliver and his school lunch renovation program found here, some public schools are starting to change, but changing the food isn't enough.

Overcrowding in classrooms is another big obstacle that must be tackled. With a ratio of 25 to 30 students to one teacher in most classrooms above a fifth grade level, students can't get the individual attention that they need. Many teachers don't even bother to learn students names' anymore because they can't keep up with all of the kids they teach on a daily basis. This is saddening, especially to me since my son will be starting kindergarten next year. Knowing that his classroom is going to be overcrowded and that he won't be getting attention that he deserves (and that my tax dollars are paying for) angers me.

Another thing that worries me is a lack of security on school campuses. Lately there have been school shootings left and right, not only at colleges but at high schools, middle schools, and even elementary schools. When I was in school we didn't need metal detectors and security guards at every entrance, but times have changed. Most schools don't have either, but this needs to change. In order for children to be safe, a security plan needs to be placed in each public school in the United States. Just today a college in Oakland, California had a massive shooting (here). So far seven people have died. I'm not saying this could have been prevented because college campuses are a lot different than a high school building, but this just goes to show that security needs to be upped on school campuses.

As of right now I am not sending my son to a public school. It's unsafe, unhealthy, and not in his best interest. I do believe in the education that a public school can give if an institution has the right educators. I got an excellent education through the public school system. I'm just not risking my son's life or his health to get something that is free. It's not worth it in my opinion unless things change.