Homeschooling vs. Enrolling in a School in the Early Years: What Parents Should Consider

When children reach preschool and early elementary age, parents are faced with one of the most important decisions in their child’s educational journey: whether to homeschool or to enroll them in a school. Both pathways have their benefits and challenges, and the right choice often depends on your child’s personality, your family’s values, and the resources available.  Below are a few key differences between homeschooling and attending a school in the early years division (typically ages 3-8)

Structure and Routine

• Homeschooling

  Homeschooling allows for a highly flexible daily schedule. Parents can adapt lessons to their child’s energy levels, interests, or family activities. This can be particularly helpful for children who need more time to transition between tasks or who thrive in less structured environments.

• School Enrollment

  Early school divisions follow a consistent daily routine. Children learn to adapt to a structured environment with set times for learning, play, and rest. This helps prepare them for future transitions through elementary and beyond.

Socialization Opportunities

• Homeschooling

  Social interaction depends on the parent’s efforts to connect with homeschool groups, sports, community classes, or playdates. While many homeschool families provide rich social opportunities, it requires intentional planning.

• School Enrollment

  Being in a school setting naturally exposes children to peers from diverse backgrounds. They learn to navigate friendships, practice conflict resolution, and build collaboration skills within group activities.

Curriculum and Learning Approach

• Homeschooling

  Parents have the freedom to choose or even design a curriculum that reflects their child’s learning style, pace, and interests. Families can integrate cultural, religious, or experiential learning into daily lessons.

• School Enrollment

  Schools generally follow a curriculum that aligns with state and national standards. In the early school division, this often includes foundational literacy and math, social-emotional development, language acquisition, and structured play.

Parent Role and Commitment

• Homeschooling

  Parents take on the role of teacher, administrator, and facilitator. This requires significant time, planning, and patience. For many families, one parent may adjust their career or schedule to make homeschooling sustainable.

• School Enrollment

  Parents support their child’s learning primarily outside of school hours. While involvement is still key—through homework support, communication with teachers, or volunteering—the day-to-day teaching responsibility rests with educators.

Cost Considerations

• Homeschooling

  Costs can vary depending on curriculum choices, materials, extracurriculars, and whether families join homeschool cooperatives. While homeschooling may save on tuition, it may also impact a parent’s earning potential if one reduces work hours.

• School Enrollment

  Costs depend on whether the school is public, charter, or private. Tuition, uniforms and activity fees can add up. However, schools also provide access to resources such as libraries, playgrounds, technology, and specialist teachers.

 Development of Independence

• Homeschooling 

  Children may enjoy more one-on-one attention, but they may have fewer opportunities to practice independence outside of the home setting. Parents often need to be intentional in fostering responsibility and self-regulation.

• Preparation for the Real World                                                                                  Schools mimic broader society with rules, routines, expectations and opportunities for responsibility (student leadership, projects, community service)  Children practice independence while still in a supportive environment.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to early education. Homeschooling can offer flexibility, individualized attention, and family-centered learning, while school enrollment provides structure, built-in socialization, and access to resources.

The key is to reflect on your family’s values, your child’s needs, and your ability to commit to either pathway. Some families even combine the two over time - homeschooling in the early years and transitioning to formal school later, or supplementing school with at-home enrichment.

At ISA, we believe in educating the whole child by meeting each student where they are. Just as some children need additional support to strengthen their reading or math skills, many also benefit from direct instruction in behavioral skills. Core skills such as listening, following directions, problem-solving, and demonstrating respect are essential not only for academic achievement but also for healthy social and emotional growth.