In recent years, the terms “schooling at home” and “homeschooling” have often been used interchangeably, especially following the rise of virtual learning during the pandemic. While both approaches occur outside of a traditional brick-and-mortar school, they differ fundamentally in purpose, structure, and execution. Understanding these differences can help families make informed decisions about their children’s education.
Definition and Control
Schooling at home typically refers to a situation where a student is enrolled in a public or private school but completes their coursework from the comfort of their own home. This could be through virtual school programs, remote learning platforms, or district-issued online curriculum. In these cases, the school controls the curriculum, pacing, testing, and grading. Parents act more as learning facilitators or supervisors.
Homeschooling, on the other hand, is a parent-directed educational path. Families who homeschool have the legal right and responsibility to design or choose their curriculum, set schedules, and tailor learning to fit their child’s needs. Homeschooling offers greater flexibility, creativity, and personalization.
Curriculum and Instruction
In schooling at home, the curriculum is standardized and aligned with state or district requirements. Students must adhere to the school’s daily schedule, complete assigned lessons, and meet external deadlines as specified.
Homeschooling allows parents to choose a curriculum that aligns with their child’s learning style, interests, and values. Instruction can be one-on-one, hands-on, or even project-based. Learning doesn’t have to follow a traditional calendar or structure, offering more room for exploration and mastery.
Legal Differences
Legally, these two models are treated very differently. Students participating in school-at-home programs are still enrolled in a school system, and that institution governs their education. Homeschoolers are legally withdrawn from public or private schools. They are subject to the homeschool laws of their state, which may require parents to file paperwork, submit portfolios, or administer standardized tests.
Flexibility and Customization
One of the most significant differences is flexibility. Schooling at home is often rigid, with live lessons, strict deadlines, and frequent testing. It replicates the classroom model at home.
Homeschooling offers the flexibility to take breaks, travel, follow the child’s curiosity, or spend extra time on challenging topics. It can adapt to family rhythms, special needs, or educational philosophies like Charlotte Mason, unschooling, or classical education.
Role of the Parent
In school-at-home models, parents support the teacher and enforce school expectations. Their input in the educational process is minimal.
In homeschooling, parents (or guardians) are the primary educators. They choose what to teach, how to prepare it, and when to teach it. Their involvement is deep and ongoing, and they often form a close educational bond with their child.
While both schooling at home and homeschooling happen in the home environment, they serve different purposes and provide vastly different experiences. One mirrors the public school system from a distance, while the other embraces educational freedom and parental control. Recognizing these distinctions helps families choose the path that best supports their child’s academic and personal growth.
