Home Schooling in Cayman: Pros, Cons & Considerations | Part II

All children between the ages of 5 and 16 in Cayman should be registered in an approved educational plan, which could be a private school, a public school or a homeschool. As of the 2019-2020 school year, approximately 150 children in Cayman are homeschooled. While they are certainly in the minority, in certain circumstances it can be the most desirable option for both student and parents. Like any education system, homeschooling has distinct advantages and disadvantages, and a set of standards and regulations that must be met. For an overview of how and why one might choose to homeschool in Cayman, read on. – by Natasha Were

Socialisation & Friendship for Homeschooled Children

Is there a danger that a child who is home schooled might miss out on socialising with their age group and thus have less friends than a regular school goer? It’s a valid concern, but there is much that can be done to ensure a child does not become isolated. Enrolling kids in extra curricular activities, sports lessons, church groups, music and art lessons, will ensure they meet and socialise with kids of their age. Where one lives can also be influential: some residential areas are particularly family friendly, guaranteeing there will be plenty of other kids around to play with.

Reasons for Choosing Homeschooling

Quality of Education

Parents can choose a curriculum that will be fun and inspiration for their child and they can adapt the teaching to a child’s learning style. It allows them to spend extra time on topics a child struggles with, eliminating concerns parents may have with class sizes or a child’s progress.

Learning Difficulties

For some children, conventional schools may not have the resources to adequately meet each child’s different needs, whereas at home a child receives all the individual attention he/she needs and an education tailored to his/her abilities.

Psychological

For some parents, homeschooling is a means of shielding their children from the less pleasant aspects of large schools – peer pressure, bullying, violence or drugs, for instance. For others it is to remove a child from a school where they were unhappy.

Interim Measure

If a child is on a waitlist for a private school – which is not uncommon in Cayman – homeschooling can be a good temporary solution until a place becomes available.

Financial

Private schooling is expensive, especially for families with more than one child. Homeschooling is very affordable with the main cost being teaching materials.

Travel

For parents who travel a lot, homeschooling means that children can join their parents without missing class.

Looking for more information on homeschooling?

Don’t miss our articles on a Mum’s Account of homeschooling or the Rules & Regulations for homeschooling in Cayman.