An increasing trend in the education of children is in-home schooling, and as more people hear about homeschoolers and the unique approach to learning they have, many people are curious to learn more about homeschooling to help them determine if it might be an option that will be beneficial for their family as well.
Homeschoolers can be found in just about every corner of the United States, and across the globe as well, from small towns, inner cities, out in rural areas or the average, everyday suburbs. The composition of the families that choose homeschooling also runs the gamut. Even single-parent families are known to homeschool, as well as those who operate family businesses which gives them great flexibility. Still other families manage to combine work outside the home with home schooling activities.
And, it is reported that the numbers are on the rise of those who are deciding home schooling education is the best route for their family as they learn more about homeschooling and how it can counter many of the concerns that are common in public schools.
While it is generally acknowledged that Christian Fundamentalists have been considered the backbone of the homeschooling community, as the homeschooling movement has gained momentum an increasingly diverse group of people are becoming involved in homeschooling children. This has given rise to more widespread and divergent homeschool group support resources.
In addition to the many established publications and support groups for Christian homeschooling, there are now support groups, forums and newsletters that address the specific concerns and needs of Muslim, Jewish, Hispanic, and African-American homeschoolers, just to name a few.
There are no exact numbers, but researches have estimated that there are now well over a million homeschoolers in the United States alone. This is a significant increase from the 350,000 that was estimated in the early 90’s. However, there is no way to be sure about homeschooling statistics since some parents do not register when required, and many states do not have a requirement for homeschoolers to be registered at all. But, based on the numbers from states that track such statistics, it is evident that the numbers of homeschooled children has increased significantly over the past ten to fifteen years.
Many people wonder about homeschooling being legal in their state, or country. At this time, homeschool laws in the United States permit homeschooling children in all fifty states. Also, it is legal to have children participate in a home schooling program in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and France, and it is likely allowed in most other countries as well. You can check your state’s homeschool laws in any law library or courthouse in your area by checking for “Compulsory Education” or for “School Attendance,” and you will likely also be able to find online homeschooling information as well.
Look for a local homeschool group which will be able to provide you with more local information, requirements and resources to help be sure that you meet the state mandated requirements for your situation. Many of these homeschool groups provide informational packets, or have web pages, about homeschooling that include the basic information needed to start homeschooling your children.
Posted in Kids and education