Considering Homeschooling as a Viable Option

In just the last year alone, a great many families chose to homeschool their children. Over one million children in the United States were taught at home, instead of in the public schools, according to statistics released by the National Center for Education Statistics.

The rise of homeschooling is a relatively recent phenomenon. Not long ago, it was considered a radical choice; it was something only parents who sought isolation would consider, at least according to the popular conception. Today, it is legal in every state, with one million children being educated at home, and the numbers are rising every year.

The reason for the shift from public school to homeschooling differs for each family. A number of surveys suggest parents are getting impatient with the lack of education at many public schools. Some parents feel that school is only superficial, focusing more on feelings than on academics.

There is also the always-present concern over the dangerous elements in public schools portrayed so often on the news. Drugs in school, physical abuse and bullying, guns and knives in the classroom; these are just a few of the problems in today’s schools. Even aside from these, there is the negative influence brought by peer pressure that often induces children to participate in activities best left alone.

Homeschooling is the perfect opportunity to avoid all the negative impact public school has to offer. Parents can guide their children’s education in a loving environment. The home school environment can be especially important during a child’s early development, between three and twelve years of age. Young children are more prone to negative influence from their peers and are still learning the difference between right and wrong. Parents of homeschooled children are better able to protect their children from problems such as these.

A homeschooled child inevitably develops a bond with the teaching parent, something different from the usual bond between parent and child. As time passes, the bond only strengthens as the parent teaches the child not only about life, but about how the world works and why things are the way they are.

Homeschooling also allows a parent to incorporate moral and religious views into the education process that is simply not allowed in public schools. This teaching process is not just rote, as the close relationship between parent and child strengthens such life lessons.

There are a few impediments to homeschooling, however, most notably time and money. Most families today require both parents to work for ends to meet. Families of homeschooled children are generally dependent upon one parent for support. The other parent’s full-time job is homeschooling. Therefore, this option is best for financially stable families.

A helpful aspect of the rise of homeschooling is the proliferation of support groups cropping up in every neighborhood. They are an important source of support an help to homeschooling parents. Many of these groups are even online, able to form networks beyond their communities with parents across the country. The first step for anyone looking to homeschool their own children should be to find the local homeschooling support group.

To learn more about a quality, distance learning homeschool please visit Laurel Springs School. Laurel Springs School is an accredited, college prep private school offering distance learning programs and teacher services for students in grades K-12. Laurel Springs uses web-based communication tools, a standards-based curriculum, and personalized instruction to offer students the highest quality home education experience based on your child's learning style.