Homeschooling is an educational alternative to public or private school, where a child is taught from home. A homeschooled child may be taught by parents, a professional tutor, distance education or local co-ops, among the many choices.
Homeschooling is a legal means of education in all 50 of the United States and in many countries around the world. However, most states have specific laws in regards to homeschooling.http://www.nhen.org/media/default.asp?id=337The most lightly regulated states are Idaho, Alaska, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Connecticut and New Jersey. In some of these states "homeschooling" falls under the laws regulating private schools.http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp
Homeschooling was the norm for much of the U.S. in its formative years. The first public schools were started in Massachusetts in the late 1830s but were not compulsory. Homeschooling gradually died out, but was not illegal, by WWII. For some people in remote areas, homeschooling has always been practiced. Homeschooling began growing again in the 60s among anti-establishment people, and in the 70s for religious reasons.http://www.johntaylorgatto.com/underground/index.htm Homeschooling was also legal in most countries of the world.
However, Hitler outlawed homeschooling in Germany, fearing it would produce "parallel societies." The Soviet Union also outlawed homeschooling. As Stalin said, "Education is a weapon, whose effect depends on who holds it in his hands and at whom it is aimed."http://www.johntaylorgatto.com/underground/index.htm Many German families have sought political asylum in the United States over the issue of homeschooling.http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/01/us/01homeschool.html
Today people homeschool for a wide variety of reasons, including educational excellence, an individual school's failure to fit their child's needs, not wishing to have their child graduate from a failing school, accelerated education, desire for a 21st century education, flexibility of hours or subject matter, ability to take their children with them as they travel for real-world education, and more.
United States Prevalence
However, in some states there is no reporting or registering, so this figure is inaccurate.
Strictly Regulated States
Homeschol vs. Public School - Deciding Whether to Homeschool
Expert Village discusses the decision making process behind deciding whether to homeschool or not. Terry Niven is the expert giving the information. He is the administrator of California Home Educators and principal of Sunland Christian School. He discusses the needs of the child, finances, the benefits, and whether it is an educational advantage for the child. He concludes with the statement that with all factors being correct, homeschooling "can" work for any family.
References
Fast Facts
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State requirements vary
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Many methods
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Number of homeschooling families growing by 7 to 15% per yearYou Can Homeschool: Introduction
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Wide variety of people homeschooled
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Many colleges seek homeschoolers for admittance
