Why Homeschool?

“Why do you homeschool?” Every homeschooler will be asked that question (or some variation of it) at some point. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.

The homeschool community is made up of a wide variety of people – people from different religions, races, and financial situations. They can live in urban or rural areas. They have varying levels of education. With so many differences, it stands to reason that they also have a variety of reasons for choosing to homeschool. Ask ten different homeschoolers why they homeschool, and you’ll likely get ten different answers. Here, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons people homeschool.

Religion – Some people choose to homeschool for religious reasons. It may be because they disagree, on a religious level, with some of the things being taught in public schools. It may be that they want to make sure their children receive a proper religious education or an education from a religious worldview. It may be that they feel homeschooling is part of their Creator’s plan for their family. Whatever their specific reason, many will tell you that religion is their main reason for homeschooling.

Dissatisfaction with the state of the public schools – Some people choose to homeschool because they or their children had a bad experience with public school. It could be that their child wasn’t challenged enough or was pushed ahead before they were ready. It could be that they just don’t believe the public school environment is conducive to learning due to the distractions, peer pressure, and violence. It could also be that the materials or teaching style used in public school did not work for them.

Stability – Some people travel a lot. They may be missionaries or in the military. They want some stability in their child’s education. Changing schools constantly can be very hard on a child, and can cause gaps in their education.

Following the child’s dreams – Children that have dreams of acting, singing, dancing, Olympic sports, etc. need to devote large amounts of time to reaching those dreams. Some parents will homeschool their children so they can devote the necessary time to their aspirations, without neglecting their academics.

Academic reasons – Public schools do work for some, but not for everyone. Some students drop out. Some graduate with a 4^th grade reading level. Many students get pushed through the grades without mastering the work. Some people choose to homeschool so this doesn’t happen to their child. Some want to make sure that their children take courses not offered in their local public schools. These parents want their children to get the best education possible, and feel that homeschooling is the way to do that.

Special Needs Children – Some parents of children with special educational needs feel that the public schools can’t or don’t meet the needs of their children. Many special needs children are placed in remedial classes, even if they don’t belong there. Even classes or programs for gifted children don’t always meet the educational needs of the gifted students. Some parents choose to educate their special needs children at home, in order to make sure that the child’s needs are properly met.

These are just some of the reasons that people choose to homeschool.  While the public schools do work for some, they aren’t for everyone. When public school doesn’t work, some choose private school & some choose homeschooling. Whatever our individual reasons, the thing we all have in common is a desire to do what is best for our children.