The number of families that choose to educate kids at home continues to rise. This article explores some of the reasons parents make the decision to homeschool.

When parents make the decision to homeschool, they are often bombarded with questions, judgements and concerns, by well-meaning people, who fail to understand why they prefer to educate children at home.

Parents Educate Children at Home to Create a Safe Learning Environment

According to a 2003 survey by the National Center for Education Statistics, concerns about the safety of school environments was the primary reason for parents choosing to homeschool.

Educating Children at Home can Improve the Academic Process

Many argue that certified teachers are the only ones qualified to provide children with a top notch education. But statistics continue to prove this notion false.

According to researcher Brian D. Ray, Ph.D., in his 2006 article, "Research Facts on Homeschooling," [his research can be found at the National Home Education Research Institute] "whether homeschool parents were ever certified teachers is not related to their children’s academic achievement." the article also says that, "homeschool students score above average on achievement tests regardless of their parents’ level of formal education . . ."

Parents Homeschool Children to Individualize their Educations

Traditional methods of public school instruction is not a good fit for every child. For some children individualized attention may be needed to maximize their potential.

Homeschooling parents can customize curriculums that encourage children’s strengths while nurturing and developing their weaker areas. This gives them the opportunity to excel academically.

Parents Homeschool to Preserve Religious Beliefs

In his article, "Reasons for Homeschooling," Chris Jeub says, "Fear of church and state laws keep some schools from even mentioning the influence of religion in American life. Instead of recognizing religion as part of our culture, civil liberties organizations have fought hard in the courts to make religion illegal in the classroom."

When parents homeschool, it allows them to implement religious studies into their children’s curriculum without fear of government intrusion. Religion is an important factor for a lot of families, and having the right to choose to educate their children in a faith based environment is crucial.

Parents Choose to Homeschool Children for Moral Reasons

Parents have differing views of what’s considered "morally appropriate." Some feel that public schools cross the line when they teach kids, sometimes as young as kindergarten, about things that are they are not developmentally prepared for. So in an effort to minimize confusion to children and preserve moral beliefs, parents opt to homeschool.

If parents are considering homeschool as an educational alternative for kids, they should check with the proper authorities to obtain a list of current state regulations and restrictions.

References:

Research Facts on Homeschooling. Accessed: 3-13-08

Reasons for Homeschooling. Accessed: 3-13-08

National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed: 3-13-08