Who Homeschools?

In recent years there has been quite an uptake in the number of families homeschooling. Their reasons are as diverse as their background! No longer is homeschooling just for Christians but has planted deep roots into other communities as well.

As an example, a decade ago I lived in the Midwest. The majority of homeschoolers I found were Christian. In fact, I’d say 95% of them were homeschooling for mainly religious reasons. The other 5 % were a mix of beliefs and they chose to homeschool due to bullying. Around that same time, we moved south. In contrast, the homeschooling population has been and continues to grow in leaps and bounds! Homeschoolers and opportunities for learning are plentiful! And now, we find ourselves coming in contact with a very eclectic population! About 50% are Christians who homeschool for a variety of reasons. The other 50% is a mix of religions and beliefs.

The reasons more people are homeschooling nowadays can be summed up into one word, freedom! Not only freedom of religion, but freedom to choose curriculum, freedom in maintaining a schedule that works for their family, freedom from bullying, and freedom from government oversight.

On this journey, I have met many families where the “educational system” has failed their child. Whether it be pushing them to read too early, nonsensical federal curriculum, bullying or an underlying disability, these children are struggling with learning. Once at home, the pressure to perform is removed and replaced with grace and individualize instruction.

In regards to special needs children. As many school districts are not adequately equipped with resources or prepared financially to deal with special needs, these children often fall through the cracks. Since no one knows a child better than their parents, homeschooling makes perfect sense. If there is financial stability, and a supportive environment, homeschooling is a logical avenue. Learning and therapies are able to be covered with the least amount of interference. From Asperger’s, Epilepsy, and other chronic diseases, I’ve seen this scenario work out for the best for both child and parent.

Despite efforts by the school system to eliminate bullying, this is all too common an element in today’s school experience. Children who are being bullied are often times under too much turmoil and stress to learn and achieve their potential. These children often thrive in a homeschool environment. Once the element of fear is removed, learning and personal growth are embraced.

I have been blessed to know homeschoolers from each of these situations. What I love most is that each of their homeschools looks different than ours. Each family seeks to build a foundation that encourages and instructs their child. And in that commonality, we all come together. Doing the best for each child. And that is what homeschooling is all about!

Check out the many homeschooling resources at Rainbow Resource Center!