Homeschooling Facts

It can be difficult to separate homeschooling facts from the fictional information that surrounds homeschooling. Here are some homeschool facts you can trust!

Although the home school community is growing at a rate of 5-12% annually, myths about homeschooling continue to circulate. Here are some reliable homeschooling statistics.

Here are some homeschooling facts to debunk the most common myths about home education:

1. Homeschooled children won't be ready for the real world. Homeschoolers spend their days in the real world, interacting with those of different age ranges, cultures and economic levels. They learn social skills from these interactions, as well as from involvement in support groups and community activities.

   Here is some information about homeschooling and socialization.

2. Homeschool graduates will have trouble getting into college. When students graduate from a home school, they receive a high school diploma that is valid for employment and college enrollment. Homeschoolers can apply for college scholarships. Many college and universities are beginning to recruit homeschool students.

3. Home educators must have college degrees and teaching certificates. Parents can successfully educate their children even without a college degree or teaching credentials. Most homeschool programs come with detailed lesson plans that tell parents exactly how to teach specific subjects.

   Here is some information about choosing a homeschooling curriculum.

4. Families need permission from government officials in order to teach their children at home. Homeschooling laws vary from state to state. Although some states require notification, record keeping and testing, other states do not regulate homeschoolers.

   Here is some information about homeschooling requirements.

5. Homeschoolers are right-wing, conservative Christians. Homeschool families vary in race, socioeconomic status, religion, and political affiliation. Many families homeschool for reasons that are unrelated to their religious beliefs.

6. Homeschooling is expensive. The amount of money spent on homeschooling varies according to a family's budget and needs. Some families even manage to homeschool for free.

   Here are some tips for affordable homeschooling and ideas that will lower your homeschooling cost.

7. Home school students work at the kitchen table for 6-8 hours per day. Homeschool schedules are efficient, allowing many children to complete their assignments in as little as 2-3 hours per day. Home education does not have to resemble traditional classroom education.

   Here are descriptions of the most popular homeschooling methods.

8. Parents aren't qualified to teach gifted or special needs children. A healthy home environment is ideal for special needs and gifted students whose needs can't be met in a traditional classroom. At home, students receive an education tailored to their interests and learning styles.

9. Homeschoolers miss out on fun school activities and events. Students who are homeschooled can participate in homeschooling activities through local support groups and organizations, and community facilities like recreation centers and public libraries.

10. I'm not patient (smart, organized, etc.) enough to homeschool. You don't have to be perfect to teach your children. Home education builds character in both parents and students.

    Here is some information about homeschooling qualifications.

Disregard the negative opinions you may have heard about homeschoolers, and replace them with homeschooling facts!