Another Choice
Home education is an alternative that thousands of parents are choosing every year. But why would a family choose to abandon the varied educational advantages and social interaction offered by public school?

Academics
Many parents have elected to home school for academic reasons.

Far more can be accomplished one-on-one in just an hour or two than can be in a classroom of 30+ students who are are being taught simultaneously. At home a child is able to learn at his own pace and have more time to pursue hobbies or develop talents. This also benefits the child who is struggling in public school or for the child who excels. He or she has the advantage of measuring progress according to his own standard and success. Study at home also helps the child to become self-reliant, self directed and self-confident. The child learns to be responsible for his own education.

Social Reasons
Some parents choose home school because of the social environment. They feel that children are better served by being socialized by adults, family members and friends who model positive characteristics instead of peers who may not hold good, solid values.

Children are extremely impressionable and parents want children to experience positive socialization in a more controlled atmosphere. Most home-school children are not isolated. They are usually involved in activities that reflect their values. By avoiding many of the negative social experiences found in public schools, homeschool children develop a strong self-esteem. These children can learn with confidence as they associate with people of all ages. They are less prone to peer dependency and make great leaders.

For Unity And Lave At Home
Many parents feel the education of their children is their responsibility and not the responsibility of the government. They feel that this responsibility cannot be delegated to another organization or institution. For a child to gain the most from their educational experience they must be taught by those who have their welfare most at heart-their parents. No teacher, no matter how committed, can love each and every child with the love of a parent.

Many home school families express the love and unity that have come about since they started home schooling. Learning together as a family creates a powerful bond, one that many wouldn't have if they didn't home school. There is usually less contention; children learn to love and serve one another; their siblings become their best friends. The "generation gap" that comes with associating only with same-aged children never has an opportunity to sink its roots into the family.

Spiritual Reasons
Many parents choose to home school because they feel education should be centered around moral and religious teachings. Parents feel that religious education may be more valuable than secular education. Learning in a Christ-centered atmosphere builds love, self esteem, and faith in a spiritually healthy environment. Rather than compartmentalizing secular subjects, parents can tie scriptures and prayer to the subjects they are studying.

Parents feel that sending young children to conventional schools before they are firm in their spiritual values "is risky. Secular subjects in conventional schools may present ideas that contradict a family's religious convictions. "To attack faith without nurturing it is like teaching people to swim by dropping them in the middle of the ocean." (David W. Luu, Can Notre Dame Be Saved? p.38, First Things, January 1992).

Avoiding The Pitfalls of Conventional Schooling
Many parents choose to home school and in order to avoid dangerous situations that may be encountered in the conventional system. In many areas of the country, going to and from school is very dangerous. In some instances, being in school is dangerous with bullying and campus violence. Some children suffer emotional and mental stress. Certain situations can cause fears which prevent some children from learning effectively, or they may develop physical problems such as ulcers, headaches, nausea or nightmares. There are many fine schools and excellent teachers, but some parents feel they can provide a more secure environment where their children are better able to learn with greater retention. 

Peers may have a bad influence on children. Parents may withdraw their child from public school because of gang activity, drinking, and/or drug abuse, or their children have become the victims of peers who wish them harm.

Sometimes a child's needs are not being met. Perhaps the child has learning disabilities or behavior problems. Bringing a child home where he and the parent can work one-on.-one can ease the situation and start the healing.

What Do Home School Families Do All Day?
Each family's curriculum is as unique as the personalities that make up the family. Learning at home. can take place any time, all the time. Some families spend large amounts of time exploring the outdoors. Some delight in time spent developing talents, even performing together professionally. Some families establish a business and, through it, teach leadership, math, business, typing, etc. Many home schoolers apprentice under a neighbor's guidance. Others attend junior high and high school part-time while pursuing other interests at home. Many perform community service, and children of all ages become involved in worthwhile projects. The list is endless!

For more information about home schooling,. check under the yellow pages in your local phone book. Or email us here at Every Needful Thing and we will help you find a local organization.