The number of children in the US being homeschooled
has doubled since 1999, with almost two million kids now getting their education from
home. The US Department of Education’s National Center for Education
Statistics (NCES) released the numbers in a recent report, which also
found a great deal of diversity in the homeschooling community.
Contrary to some stereotypes, homeschoolers come from all walks of life,
with over a third coming from Hispanic, African-American and Asian backgrounds.
Indeed homeschooling families come from every demographic, not to mention
social and political backgrounds. In other words it’s a community
that is extremely diverse.
Homeschooling is growing in other countries, for example
Israel, but the US remains the epicenter of this style of education. A key aspect
of homeschooling is seeking assistance and cooperation outside the home.
Tutor Doctor, for example, has always been very active in providing in-home and online
tutoring for homeschooled students. At the same time, homeschooling teachers
routinely join other parents for support and combining of resources, ranging
from field trips, science demonstrations, and a variety of extracurriculars
up to and including drama.
There are still hurdles to overcome, of course. Culturally, homeschooling
still struggles to attain full respect and recognition. Homeschoolers
still sometimes run afoul of rules and regulations, for example in the area of
athletics. But at the same time, as the field continues to grow these problems are
likely to fade away. Already a homeschooled man in Niagara Falls, Ontario
made history by
winning election to the provincial legislature at the tender age of nineteen.
In short, homeschooling is growing by leaps and bounds, and its future
is bright!
