Monongalia Homeschoolers Association

Why do people choose to homeschool?

Families choose homeschooling for a varity of reasons, as each homeschooling family is unique, but the following are some of the most common factors that have led many to opt for educating their children at home:

• Indivdualized attention for the child. The one-on-one that can be given a child at home is a vast improvement over the 20/1 or 30/1 student-teacher ratio in a regular classroom. Even a homeschooling family with several children can provide individual attention to each child in turn or work with a few near the same age together.
• The child learns at his/her own pace. Without the pressure of many other children in a classroom all being expected to learn a skill at the same age and rate, a homeschooled child can race ahead in a subject that is easy for him, and take things more slowly in a subject that is difficult.
• Freedom to follow the child's interests. A child learning at home has the time to pursue an interest intensely. Children who love to read may read for hours. Children who love music or art may devote considerable time to their creative talents. A family that takes an interest in the Civil War can pursue that subject as long as they like. On the other hand, a child who has absolutely no interest in a subject need not be forced to "learn" it at any particular moment, but many put it off until a later time. People tend to really learn and remember things that are important to them and that they actually want to know.
• To follow the family's religious views. Many families prefer to bring their children up in an environment where their faith is an integral part of their education.
• To allow their children to direct their own learning. Some families prefer to "unschool", where the parents direct as little of the children's education as possible. The belief is that children will truly learn (and not just memorize and then forget) things that they are interested in and have a need for in their lives.
• High academic standards. Many people feel dissatisfied with the academic standards of traditional schools and feel they can help their children achieve a higher level with individualized education.
• To temporarily help a child through a tough period in school. Sometimes parents choose homeschooling because their child is unhappy in school, for whatever reason. They may be able to help their child catch up in an area he/she is having difficultly with in school. The child may return to the classroom the next year, or decide to continue homeschooling.
• To maintain a close family. Families that spend a lot of time together really know each other and can maintain friendly and open relationships.
• Real life experiences. Homeschooled children have more opportunity to get out into the real world, whether it is by helping with a family business, running errands with a parent, doing volunteer work in the community, or taking an apprenticeship or job in an area of interest.
• More free time. Children working at their own pace are able to cover material very quickly. Homeschooling families find that official "schoolwork" does not take their whole day. This is especially nice for young children who so enjoy playing (and older children, too, who enjoy their free time).