Why do people choose to homeschool?

Families choose homeschooling for a variety of reasons. Each homeschooling family is unique, but the following are some of the most common attractions:

• Indivdualized attention for the child. The one-on-one that can be given a child at home allows individual attentionn that is not possible with a 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 who are near the same age together.
• The child learns at his/her own pace. Without the pressure of a classroom of children who are all expected to learn each 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. Retention of information occurs when information is important to a child and if it is something they actually want to know.
• To follow the family's religious views. Many families prefer to raise their children in an environment where their faith is an integral part of their education.
• High academic standards. Many people want their children to strive for hihger academic standards than traditional schools and feel they can help their children achieve a higher level with individualized instruction.
• To maintain a close family. Families that spend considerable time together know each other well and are able to maintain friendly and open relationships.
• To allow their children to direct their own learning. Some families prefer to allow their children to direct as much of their own 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.
• To temporarily help a child through a difficult 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 difficulty with in school. The child may return to the classroom the next year, or decide to continue homeschooling.
• Real life experiences. Homeschooled children have more opportunities to get out into the real world, whether it is by doing volunteer work in the community, helping with a family business, running errands with a parent, or committing to 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. Some homeschooling families find that official "schoolwork" does not take their whole day. Children have more time to play, pursue other interests, and enjoy their free time.