Home school is gaining popularity throughout the United States. The reasons for this are numerous, but much of the growth in home school “enrollments” seems to stem from a certain fact. Not only do parents want to ensure that their children receive a higher quality of education than what most public and many private schools can provide, but many students are asking for the same as well. For those new to the concept of home school, or perhaps a bit suspicious as to whether home school really “works,” here are some facts to startle even the most stoic of home school skeptics.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the number of students in home school increased a whopping 29 percent between 1999 and 2003. Furthermore, a recent (2001) Rose and Gallup poll on the subject shows that 41 percent of families feel that home school is “a good thing.” Of course, just because something is popular does not necessarily mean it is good or better than something else. However, the surging popularity of home school and the ever- growing number of home school students is not unfounded. Studies demonstrate that home school students average 80 points higher on SATs than those in public school, and 70 points higher than students who received a private education. In other words, students from home school tend toward superior performance.
High standardized test scores look good to college admission committees, but not nearly as good as demonstrated seriousness to study and community involvement. Regarding this aspect of the admissions process, the flexibility of home school actually encourages students to truly “get out there” and pursue the subjects that truly interest them. Consider the difference in a subject such as biology. The home school student may go out with field guides and identify and observe wildlife in its natural environment. In astronomy, lessons can be held outside on a clear night. Certainly these learning experiences are far more valuable and engaging than what the student in the classroom experiences only viscerally via power points, charts, and books.
Not only are home school students more likely to develop an enthusiasm for learning, but they are also more likely to develop a strong self-initiative when it comes to their studies. Home school students, while able to follow instructions, will not struggle when clear instructions are absent. Home school students will have learned long ago how to approach and pursue the subject matter and question on their own. College recruiters know this, and college enrollments reflect this fact. More and more, it is the home school student who holds the academic edge.
________________________________________________________________
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mimi Rothschild is a homeschooling parent, author, children's rights advocate, and Founder and C.E.O. of Learning by Grace, Inc. She and her husband of almost 3 decades reside with their 8 children in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Rothschild co-founded Learning By Grace, Inc. because "our current system of education has broken its promise..." Learning By Grace, Inc. delivers Internet-based multimedia education to PreK-12 children in the United States and throughout the world.
Rothschild has authored a number of books about education published by McGraw Hill and others. Her Daily Education News Blog contains feature stories on alternatives in education.