In case you still don't know much about homeschool, there are many reasons people do it. From the Washington State Homeschool Assn., here are a few:
- Parents are with their children all day.
- Parents know and understand their children, and are influential in their lives, even as they enter the teen years.
- Homeschooling prevents premature parent-child separation, avoiding inappropriate pressure on children.
- Children are allowed to mature at their own speeds, no "hurried child" syndrome.
- Parents and other adults are the primary role models for homeschooled children.
- Homeschooling provides positive and appropriate socialization with peers and adults.
- Homeschooled children are largely free from peer pressure.
- Homeschooled children are comfortable interacting with people of all ages.
- Homeschooled children view adults as an integrated part of their world and as natural partners in learning.
- Family values and beliefs are central to social, emotional and academic development.
- Family life revolves around its own needs and priorities rather than the demands of school.
- Homeschooling creates/maintains positive sibling relationships.
- Homeschooling promotes good communication and emotional closeness within a family.
- Research shows that the two most important factors in reading and overall educational success are positive home influence and parental involvement; homeschooling provides both.
- A child's natural thirst for learning is nurtured, not squelched, and learning becomes a lifelong joy.
- Each child's education can be tailored to his or her unique interests, pace, and learning style.
- Homeschooling children have time to pursue their special interests and talents.
- Homeschoolers enjoy unlimited educational resources; the world is our classroom, and resources abound in the community.
- Homeschooling provides a high adult/child ratio for the student.
- Homeschooled children become independent thinkers who are secure in their own convictions.
