Whether one child, several siblings, or a small group from the neighborhood comprise the homeschool classroom, it is a given that the grouping will be smaller than in a public classroom. While this same goal exists in a public setting, the mere number of students often makes the goal unreachable. Another homeschool mom says it was her child s special needs that led to her decision to homeschool initially, but that she has continued to do so for the last ten years. My oldest had taught herself to read before she started school, Amy says, and our local school system s kindergarten program didn t look like a good fit for her needs. Rather than negotiate for advanced services, Amy began teaching her child at home, found that they both enjoyed it, and has taught her other three children at home as well.
Religious beliefs are another common reason for the move to homeschooling.
A brief look at the many computer Web pages dedicated to homeschooling reveals that many, perhaps the majority, of homeschooling organizations are run by religious groups. I know what religious and moral teachings I want my child to have, and I m the best person to instill that value system, is the message that many homeschool parents share. Public schools gather students who are as diverse in their family backgrounds and value systems as they are in their academic needs and abilities. Insulating a child from what are seen as negative values is a pressing issue for many of these homeschool families. That means that it s time to look at your alternatives.