Of course, some homeschoolers insist that to truly be a homeschooler, parents should keep their children away from any contact with the public schools. But the reasons people homeschool are as diverse as the methods they use. Patricia Lines, a former researcher for the US Department of Education, points to an annual survey conducted in Florida. Several years ago, the leading reason to homeschool was religion. Now, it's dissatisfaction with the public school system.
Some parents cite other reasons.
When a child is labeled Some families start homeschooling upon seeing a child struggle in school. The Bradys decided to school her themselves. Emily has since finished the equivalent of high school, plays flute and piano, and screens calls to the family's radio station. Homeschoolers' achievements have helped build acceptance of the movement. It's difficult to quantify test scores, since homeschoolers often resist evaluation.