Homeschooling as an Alternative Option in Light of the Virus Restrictions

Abstract

School closures during the time of virus restrictions have caused upheaval for the education of most children except for homeschoolers, who remain mostly unaffected. For parents to choose to homeschool their children, there need to be both reasons and opportunity, and already there has been an increase in parents choosing this option in some countries. This article looks briefly at the current educational context: the negative experiences of most children, parents, and teachers during the restrictions; the general advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling; and the state of homeschooling currently in the Czech Republic, which has been growing at a significant rate in recent years. A number of reasons, especially in the current time, are then considered, as well as ways to overcome the obstacles to homeschooling. Possible solutions are suggested for offering support to homeschoolers, including forming networks, increased support by supervising schools, the development of academic involvement in assisting new and experienced homeschoolers, and increased participation in solving short- and longer-term issues by the educational authorities.