The Choice to Homeschool: Home Educator Perspectives and School District Options

Abstract

Schools today are increasingly market driven, and public schools are competing for students with numerous other educational options. Homeschool education continues to grow rapidly as one such option. Minnesota, considered a leader in school choice, has experienced rapid growth in the incidence of home-educated children. Such growth raises questions for school administrators about why parents choose to homeschool their children and about implications for school district policies and practices. A sample of 600 Minnesota home educators was surveyed to explore these questions. Reasons for homeschooling corroborated those reported in previous studies, including religious beliefs, family closeness, dissatisfaction with socialization in schools, opportunities for hands-on learning, and a flexible lifestyle. Interactions with local public school personnel were reported to be largely supportive, and ideas were offered for improving support. Implications are offered, focused on public school policies and practices. Specifically discussed are considerations for determining whether to assume inclusive or exclusive stances toward homeschool children and their families.