(NAPSI)–While many families are considering area schools for their children, an increasing number of families are opting to homeschool their children. Since its rebirth in the 1970s, homeschooling has rapidly grown. Currently, more than 2.3 million students are involved in K−12 home education. More than 2,000 homeschool groups across the country are participating in National School Choice Week 2017 this week, highlighting an educational option that has been effective for their children and families.
Why is homeschooling becoming so popular? Many parents say they like being able to customize their children’s education in pace and curriculum and achieve more academically.
The freedom and flexibility that homeschool students experience allow them to progress academically at their own pace, taking 6th grade math and 5th grade reading in the same year, for example, or working through part of the summer to catch up or move ahead.
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, and the advantages speak for themselves. On standardized tests, homeschool students typically score in percentiles 15 to 30 points above their peers in public school, and they routinely score higher than average on college admissions tests like the ACT and SAT.
“All parents want to provide the best education for their children, and for many families, that means homeschooling,” said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. “The time management and academic initiative that many homeschoolers develop set them up very well for further education and a career.”
Homeschool students participate in a variety of social activities, with their homeschool groups, churches, scouts, 4-H, sports teams, and art or music programs.
While homeschooling may seem like a daunting project for families just beginning to explore their options, it doesn’t have to be. More experienced homeschool parents and homeschool group leaders are usually eager to help new parents find the resources they need. For more information about National School Choice Week events in the area, including homeschool events, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com.
National School Choice Week is an independent public awareness effort. The Week is nonpartisan and nonpolitical, and NSCW does not advocate for legislation.