Myths and facts about homeschooling

Myth: Homeschooled children are lacking inis something to meet the needs of every family.
opportunities for social interaction.Myth: All homeschoolers belong to a single religious
Reality: In the homeschool community thisand political group.
question is usually met with looks of disbelief andReality: People who believe this myth generally
a quiet chuckle. There are literally thousands ofthink that homeschoolers are "Christians with a
opportunities in Oregon for homeschooled childrenconservative political agenda." In fact,
to get together for activities.homeschoolers come from all walks of religious
Roller-skating, theater groups, study groups,and political life. For some, homeschooling is all
archery lessons, swimming, park days, recitals,about faith -- they feel compelled to do this from
and ski outings --- the list goes on and on. And,deeply held religious beliefs.
although all families do not enjoy access to thisFor those homeschoolers, (a wide variety of
wide variety, most do have the opportunity toChristian denominations, Jews, Bahais, Muslims,
play sports, to join community groups like scoutsBuddhists, and a host of other religious
or 4-H and to participate in religious communities.preferences), homeschooling is an opportunity to
Children have the opportunity to developmore fully immerse their children in the spiritual life
friendships with children of widely varying ages.of their family and their religious community. But
They learn social skills from their families, and, in afor many, religion is not a deciding factor in why
supportive community, from those who are morethey homeschool. It may be a matter of simply
experienced at getting along in the world.continuing a lifestyle that is family-centered. On
Myth: Homeschooled children lack "real world"the other hand, many seek out homeschooling
experience.after a negative experience with a public or
Reality: Homeschooled children are quick to pointprivate school. Increasingly, families are choosing
out that they live very much in the "real world."homeschooling because they believe it is an
Life is not "on hold" during the day forexcellent education option for their children.
homeschooling families. These children learn at anThe reasons for homeschooling are as varied as
early age how to succeed in the world at largethe families. For thousands of families,
because they participate in it with their families.homeschooling is a lifestyle choice, an education
They, for instance, shop, bank, and visit nursingchoice or a health choice.
homes.Myth: Parents homeschool in order to cover up
Older children volunteer in the community, holdneglect.
part-time jobs, take classes, and participate inReality: A parent who keeps a child home in order
mentoring projects with adults.to abuse or neglect that child is not homeschooling
This life experience adds up to well-rounded andand no homeschooling law could protect that child
capable young people who can successfully makeor apprehend an abusive parent.
the transition to living on their own or to movingParents who homeschool spend incredible amounts
on to college.of time with their children.
Myth: Homeschoolers all homeschool in the samePeople who do not want their children around do
way.not homeschool -- they send their children to
Reality: Just as in public and private schools, youschool. It is easier and cheaper.
will find a wide array of education philosophies inEducation laws are not effective deterrents to
the homeschooling community. The real strengthabuse and should not be crafted for that purpose.
of homeschooling is that each family can chooseMyth: Homeschoolers do not support the public
and implement that which works best for itsschools.
children and its situation. They are not limited to aReality: This is such a sad thought and so
"one-size-fits-all" curriculum, time frame, orthoroughly untrue. Homeschooling parents,
education philosophy.remember, are primarily the result of public school
Children can be given the gift of time to learn at aeducation. Most are college-educated. Their
pace that meets individual needs and thechildren’s' playmates most likely attend
resources to learn through their strengths.public school. Although a decision to homeschool is
The low child/parent ratio allows these childrencertainly a decision to keep the child out of the
large amounts of individual attention, contributingpublic/private school system, it is not necessarily a
to the homeschooling community's extremely highdecision to withdraw support from the public
literacy rate.school system. Homeschool parents own homes
Myth: Parents are not qualified to teach difficultand pay taxes that provide financial support for
subjects.the schools. Some even volunteer in the schools
Reality: Although many students successfully optor provide daycare for school-age children. A
to self-teach or to learn together with anchoice to homeschool is not a vote against public
interested parent, the options for children extendor private schools.
well beyond the family. Some families choose toMyth: Homeschoolers without a GED or diploma
get together to form study groups around ahave difficulty entering college.
particular subject and to hire a tutor. SomeReality: Hundreds of colleges across the country
students opt for community college classes.are enrolling homeschoolers without either a GED
Others barter help with one subject for help inor a diploma: state colleges, Ivy League colleges,
another.private colleges and community colleges.
Classes over the Internet or the television areColleges are interested in capable, motivated
increasingly available options for many families, aslearners and responsible people. They find both in
are videos and computer software.homeschooled students.
Learning options are excellent and varied so there