Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

In 1983, Michael Farris and Mike Smith founded the Home School Legal Defense Association in an effort to support a newly reintroduced educational concept that has proven successful for centuries.

Mike Smith:


In the 1980s, most of America considered homeschooling a brand new idea. But those of us involved in the early years of HSLDA knew that homeschooling had a long and well-proven track record. Over the next few days, we will discuss some of those time-tested principles that made homeschooling so effective in the early days of our country, and we'll take a look at the recent history of homeschooling, which needed the protection of an organization like HSLDA to find its rebirth in modern times.


When George Washington and Thomas Jefferson received their education, they learned from their parents, family members, or hired tutors. Washington and Jefferson's home education fostered their academic interests which led to successful careers for both men as President of the United States.


In his book, The Right Choice, HSLDA Senior Counsel Christopher Klicka has compiled a list of significant historical figures who share a common educational experience-all were homeschooled.


In the days of our Founding Fathers, home education was a mainstream idea and many of that era's greatest leaders received most of their education at home. HSLDA hopes to support that leadership potential in future generations of homeschool graduates. Tomorrow we will discuss more of the history of home education and HSLDA's founding. And until next time, I'm Mike Smith.