Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

The modern day homeschooling movement represents an exciting time in our country. Mike Smith talks about how he believes it will affect our society on today's Home School Heartbeat.

Mike Smith:


The homeschooling movement today is flourishing. Estimates indicate that the number of homeschool students represents about 2% of all school-aged children in the United States. But that 2% is accomplishing much more than would be expected.


You'll find a disproportionate number of homeschool contestants in the final rounds of most academic competitions, including the national spelling bee and the national geography bee. And major media outlets are reporting on the effectiveness of homeschooling as evidenced by high standardized test scores. Ivy League schools are recognizing the value of a homeschool diploma and they're actively recruiting homeschool graduates.


In fact, a new institution in Virginia, Patrick Henry College, has gone even farther. The college structures its entire curriculum on the home education philosophy of interactive education and integrating learning with life. This year's National Moot Court Competition was dominated by Patrick Henry students who demonstrated their impressive critical thinking skills.


These accomplishments beg the question, "What will the next 20 years look like?" Looking back at the accomplishments of 18th- and 19th -century homeschoolers, we anticipate that the next decade will be marked by an emergence of many outstanding citizens and leaders. We remain grateful to God for his hand of protection for HSLDA and the homeschooling movement in the last 20 years. And until next time, I'm Mike Smith.