Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Do homeschool communities exist? Mike Smith explores this question on today's Home School Heartbeat.

Mike Smith:
A story from the Dallas Morning News in the spring of 2004 indicated surprise that homeschooling was thriving in communities that had good schools. The reporter was confused. Why do people homeschool when good schools are available? The answer from the homeschool families in Dallas focused on a better quality of life. Parents desired to have more family time with their children.


Since homeschoolers do not follow the public school schedule, many homeschool families utilize their day by meeting with other homeschoolers for group activities. Simply going to the park or the zoo can provide many opportunities to learn.


A homeschool support group will typically facilitate homeschool families coming together for field trips. The social activities organized by the support groups help create community bonds and a sense that homeschoolers are all in this together.


Most families can testify that the benefits of homeschooling go well beyond an excellent academic education. Quality of life is just as important. Homeschooling is a tremendous amount of work, but it's work which has a lasting impact and can provide a rich, full life for all involved. The families in Dallas were pleased with their choice, and the homeschool option was paying dividends in both their lives and the lives of their children.


Listeners, join us next time as we continue our discussion of the homeschool community. And I'm Mike Smith.