There is so much information about homeschooling that it can seem overwhelming. We've gathered information to help you make your homeschooling decision and to inform you about laws and other legal issues. Here you'll find research and statistics that support the notion that homeschooling provides specific advantages to children and families. And we'll help you take the first steps on the road of your own homeschooling adventure.
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| Why Homeschool? |
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The first step to homeschooling is making your decision to home educate your child. It is important to become informed and knowledgeable about some of the main concerns you may have. Explore these areas of our website to learn more about the initial decision to homeschool.
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| Where to Begin |
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You've decided to homeschool your child! But what comes first? For many parents, knowing where to begin in the homeschooling process can be confusing. Although there seems to be so much information available, it may be hard to get your questions answered. We've put together some resources to start you on your journey, giving you the information and motivation you need to successfully begin to homeschool in Massachusetts.
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| Legal/Homeschool Laws |
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Laws that regulate home education vary from state to state. It is important to understand the legal requirements in your state and to be aware of legislative and other legal issues that affect homeschoolers in your community. We've compiled resources that will help you become informed. Although homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, and the vast majority of homeschoolers face no problems, you may find that you need legal assistance at some point in your homeschooling career. We've compiled a list of resources to help you find the support you need. And if you'd like to become more involved in working towards homeschooling freedoms, we discuss some of the issues facing homeschoolers that we hope you find compelling.
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| History of Homeschooling in America |
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How did homeschooling start? When did it become legal? Who were the key players in making homeschooling the social movement it is today? The story of the history of homeschooling in the United States is a compelling tale of dedication, innovative ideas, and personal conviction and sacrifice. We have put together a history of this educational and social phenomenon, hoping it will inspire you to learn from the early and more recent pioneers of home education in America.
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Homeschooling Litigation: Preparing the Way |
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Zan Tyler |
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The greatest obstacle pioneering homeschoolers faced two decades ago was daunting: in most states home education wasn't legal. This article details five of the most significant cases that have become landmark decisions in the move towards homeschooling freedoms: the DeJonge case in Michigan, the Jeffery case in Pennsylvania, the Diegel case in Ohio, the Triple E case in South Carolina, and the Calabretta case in California.
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Government Homeschool Programs Just Another Alternative? - The Third Great Lie |
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Chris Cardiff |
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We're from the government and we want to help you. This is one of the great lies of our society. It is assuming greater significance as homeschooling continues its astonishing growth. Government schools have been forced to respond to this threat to their virtual monopoly on education by establishing their own homeschool programs. Some families are grateful for these programs and rush to take advantage of them. There is no doubt that the state has constructed some good programs with attractive benefits for participating families - books, curriculum guidance, excellent resource teachers, reimbursement for materials, educational counseling, classes. And it's all free! Why not take advantage of it? Chris Cardiff discusses some of the pitfalls of these programs and the dangers they present to homeschooling freedoms.
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Families Who File Paperwork |
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This is an appendix table to the report Homeschoolers: Estimating Numbers and Growth, Spring 1999. It lists the numbers and percentages of families who have filed documentation of homeschooling status with the state or with their local educational authority. |
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Homeschool-Where Do I Begin |
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Kay Green |
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You have decided to home school your children. You have been thinking and praying about it for some time. As September approaches you know it is time. Where to start? The choices seem overwhelming.
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