When the United States was first established, home schooling was the only method of education.  At this time in history, parents wanted their children to learn to read so that they would be able to understand the Bible.  The need for literacy and education grew quickly as the country developed and became more industrialized.  At this time, the government stepped in and created a public school system that could educate its citizens. 

Home schooling is a method of educating the child within the home and influence of the family values.  The decision to home school a child must not be taken lightly.  Careful consideration must be given to the child’s temperament, availability of resources, and family structure.  Some families decide to home school their child because they want to educate them at their own pace and within their family’s belief system.  Many parents fear the public school system because of concerns of safety, peer pressure, and intense focus on assessment practices.  Home schooling is a choice that parents can make for their child after careful consideration of the child’s needs and the parent’s commitment to supplying consistent, quality instruction.

The relationship between the parent and the child will be a key factor when home schooling.  Parents who home school often report that it is a wonderful experience they share with their child over the course of many years.  It is important for parents to provide age appropriate peers and socialization for their children outside of the home.  Many home schooled students find they are able to socialize by participating in extra curricular activities, clubs, sports, and church functions.  This provides the child with the opportunity to develop relationships outside of their home and with other children their own age.

Home schooling parents must seek out and explore educational resources for their children.  There are many home schooling curriculums available on the market today.  Public schools can also be a resource to parents and offer text books, access to computers, and special area classes for home schooled students.  Many home schooling parents belong to a group of other families who home school.  This provides them with the curriculum and emotional support required to home school successfully.

Many families find that home schooling is the best way to educate their children within their family structure.  The amount of time required to be spent in a public school is far more than what would be spent home schooling.  This allows families flexibility with planning instruction, taking vacations, making doctor appointments, and spending more time together.  The decision to home school requires a lot of discipline on behalf of the parent and the child.