Homeschoolers have come a long way in the last 10 years. Once greeted with surprise, suspicion, or outright indignation when they revealed their guilty secret, today they may encounter a friendly curiosity, a certain nonchalance even. Instead of “Is that legal?” or “Can you do that?” they’re now at least as likely to hear, “Oh, I have a neighbor who homeschools. Her children are so smart, and so well-mannered!” The pariahs have become paragons. That’s because everyone in America now knows at least one family that homeschools, and has seen the results. The failure of the public schools has also become increasingly obvious, and no one doubts any longer that parents can do a better job. — “Homeschoolers: Pariahs to Paragons,” F.R. Duplantier, 1998
USA Today reports that homeschooling remains a growing movement. It’s one my wife, Evann, and I have contributed to substantially, having homeschooled all six of our children, beginning with the eldest in 1992. Our third daughter, Isabel, has just completed high school and will soon be entering the workforce, possibly as a ballet instructor. Three down, three to go. Evann and I have also promoted the movement avidly, in print and broadcast media, online with blogs and web shops, and through curricula and educational aids we’ve developed ourselves. It’s been a big investment of time, talent, and treasure — one that’s paid big spiritual dividends for our kids, and for their parents.