What is Homeschooling and How Does It Work?

Are you thinking about taking charge of your child’s education, but still wondering what in the world “homeschooling” really is? Have you heard of “home education” but find yourself a bit unsure of what that educational choice really looks like?

More than 2 million American children are being homeschooled today, and this number is expected to double over the next 20 years.

You can imagine that an educational approach that offers families “tremendous freedom to create curriculum, redesign typical learning pathways, and build innovative partnership” would take on a variety of different faces depending upon the family and the needs of each child.

However, while this amazing freedom to customize a child’s education means each experience is unique, there are some characteristics that are common to every homeschool.

So, what are some of these common characteristics?

  • This does not mean that the parent teaches every subject, (although it might!) but that the parent is ultimately responsible to oversee the education of their child.

  • Parents have the freedom to create an experience that encompasses the academic, social, and family values and schedules that fits their goals and needs.

  • Families can enjoy the freedom of expanding their definition of education to include shared life experiences beyond academics and book learning.

  • This doesn’t mean all learning is done at home (hence terms like unschooling, eclectic homeschooling—and even “roadschooling,” “boatschooling,” and “worldschooling”).

    It does mean that homeschooling has a significant component of home involved in contrast to the choice to outsource learning primarily to others and in other environments.

  • Be sure to understand Utah’s Homeschool laws.

So what could homeschooling look like for your family?

You get to decide! And no matter what educational path you choose, we celebrate and support that freedom you have to determine the option that best meets your child’s needs.

Do you have more questions about homeschooling? Email us at inquiries@utch.org