-

Home School History

Sneak Peek into the History of Homeschooling

Throughout the years, homeschooling has become more a part of the average families everyday activites. However, it didn't used to be that way. If you think that homeschooling is rare nowadays, think of the first families to homeschool?

When did homeschooling get its start and what prompted people to start schooling their kids in the home instead of the school environment? There was a time where some states actually required by law that students attend school. However, the reasoning behind that law was to keep children out of the labor force and make them attend school to get an education. In the nineteenth century there were several books written to help guide parents through schooling their children in their home.

As one may imagine, from 1920 through the 1970's, homeschooling was relaiviely sparce and secluded to farms and ranches too far from their local public school. When 1970 came about, an author by the name of Ivan Illich wrote a book called "Deschooling America" that gained popularity for its radical idea's and stunning language. However, it was this book that caused a man named John Holt to begin making his massive impact on the homeschooling movement.

In 1976, John Holt wrote "Instead of Education: Ways to Help People Do Things Better." In this first of his many books, Holt encouraged others that are are other ways to teach children that what was being practiced in schools. He never once mentioned homeschooling, but as his book gained popularity, he received letters from parents citing that he missed mentioning this option for teaching your child. Because of this, Holt began a magazine publication called "Growing Without Schooling" for those parents who were opting to homeschool their children at home.

Holt continued to research and help parents who were homeschooling their children and its fair to say that without his efforts homeschooling wouldn't have gained in popularity quite as quickly as it has in the past years.

Carol Currie

Carol Currie is highly active in the homeschooling community and is the author of several homeschool e-books that guide parents through the process of homeschooling.


Web     Home School Jewel

Disclaimer | Privacy | Contact Us