Choice to homeschool children not a matter of money, experts say Bloomington Pantagraph

By Phyllis Coulter

“I personally don’t know anyone who home-schools — or not — based on the economy,” said Shelly Nelson, coordinator of a homeschooling network in McLean County. “The economy plays little or no part in the decision to homeschool.”

Twin City school choices are more likely made on lifestyle, special needs, gifted children, faith and socialization, she said.

Across the country, experts say cost is seldom the deciding factor when homeschool and private school parents grapple with costs during a recession.

Who are the experts about deciding factors to homeschool, besides the families themselves?  But I agree with Shelly Nelson.  I don’t know anyone (yet), who is homeschooling because of the economy.

There was a Not for Everyone section about families that send their kids back to public school for socialization.

Comments are always interesting.

An AP article I’ve seen floating around several states’ media sources was also included in this edition:

Hard times enhance homeschooling’s appeal for some families
By David Crary
Associated Press

For frugal families, homeschooling can be a good fit. Used academic material is available at low cost; free research resources are on tap on the Internet and at libraries.

Michael Marcucci, of Middlebury, Conn., is president of the Connecticut Homeschool Network, which has about 1,500 member families — including 34 who signed up in January alone.

In Michigan, among the states hardest hit by recession, April Morris, 44, of Auburn Hills remains committed to homeschooling even though she’s now working full-time at Target — a job she started after her husband was laid off from his computer job.

Tags: Bloomington Pantagraph, Hard Times, homeschool socialization, Recession, Socialization

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