Why We Decided to Homeschool

We have homeschooled our four children since the beginning. One of the questions I'm often asked is, "How did you decide to homeschool?"

There are many factors we considered (and still consider) when making the decision to homeschool. But let's first rewind a bit so you can understand where we come from.

My Experience with Homeschooling

I'm an only child who attended Catholic school from pre-K-12th grade. It was not perfect, but I generally loved my school experience. I didn't know many homeschoolers, and homeschooling felt like a world apart. 

When I went to college at Franciscan University, I met many more students who were homeschooled, so it became more of a norm for me. However, it was still not an option in my mind for my own children...

Until I started dating my husband.

My Husband's Experience with Homeschooling

My husband is the fifth of six children and he was homeschooled from pre-K-12th grade. It was not perfect, but he loved his experience. He felt it offered him unique opportunities to grow as a person, to form a solid work ethic, to pursue his interests, and to expand his worldview.

His homeschooling experience left him wanting the same schooling for his children.

When we were seriously dating and having all the important conversations, we were both very open to working together to discern what we felt was best for our children. I was open to homeschooling. And although he was passionate about homeschooling, he didn't push me toward it (especially since I would be the one doing it). Even after we married, we kept talking and talking and were very united on being united in the decision. 

How We Decided to Homeschool

When we were expecting our first child, I got serious about researching educational options (because now it was real!).

I read books and listened to podcasts and watched videos about homeschooling.

It didn't take me long to deeply desire this path for our family. There were a few reasons why.

The Vision for Our Family

From the beginning of our marriage, we've had a very clear vision for our family life and family culture. We knew we wanted a heavy emphasis on the domestic church, home, beauty, togetherness, and joy.

The privileges that homeschool offers fit nicely into that vision.

The Atmosphere of Education

I was very much drawn to the general philosophy of home education. As a former classroom teacher, I saw the pitfalls of traditional schooling when it came to academics. I loved that home education would allow me to tailor education to the specific brains of my children and cultivate an environment in which learning is always happening.

The Call from the Lord

Finally, we simply felt like the Lord was inviting us into this adventure. It has been "a call within a call." We have consistently felt peace about homeschooling and we continue to ask Him for His guidance along the way.

How did YOU decide to homeschool? I'd love to hear your story in the comments!

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