More Arkansas Parents Choosing To Homeschool Children
By: Jocelyn Tovar
Updated: May 19, 2012
Saturday the 15th annual Arkansas homeschool convention was held in Searcy and parents there shared with KARK advantages they said they are able to give by turning their homes into classrooms.
16,000 students across Arkansas are homeschooled and every year they come to the convention which is an asset to both teachers and parents.
Parents who choose to teach their children are often vocal supporters of this tailor-made curriculum.
Like Julie Majors who said people notice her son is more mature than other kids his age.
"Well it's because he's not with seven-year-olds all day long, talking about seven-year-old things," Majors said.
Other parents said they're passing on the tradition of teaching their students from home.
"They were homeschooled and they saw the advantages of it," said Rick Boyer, "And they want the best for their kids."
"I would homeschool my kids in a heartbeat," said Katie Alsop.
Clearing up what they said are misconceptions that home schooled students are either social outcasts or will regret not having a traditional high school experience.
"We do have prom we have a prom in Little Rock," said Hannah Burdette, "That's a lot of fun so there's nothing you really miss out on."
Many of the students we spoke with said they wouldn't have it any other way.
"Through homeschooling I get to pick classes with students who are really really excited about studying like I am," said Paul Loftness.
"Studying more of what we like," said Luke Shackelford.
And when thinking about making the eventual leap to college, parents said their kids are more than ready.
"He was able to take the A.P. test this week and last week," said Diane Loftness," So there's lots of opportunities for homeschoolers that there didn't used to be."
