Homeschooling     Hot Topics     Home and Family     Early Education     K-12     Education Guide    

More than one way to homeschool



An overview of varying homeschooling options

An overview of varying homeschooling options


Before I moved to the Hudson Valley, I’d met maybe five people who’d been homeschooled. One or two in my childhood. The method was generally looked down on by most people I knew, snobbily derided as control-freak “religious nuts” afraid of modernity. How wrong they were.

By contrast, raising a son in this region and in this time period, and performing for thousands of families, I have lost count of how many homeschoolers I’ve known, and how many kids – and parents – are all the better for it; well-adjusted young adults, often attending the college of their choice, or confidently making their first independent steps into the world. My son attended Onteora public school, but his peer group included kids from private schools, Waldorf schools, the Sudbury school, the Bruderhof school, and various types of homeschool. (A handful of parents “unschooled” their kids.)

READ MORE: See our Homeschooling page for more articles

For obvious reasons, homeschooling is bigger than ever. Although the butt of a well-received SNL sketch some years ago, in which backward-minded religious folk teach kids mostly Bible stories (a stereotype, of course), homeschooling is now getting a lot more respect from the mainstream.

For anyone curious about homeschooling, or seriously considering turning your home into a fulltime learning center, writer, teacher, and homeschooler Angela Anagnost-Repke gives a comprehensive overview of homeschooling history and philosophy in PopSugar. She lists the various options available, and interviews parents involved in various disciplines – or lack thereof – for some excellent insight into this growing area of education.

Her overview covers the nature-based Charlotte Mason homeschool method, of which one user says, “It can be boiled down to reading quality literature and having good conversations to spark a love of learning in children.” Mason herself said, “The question is not, how much does the youth know when he has finished his education, but how much does he care?” Also in the mix are Classical Homeschooling, Unschooling, Waldorf Homeschooling, Montessori Homeschooling, and Eclectic Homeschooling, each distinctive.

For parents who can balance work schedules with becoming fully engaged with and totally responsible for their children’s education, homeschooling can offer numerous benefits, not least of which is more control over the safety of one’s kid in a world more unpredictable than ever.



More Homeschooling


  • Indoor spots for teens to play

    Older kids need to have some play time too

    Teens need places to go that aren't lame and won't bore them to tears. We have the best in the Valley listed just for you. read more »
  • Visit cool sculpture parks in the Hudson Valley

    These sculptures are generally huge and sure to please

    Visit fun and educational sculpture gardens in the Hudson Valley. Sculpture Parks and their gardens are a unique way for families to appreciate and enjoy art. The open spaces are wonderful for kids of all ages. Most locations offer space to roam and enable us to enjoy these unique pieces at our own pace. read more »
  • Everything you need to know about student loans

    Traditional ways of paying for college aren't working

    More American families are borrowing for college. At the same time, merit aid and the use of personal income and savings i falling. read more »
  • 3 ways people of all ages can make the most of International Youth Day

    Celebrate youth activists and combat ageism

    August 12 is International Youth Day, a United Nations effort to celebrate youth activists, combat ageism and help bridge gaps between generations working toward the same change. read more »
  • Everything you should to know about student loans

    Traditional ways of paying for college aren't working

    More American families are borrowing for college. At the same time, merit aid and the use of personal income and savings i falling. read more »
  • 4 ways to get involved this global volunteer month

    It's a good time to get in on the action

    Global Volunteer Month, celebrated throughout April, is a time to recognize people who actively support their communities through volunteerism and active civic engagement. It’s also a time to get in on the action. However, if you’re like many people, you may not know where to begin. read more »
  • Minimize the risk of child identity theft

    NYS Division of Consumer Protection offers advice

    Child Identity Theft is a growing problem. According to recent data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), identity theft for those under 19 years old grew 60% in three years. read more »
  • 5 reasons why your child should (and can) learn how to play chess

    A revolutionary new game that helps kids learn this game of strategy

    Chess is one of the oldest and most popular games in history, with early forms of the game dating back to the 6th century CE. The game has certainly seen a revival since the pandemic began, as people around the globe have dusted off their chess boards and even binged one of the most-watched series ever inspired by the masterful game for much-needed entertainment. read more »
  • 5 ways to get kids excited about STEM learning

    The country needs more good scientists

    The events of the past couple of years have shown how important scientists are to making the world a better and safer place. read more »
  • Keep kids learning during summer

    3 fun, easy ways

    With school out, summertime brings long, carefree days of play and fun. With a little thought and a few supplies, summer is a perfect opportunity to revitalize their innate love of learning that may be a bit squashed after a year of academic pressures, tests and schedules. read more »