Lyn Lomasi / CC
The trend of homeschooling continues to grow across the nation and increased by 4-percent in Louisiana in the last year. President of Homeschool Louisiana Christopher Chin said he believes the pandemic and more awareness about homeschooling are responsible.
“I would say the straw that broke the camel’s back, I mean, are we having school, not having school, what kind of school, virtual school, hybrid school… you know parents are just left scrambling,” said Chin.
Chin said the rate of homeschooling has risen in the last five years by 23% and currently more than 35-thousand students are homeschooled in Louisiana.
“If a family’s going to homeschool, they just have to notify the state. They fill out a simple form, it can be online they can also send it in,” said Chin.
While Chin anticipates some of those new to homeschooling will return to the classroom post-pandemic, he also feels some will choose to stay.
“What happens is, as they’ve kind of taken this journey they’re starting to enjoy it. They’re starting to realize whoa I can custom tailor an education for my child’s giftings,” said Chin.
Louisiana has two forms of homeschooling, both of which require families to sign up with the state Department of Education and renew annually. One is called the BESE-approved Home Study program, the other is the registered nonpublic school track not seeking state approval.
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