Local Home School Program Expects More Students To Return To Public Education

The number of home schooled students is expected to decline as COVID numbers fall.

That is according to the Daniel 1 Academy Assistant Principal Jackie Holman. Holman said its home school program did see an increase since the pandemic began, but some seem to be returning to public school.

“They choose to home school for various reasons,” Holman said. “And the people who really want to put their child in a private or public school they will go back. So, I think as we move further and further away from the pandemic, we’ll go back to what we consider to be more normal.”

However, Holman said education is an individual choice, and many parents have not indicated their plan for next school year. Holman said the academy will not know home schooling numbers for certain until reenrollment in June.

“Families going to home school, they need to make arrangements, and they need to be prepared before it is time to begin,” Holman said. “If I was going to start home school in August, I would begin researching home school curriculum, what is my philosophy for education, how does my child learn best? I would start now.”

Daniel 1 Academy in Cookeville is an umbrella school that provides enrolled families legal coverage to home school. Holman said the academy keeps up with student transcripts, supply diplomas and offers athletic opportunities.