Homeschooling grew across the U.S. last year, with 90% of states reporting increases according to data by Johns Hopkins School of Education. Jaimi Erickson, a Marine spouse and author, thinks its popularity can be attributed in part to flexibility needed for the military lifestyle.
Erickson is a writer and homeschool mom to four children. She’s been married for 20 years to her newly-retired Marine and is the author of the book “A Parent’s Guide to School Choice: All the school options you DO have.”
“It is so important for military families to realize that there are more than three basic school options. Most parents think they have to choose between public, private or traditional homeschooling for their child. That is not the case,” Erickson said.
This is why Erickson wrote her book. She wanted military families to realize they have a choice and whatever they choose can fit into the chaos of military life.
“My book details years of research I have done both as a parent and a former teacher about the variety of options that exist for children to get a quality education that meets their needs,” she said.
Making the right choice for your child
Erickson says parents should make the best choice for their children, and they should feel empowered to do so. However, most military families feel overwhelmed instead.
“I know from experience that homeschooling intimidates many military spouses, or they see public and private school as the only choices. Many don’t realize that there is an array of school options in each area … There is always a best choice out there for each child,” Erickson said.
Schooling options for military families
Like any parent, military families have the freedom to choose the best schooling options for their children. Unfortunately, many feel excluded from that sense of choice. Whether by location, academic ability or economic status, Erickson said these presumptions limit many families’ perceived choices for schooling.
“I know from being a military spouse for 20 years and conversing with many military spouses throughout that time that most choose traditional school for their children because it is seen as free, easy and what they did when they were a child. There is a lot of fear when it comes to the choice [of schooling options].”
Danielle Fillinger and her family said she is grateful for the freedom of school choice. As an active-duty Air National Guard family, Fillinger has homeschooled her three children, ages 10 to 13, in two states over the last nine years.
“We talk about what schoolwork needs to be done before moving and when are we going to start back up, but always maintain flexibility. Sometimes the timeline doesn’t work out, we just change our plan,” Fillinger said.
Fillinger and Erickson agree that school choice is not a one-size-fits-all.
“Everyone starts homeschooling for various reasons, but we are all in the same boat. We sacrifice so much. Doing what you think is right for your kids is your choice, no one else’s,” Fillinger said.
Resources
There are resources available to help military families learn about different education options.
“The key is always research. I try to boil it down in my book, with my pros/cons charts for each schooling option. Start with your family’s goals, your student’s learning strengths and weaknesses and which school options will suit them best,” Erickson said.
Both Fillinger and Erickson also recommend connecting with the school liaison officer.
“They are your advocate for finding the schools that will be best for your child,” said Erickson. “They will work with you to support your family’s goals. School liaisons are not there to convince you to choose something else. They are a guide to finding the resources you need for your children’s education.”
Military families can also visit the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) website. This resource lists the requirements for homeschooling in each state. The HSLDA and Military Homeschoolers Group on Facebook are organizations that help military homeschool families find local support, community and extracurriculars.
Above all, Erickson said there is more than one path to academic success.
“That is why I wrote my book. It is for the families who want to know they are setting their child up for success and always putting their needs first, even amidst the frequent changes and challenges of military life.”
