Motivations

There are a variety of motivations for homeschooling. Based on a study led by Ms Christine Brabant (2004), each family usually has several  reasons for homeschooling. In Quebec, the movement is mainly attributed to a new vision of family life, a critical view of the schooling system, a need to meet children’s specific needs, as well as the innovative aspect of alternative educational options, which call into question traditional learning models. 

Factors involved

The decision to homeschool can be a long and carefully considered process, but it can also happen quickly. Some examples of situations that lead to choosing to homeschool are:

• a new lifestyle choice;
• the search for a solution to specific problems experienced by a child;
• due to a lack of confidence in the current school system;
• in response to a crisis (harassment, suicidal thoughts, etc.) to provide physical and/or psychological security to the child. 

The advantages of homeschooling

1. It promotes greater family involvement. You get the opportunity to: 

• become more involved in your child's education;
• follow your child’s interests and motivations; 
• offer a flexible schedule, allowing your child to combine learning with other important projects or the parents’ schedules (travel, semi-professional sports programs, intensive music/arts programs, parents’ non-standard work schedule, etc.)   

2. It addresses certain shortcomings of the school system. You can: 

• provide personalized education, tailored and adapted to the needs and the pace of your child;
• give your child more independence and responsibility for their own education;
• use alternative approaches which would not be possible in a class setting with multiple students and a single teacher;
• have the flexibility to adapt and change the approach as your child grows;
• be able to adapt your teaching to reflect the changing needs of the workplace;
• offer an education based on collaboration and an equal and democratic relationship between child and adult;
• pass on your moral, religious, or spiritual values to your child;
• offer an alternative education when your area does not have schools with the specific programs you would prefer;
• have more educational options in remote areas;
• offer an education that is even more alternative than that of alternative schools; 
• reduce transportation time when school is far from home.

3. It enriches the learning experience:

• A one-on-one setting helps children learn faster than in a school setting, allowing more time for enrichment or other activities.

4. With homeschooling, children can progress in their learning, even after a negative experience at school.

• After living through bullying, anxiety, school phobia, or any other similar negative experience, homeschooling can provide physical, emotional and psychological security.