When you think of homeschooling, a form of education where children learn at home instead of in a traditional school. Also known as home education, it's not just a modern trend—it’s a practice with deep roots that reshaped over centuries. The idea of learning at home isn’t new. Long before online classes and curriculum apps, families taught their kids through daily life—farming, crafts, reading, and storytelling. But the formal homeschooling movement, a structured, intentional shift away from public schooling began gaining traction in the 1970s, especially in the US and UK. It wasn’t just about religion or rebellion. It was about control—parents wanted to decide what their children learned, when, and how.
The distance learning history, the evolution of education delivered outside the traditional classroom played a big role. Think back to the 1840s, when lessons were mailed via postal service. That was the first real version of remote learning. Fast-forward to the 1980s and 90s, when TV and radio programs gave kids structured lessons at home. Then came the internet. Suddenly, families had access to full curriculums, video lessons, and online communities. By the 2010s, homeschooling wasn’t just for fringe groups—it became a real alternative for busy families, kids with special needs, and those who just didn’t fit the school mold.
The pandemic didn’t create homeschooling, but it sure showed how flexible it could be. When schools shut down in 2020, millions of parents suddenly became teachers overnight. Many realized they could do it well. And when schools reopened, a surprising number kept going. In the UK, the number of homeschooled children more than doubled between 2019 and 2023. That’s not a blip—it’s a shift in how people think about education.
Today, the homeschooling timeline isn’t just about dates. It’s about choices. It’s about parents weighing cost, flexibility, socialization, and academic freedom. It’s about kids who thrive without bells and lockers. And it’s about a system that’s slowly catching up—recognizing that learning doesn’t need four walls and a whiteboard to be real.
Below, you’ll find real stories, practical insights, and clear breakdowns of how home education works—from the legal side to the daily grind. Whether you’re curious, considering it, or already doing it, these posts give you the facts without the fluff.
Switching to homeschooling in Ireland can happen in under a week. Learn the legal steps, free resources, and realistic timeline to begin teaching your child at home without stress or expense.
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