Can Homeschoolers Be Good Citizens?

by Andrea Hermitt | More from this Blogger

28 Apr 2008 07:34 AM

I recently came across a conversation on one of my homeschooling email lists about homeschooling and citizenship. One woman stated that in her response letter from the school district regarding her intent to homeschool, she got a message back that essentially said that the school would no longer be held responsible for the child's education nor the type of citizen they would become.

Such a statement assumes that without the help of public schools, a child would surely be in danger of becoming a poor citizen. That seems like a large pill to swallow, doesn't it.

What many of us do not realize is that the original and main reason for compulsory schools in the first place is to groom good citizens. You will find the following quote at the Hoover Institution Education Next website:

In 1862, the Illinois superintendent of public instruction contended that the "chief end" of public schooling was "to make GOOD CITIZENS. Not to make precocious scholars ... not to impart the secret of acquiring wealth ... not to qualify directly for professional success ... but simply to make good citizens."

Also, I you did a bit of research on Horace Mann, a famous American education reformer and House of Representatives, you will find that he worked to promote the Prussian system of education which was also to promote good citizenship.

All of this leads to the question, "what is a good citizen"? According to Good Citzen.org, a good citizen is someone whose actions

"remind us of our heritage, involve us in the democratic process, support groups with special responsibility for keeping the country strong, and help us better understand our government, promote a sense of community, and keep individuals and families strong".

Whether or not this was the original intent and result of compulsory education, this is hardly the current result. Most people who come out of public school are far more versed in popular culture than American History, and many do not bother to participate in the democratic process for at least a decade after graduation.

The truth is homeschoolers are more likely to be involved in the democratic process at a much earlier age that publicly schooled children. A 2003 survey on homeschooling conducted the National Home Research Institute surveyed 7300 adults who had been homeschooled. This survey proved that in addition to obtaining further education, and finding gainful employment, homeschoolers were more likely to participate in community activities than the general population.

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