homeschool

American  

[hohm-skool] / ˈhoʊmˌskul /

Or home-school

verb (used with object)

1. to teach (one's children) at home instead of sending them to school.

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verb (used without object)

1. to educate one's children at home.

noun

1. a school set up in the home.

Usage

What does homeschool mean? To homeschool means to educate children at home instead of sending them to a school, especially on a permanent or long-term basis. Children who are homeschooled are taught by homeschoolers (their parent or other guardian) and the practice of doing so is called homeschooling. This is often contrasted with traditional forms of schooling in which children go to a public or private school with other children in a physical location. Other forms of education that can happen at home, such as distance learning and online classes, are not typically called homeschooling. Homeschooling is usually understood as when the parent or guardian is the one doing the teaching. Homeschool is sometimes spelled home-school or home school. It can also be used as a noun to mean a school set up at home. Example: Parents who homeschool their children often plan social activities with other children, but critics say this does not replace the socialization that occurs in traditional schooling.

Other Word Forms

• homeschooler
  noun

Etymology

Origin of homeschool

First recorded in 1770–80 homeschool for def. 3 and in 1980–85 for current senses; home ( def. ) + school ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

“First, all writing contains bias,” said Jen Garrison Stuber, advocacy chair of the Washington Homeschool Organization.

From Washington Times • Sep. 20, 2022

She’s among many families in the Washington Homeschool Organization who have expressed concern about the proposal and question lawmakers’ motivations for wanting them to declare their intent and develop formal lesson plans earlier.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 10, 2022

"Interest has exploded," said Christopher Chin, the president of Homeschool Louisiana, a faith-based support group for homeschooling families.

From Fox News • Aug. 11, 2021

Homeschool and learning pods may be the safest option for your family.

From Slate • Jul. 30, 2020

Since COVID-19 we have offered the game-changing Mama Glow Doula Homeschool online.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2020