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.

---

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

When Newby ran for the Supreme Court in 2004, he focused on turning out church and homeschool communities, voters to whom he had deep ties.

From Salon • Oct. 31, 2025

I was moved by your account of deciding to homeschool your son after his struggles in regular school.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2024

Seana-lee said she was nervous to homeschool Millie-Rae because her family were against it.

From BBC • Jan. 11, 2024

Skousen and his wife decided to homeschool their kids at their temporary residence outside of Lahaina for now rather than risk exposing them to possible health problems.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 23, 2023

The first was this girl Rebecca who was in my homeschool group in Atlanta.

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas