The Black Informant | African American Commentary, News and Community Building

By ZINIE CHEN SAMPSON

Associated Press Writer

December 3, 2005

RICHMOND, Va. — Denise Armstrong decided to home school her two sons and daughter because she thought she could do a better job of instilling her values in her children than the public school system could.

Years ago, she found herself the lone black person at home-education gatherings, usually dominated by white Christian evangelicals. But gradually, she’s noticed more African-Americans joining the ranks.

“I’ve been delighted to be running into people in the African-American home-schooling community,” Armstrong said. “I noticed, looking around the home-schooling convention at that vast sea of people and seeing more people of color. (more…)

>>>I am definitely hearing more black parents not only talk about this option, but are seriously considering it.

For those who think that this trend only benefits wealthy folks, think again. If you take the time to visit a homeschoolers convention (something that MOST homeschool critics will not do), you will find that most families are not wealthy. In fact, by making the decision to homeschool, they are willingly limiting their earning potential. the fact that many blacks are turning to homeschool as an option says a lot about the condition of the public school system as a whole.