The Cult of Homeschooling

Apr 2, 2024

Guest Pauline Chalamet discusses the rising trend of homeschooling in the US, touching on its sociopolitical roots and potential cult-like aspects. The podcast challenges stereotypes and explores the complexities of homeschooling, including the dangers of unschooling practices and the troubling influence of extreme ideologies. Personal experiences and motivations behind homeschooling are shared, shedding light on the intricate landscape of alternative education.

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ANECDOTE

Justina's Homeschool Story

Justina was homeschooled from fourth grade until she graduated high school at 16 through a charter school program in California.
Her education included curriculum, tutors for subjects like math, and oversight by a licensed educational specialist.

INSIGHT

Culty Risks of Homeschooling

Homeschooling creates a potentially culty environment due to the insularity of removing children from standardized education.
This isolation can be both magical and dangerous, depending on the parents' approach and resources.

INSIGHT

Motivations Behind Homeschooling

Many parents homeschool to spend more time with their children or due to dissatisfaction with standard schools.
This desire can foster exclusivity and sometimes implies others don't value their children.

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Stereotypes say that homeschool kids are a little, well, ~quirky~ but is that because they grew up in a "cult" of sorts? The American homeschool landscape is currently undergoing an especially fraught *paradigm shift* with upwards of 2 million kids being taught at home as of 2023. This surge is fueled by a range of sociopolitical factors, from the relatable (school shootings are scary!!!!) to the undeniably sinister (ahem, IBLP… ahem, Lord of the Flies-style unschooling practices that overlap with the troubled teen industry???). Homeschooling—with its insular communities, lack of regulation, and sometimes radical approaches to child-rearing—can add up to something eeeeeeeerily reminiscent of a fringey, paranoid sect. To help parse it out what “cult category” homeschooling falls into, Amanda is chatting with her pal (and homeschool *survivor*) Justina Sharp. This is delicate subject matter, and everyone’s experiences are different, so if you’re interested in learning more, be sure to check out the resources below! Thanks to all the culties who called in to share their personal experiences on the topic!

Sources:

Home schooling is surging, but lax regulation can leave kids vulnerable to abuse: https://www.npr.org/2024/01/18/1225324564/home-schooling-is-surging-but-lax-regulation-can-leave-kids-vulnerable-to-abuse
Coalition for Responsible Home Education: https://responsiblehomeschooling.org/
Home schooling’s rise from fringe to fastest-growing form of education: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/interactive/2023/homeschooling-growth-data-by-district/
‘Unschooling’ Isn’t The Answer To Education Woes—It’s The Problem: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nataliewexler/2020/05/25/unschooling-isnt-the-answer-to-education-woes-its-the-problem/?sh=7541bc55543c

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