It's another school morning You get up get dressed have breakfast and grab and But instead of heading out the door to catch the school bus you sit right down start to work with your teacher your mom dad or In the past. parents who taught their children at home onen did so because they had religious or philosophical objections to materials taught in public school. That's still often the case. But now many parents see home schooling as the most practical way get a better education for their children, and to avoid the rising tide of violence in many public schools. States set requirements for home schooling just as they do for public schools. but the requirements vary widely. So do the programs that home school students follow Some families use packaged cumculum materials some develop their programs usually home school students must take standardized tests from time to time. A flexible program that's tailored to exactly meet a child's needs is a big advantage of home schooling Kids who learn at home also have the teacher s full attention all the time. And for families who are unhappy with public schools and can't afford to pay tuition at private schools, this may be the only choice There are drawbacks. Home school students may miss material that's covered in school. And they have fewer chances to mix with a wide variety of other kids Most parents who teach their children at home make sure that the children are involved in outside activities, sports or youth group.