American SchoolsBetween the obvious benefits of homeschooling and the tenuous atmosphere surrounding America’s public schools, I’m more convinced than ever that homeschooling will continue to grow and become a major player in our country’s educational system.

Just look at the facts. According to a study conducted by the National Center for Education, homeschool students increased 29% from 1999 to 2003. The National Home Education Research Institute estimates that they continue to grow at a rate of 5-12% each year. But now with the latest news regarding the future of America’s public schools, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a surge in these numbers.

Arne Duncan, US Secretary of Education, has reported that as many as 300,000 teacher jobs may be cut across the nation this year. The reason? America’s weak economy has forced school districts to make due with less, thus cutting jobs and programs. And while last year’s stimulus helped save jobs last year, that money is gone.

“Not only do schools need to go on a diet, they need to adopt a whole new way of life,” said Michael J. Petrilli of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, a non-profit educational think tank. “This money is gone, and it’s not coming back soon.”

Ron Allen of NBC reported that New York will cut 15,000 teachers, Illinois another 17,000, and California will lose 22,000 jobs by June. The effects of this downsizing will resort in larger classrooms with some estimates as high as 40 students to one teacher. Programs for art, music and sports will also feel the ax.

While homeschooling may not be an option for all families, with America’s education system facing such a bleak future, it’s not out of the question for families who do have a choice to begin looking for alternatives. Check out the full story here.