A Solution to the Problem of Failed Public Schools

Brownstone Institute ^ | October 4, 2023 | Rob Jenkins

[Tired of Taxes]

First, the writer claims that "homeschool academies or co-ops" are "not for everyone."

He doesn't explain why, probably because he doesn't know much about co-ops.

Then, he explains what he thinks would be right for everyone.

And what he describes sounds like... a homeschool co-op:

"All it will take is a group of dedicated, determined parents working hand-in-hand with local pastors, community leaders, and other experts in areas like education, law, finance, and marketing. Some of those experts would no doubt be the parents themselves, bringing to the table whatever knowledge and experience they have acquired. If they put their minds to it, I am confident such a group could procure a facility, raise the necessary money to get started, hire a handful of teachers (and/or recruit qualified parent volunteers), and launch a school."

That's not a new idea. Homeschool parents have been doing that for decades. A group of parents finds a church facility to rent. They get the word out to other homeschool parents. Then, everyone commits to a small fee toward renting the facility. The church brings in money that way, and the students have a place to meet. The parents (many of whom have college degrees themselves) commit to teach classes and volunteer. Sometimes, certified teachers teach classes.

His idea differs from co-ops... only because he hasn't thought it all through:

(1) He writes: " with a little hard work, a relatively small group of committed individuals could probably have a school up and running by next fall." He wants schools, but he hasn't considered accreditation. To be considered a "school," accreditation from an agency is required, which may take a year or two. Plus, accreditation costs money, and then the school must answer to an agency.

(2) Unlike homeschool co-ops, his "schools" would meet every day on a typical school schedule, and parents (who work those hours) could drop off their kids. But, he says nothing about liability. His idea would put the "school" and its church at risk for lawsuits. Liability insurance is another cost to consider.

(3) He writes: "...perhaps a large and affluent church would like to take on this project itself as a service to the community, using its own facilities, human capital, and donations from its members." This has been tried by churches in my area. Most of those schools closed down because the tuition became too expensive. There are more costs required with a "school" than this writer has considered. Many churches struggle just to keep the lights on. Fundraisers and donations might offset some costs, but not dependably.

He's right that parents could remove their children from public school. But, he makes the wrong assumptions about homeschooling, and he hasn't thought everything through.