Homeschooling: A Family’s Journey

The California appeals court that, in February, ruled that parents do not have a right to homeschool reversed itself today and unanimously ruled that they do. One attorney close to the case phoned us today and said with relief:

“The unthinkable has happened — we won. Private homeschooling is on a better footing than it has ever been on in California.”

From the San Francisco Chronicle:

After hearing from an array of objectors that included state education officials and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the court agreed to reconsider the case and issued a new ruling today that reached the opposite conclusion: State law allows home schooling, although children can be required to attend school if they’re being abused or neglected at home.

From the Los Angeles Times:

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who had vowed to allow home schooling through legislation if the court did not act, praised the ruling. “This is a victory for California’s students, parents and education community. This decision confirms the right every California child has to a quality education and the right parents have to decide what is best for their children,” he said. “I hope the ruling settles this matter for parents and home-schooled children once and for all in California, but assure them that we, as elected officials, will continue to defend parents’ rights.”

This is great news not only for California homeschoolers but for education across the United States. A few months ago, it looked as if a state renowned for launching national trends was going to suppress homeschooling rights. Now it has affirmed them. Let freedom ring!

(Greg)

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