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Home Schooled Students Graduate in Record Numbers

By Antwan Harris

CHATTANOOGA (WRCB) -- More than 70 home-schooled graduates took center stage in front of family and friends at the Abba's House sanctuary.

Like any traditional graduation, the students wore caps and gowns, but the non-traditional teaching method is what stood out.

Graduate Samuel Fleming said, "I have been able to accomplish more by myself grabbing it instead of being told exactly what I have to fulfill."

A growing number of parents choose to home school to avoid the usual troubles of peer pressure and drugs that often follow public schools. One student says the program was geared to meet her educational needs.

Graduate Charity Arnold said, "Home schooling takes a lot of discipline because you have freedom, but again, you have to be disciplined."

One home school issue catching attention is the diploma not being recognized by the state.

A bill to change that has recently been passed by the state legislature. Representative Zach Wamp said the home school program addresses a problem plaguing public schools.

"One of our problems in Tennessee is students are not learning to read," he added. "By the time they get to third grade, many of our public school students are not reading well, so this is one of the things (home schooling) centers on."

Currently the home school segment has seen about a three percent growth every year according to state numbers.

Group leaders hope now the grads will take their home school success to new levels as well.

Chattanooga Southeast Home Education Association Vice President Jeff Atherton said, "As home-schooling parents, we see the progress these kids are making, and it is a joy to be a part of."

The "Diploma Bill" has yet to be signed by Governor Bredesen but is expected to become law soon.

The Chattanooga Southeast Home Education Association will have their Curriculum Expo July 24 and July 25 at the Camp Jordan Arena in East Ridge, Tenn.

There you can learn more about home schooling and what's required in the program.