JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
An increasing number of children get to wear their pajamas to school every day. More and more children take field trips to national museums and monuments on a weekly basis, seeing first-hand the places where important events in American history took place. Millions of children are able go to school when and where ever it is most convenient, allowing them to spend maximum time with their families.
How? By taking part in the rapidly growing trend of home schooling.
According to a 2007 survey by the federal government, nearly three percent, or 1.5 million children in grades kindergarten through 12, received their education at home, an increase of 36 percent since the last study done in 2003.
For many reasons, and by many avenues, parents all over the nation are taking a more active role in their children's lives as they become their teachers - and Andrews is no exception.
The Andrews Home Educators is a group that provides valuable resources for families around the National Capital Region who choose to home school.
"The goal of AHE is to give families a place to interact with other home-school families and offer opportunities such as group classes and activities," said Joanna Hemp, AHE director. "Some of our most popular activities are the ballet classes and field trips."
With more than 70 member families last year, and record attendance at their 2012 kickoff gathering at the Andrews Community Center on Aug. 15, AHE continues to grow with the popularity of home schooling.
"AHE is a massive support system for home-schooling families," said Lindsey Burchette, AHE welcome coordinator. "We are very diverse and we offer something for everyone."
Nancy Gyure, an AHE member who has home-schooled for 14 years, is a pillar in that support system.
"AHE is a great benefit for home-schooling families," she said. "It's a great place to make connections with other home-schoolers. If you're new to home schooling, it can be pretty daunting in the beginning. AHE can help with questions about laws, guidelines and curriculum."
Experienced home educators like Gyure are able to light the path for parents who are new to the home-school scene.
Claire Tyson, one such parent who is new to AHE and the Andrews area, just recently made to decision to home school.
"We transferred here last year and we weren't satisfied with the public school," she said. "I was excited when I found out about the Andrews Home Educators. We had questions about state regulations and about getting started."
Tyson said she is looking forward to the interactive programs AHE offers, such as physical education, art and the field trips.
Those considering the home school option may benefit from AHE's "New to Home School" meetings, where members of the group provide parents information about starting a home school program. To sign up for the next meeting, email aheboard@gmail.com.
For more information, request to join the Andrews Home Educators group on
Facebook.