LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Parents say the home school movement is catching on, with two million children being homeschooled in the U.S. Technology is also playing a huge role in how students are taught.
From taking a class online to software students can use to do their math, there are plenty of resources available for homeschoolers. Parents are learning more about the options at the Kentucky Catholic Homeschool Conference.
Parent Lisa Ryan says, "Because of the school cutoff date, he was a little bit older for first grade. He was already reading... so I was just going to do first grade and send him back, but he was doing so well and we continued to do it."
Ryan has been homeschooling her children for more than 16 years. She says it's been great for her six children. Stats show that almost 75% of homeschooled children have gone to college, compared to 44% of the general population.
She says, "My third child is just going to be starting U of L this fall. The other two have had no problems transitioning into that environment."
At the conference, parents and students can also learn about different programs they can add into the curriculum like Bricks 4 Kidz. Students can learn about architecture and engineering all with Legos.
Sharon Dodson with Bricks 4 Kidz says, "Every week, I see the growth in the children and they really do advance through using the gears, the technibricks, battery packs, motors."
Supporters say benefits of homeschooling include more individualized attention and they can work at their own pace. Homeschooled children get together and learn firsthand about science, history, government, and art through field trips.
Parent Carrie McGraw says, "I really do enjoy keeping the children home in the primary years, really grades K-4. For us personally, it solidifies our family unit. It keeps them growing underneath the wings of the family."
The conference continues Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Louis Bertrand Church on South Sixth Street.
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