My children have been virtually homeschooled for 5 going on 6 years. During this time, we have found joy, flexibility, and success in a learning environment that caters specifically to their needs. It's a system that has allowed them to thrive, to learn at their pace, and to explore subjects beyond the traditional curriculum. Unfortunately, the proposed HB 253 bill threatens to take away these critical options and disrupt our children’s education.

The HB 253 bill proposes stringent regulations on virtual homeschooling, potentially limiting access to the customized education that has become essential for many families like ours. These regulations could impose unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that could hinder our ability to provide the best educational environment for our children. The bill might include measures that standardize virtual learning in a way that strips away the unique benefits that homeschooling offers.

Statistically, virtual homeschooling has proven to be effective for a significant number of families across the region. A study by the National Home Education Research Institute reveals that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 30 percentile points above public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. Beyond academics, virtual homeschooling offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing children to pursue extracurricular interests and advanced subjects which are often unavailable in the public school system.

We need lawmakers to recognize the impact this bill could have on the futures of countless homeschooled children. Rather than stripping away the freedoms that allow for a diverse approach to education, they should aim to support and enhance educational choices through means that respect the differences among learning styles and educational environments.

Join us in urging our legislators to oppose HB 253, maintaining diverse educational options that cater to the unique needs of each family. Sign this petition to protect the future of virtual homeschooling for children and families who thrive because of it.