In my last post, I talked about how homeschooling can be an incredible tool for meeting a child’s individual needs—but how the “movement” has turned it into a spiritual litmus test for “real” Christians. I also shared how my own kids’ education has been impacted by the complete lack of structure, guidance, or accountability in the homeschool world.
That brings me to the next piece of this conversation: regulation.
I know, I know—just saying the word in a homeschool group is enough to start a riot. But hear me out: I’m not talking about destroying homeschooling’s freedom and flexibility. I’m talking about common-sense oversight—enough to protect kids from neglect and abuse, while still giving families room to tailor their education.
Because here’s the truth: when I see people absolutely losing it over any kind of regulation, I can’t help but wonder what they’re afraid will come to light. And I’m not talking about innocent differences in curriculum or teaching style. I’m talking about the kind of harm that would get you incarcerated if it happened in a school—like beating a child with a plumbing supply line (yes, that’s actually a “discipline” method promoted by Michael Pearl in To Train Up a Child).
We can’t pretend that doesn’t happen.
And we can’t keep telling ourselves that children in homeschooling are automatically safer just because they’re at home. Lack of oversight means some kids fall through the cracks—educationally, emotionally, and sometimes physically.
So what would common-sense regulation look like?
- Annual portfolio reviews – Parents show work samples, projects, and learning activities from the year. It’s not about judging your style, it’s about confirming the child is being educated.
- Basic testing to track growth – Not high-stakes standardized testing, but enough to see that a child is progressing.
- Regular contact with a mandatory reporter – This could be a certified teacher, a social worker, or another trained professional. It’s one more safeguard for kids who may not have another adult looking out for them.
None of these things would stop creative, flexible, or faith-based homeschooling. They would make it harder for abusers to hide—and that alone is worth it.
I know some will say, “If you give an inch, the government will take a mile.” But that mindset ignores the cost of doing nothing. When a child’s safety, wellbeing, and future are at stake, doing nothing is not an option.
We can honor homeschooling’s freedom and protect children. Those goals are not opposites—they are partners.
If we really care about kids, we should care enough to make sure the system that educates them has at least a few safeguards in place.
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