Pioneers on the home front: An exploratory study of early homeschoolers in Hawaii

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of four pioneering homeschooling families in the State of Hawaii. This qualitative multiple case study examined the motivation, academic, social, legal, and admission to college aspects of early homeschoolers in Hawaii. Research questions guiding the study focused on: what motivated these parents in Hawaii to step outside of compulsory education laws and educate their children, factors influencing parents to persist in homeschooling their children, their experiences with homeschooling and socialization, as well as outcomes for the parents and children. The results indicated that these homeschooling parents were motivated for mainly academic reasons. Influence of religion varied for each family. Homeschooling support groups influenced parents to continue homeschooling and each participating homeschooling family created a unique personal educational environment in their home with a variety of curricula. Obstacles included relatives, community reactions, and compulsory education laws. Positive outcomes included but were not limited to positive socialization skills, college entrance and completion, and gainful employment by the older children in these families.