In the early years of homeschooling, its advocates were often counter-cultural, seeking to distance themselves from mainstream institutions like public schools. They faced ongoing struggles with local and state governments for the right to educate their children at home, achieving varied success in progressive areas. Over time, particularly around the Reagan Revolution, homeschooling shifted from a leftist to a rightist movement, as many religious and social conservatives, frustrated with the educational system and cultural issues in public schools, chose to teach their children themselves. The movement has since expanded significantly beyond its original scope. Homeschooling presents substantial challenges, both financially and in terms of time. Parents bear the same tax burden for public schools as others, while also covering the costs of books, supplies, and additional fees, which can amount to hundreds or thousands of dollars annually. Expenses increase with extracurricular activities or specialized instruction beyond parental expertise. Additionally, homeschooling often requires one parent to forgo employment to teach, limiting family income. The commitment of time and energy is immense, involving lesson planning, one-on-one instruction, grading, and coordinating various activities, though older students can work more independently, easing the load. Despite these challenges, the rewards of homeschooling are significant. Families can tailor curricula to avoid objectionable content and focus on preferred perspectives. It fosters close family bonds through shared time and activities, bridging generational gaps. Homeschooled children often receive more thorough education through personalized instruction and the ability to delve deeply into subjects. They benefit from efficient use of time, frequently finishing their school day earlier than peers in public schools, and have access to a broader range of study topics, limited only by resources and community offerings. With modern tools like the Internet, even niche interests can be pursued with relative ease. However, homeschooling demands dedication and patience, and may not suit every family.