By BRIAN PORTER | The Rocky Mountain Voice
An estimated one in 20 children is homeschooled in America, and in Colorado about 16,000 students claim to be homeschooled.
Some of those students and their parents visited the Capitol Thursday in celebration of Colorado Homeschool Day.
“Empowering families to choose the best education for their children is fundamental to our values,” said Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs. “By supporting homeschooling, we affirm the right of families to be the primary educators of their children. Families should have the choice to tailor their child’s education according to their individual needs and beliefs.”
Homeschool families found an ally in Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Brighton.
“As a product of homeschooling myself and now a homeschooling family, I’ve witnessed firsthand the immense benefits it offers,” he said. “Homeschooling allows for personalized learning experiences, fosters strong family bonds and ensures that children receive education in alignment with their family’s values.”
Members of the Colorado House’s Republican Caucus voiced their support for homeschooling in a joint statement:
“Today, the House Republican Caucus reaffirms its unwavering support for school choice, emphasizing the fundamental principles of familial transparency and choice in education. We steadfastly advocate for legislation that not only protects, but also enhances the rights of families to actively choose the best educational path for their children including the choice to homeschool. By championing school choice, we assert our firm commitment to upholding familial autonomy and safeguarding educational freedom for every family in Colorado. We believe that families are best positioned to make informed decisions about their children’s education, tailoring it to meet their unique needs and values. This stance reflects our deep-rooted belief in the principle that family involvement is paramount in shaping the future success of our children and the strength of our communities.”