Homeschooling grows in popularity in New Brunswick

Students across the province will be back at school next week, but a growing number are sticking closer to home.

The number of homeschool students in the province has increased by 12 per cent between the 2012-13 and 2015-16 school years.

There were 707 homeschool students last year compared to631in 2012-13.

While more students were being homeschooled, enrolment in the public school system was decreasing.

Enrolment last year was 97,912 compared to 101,079 in 2012-13, which is a decline of about three per cent.

Gina Lynch homeschools her children in Frederictonand she started a week ahead of the public school system.

• Un-schooling helps family overcome son's anxiety
• High school homeschooling hits new high
• Home-schooling catching on in the Yukon

Lynch said she wasn't even aware of homeschooling until she met some parents who were doing so withtheir children.

She was thencertain homeschoolingwas right for her children.

"I just really enjoyed seeing how their kids were learningand how they were interacting and how their family bond was very strong as a result of being together for such a long period of time," said Lynch.

While her children experience many of the same things public school students do,there are some differences.

For example, they start a week early. That combined with a compressed schedule allows them to start summer break a month early.

Different financially

The financial situation is also different. She spends less on some thingsand more on others.

"We don't have to buy new clothes for our kids. They're just at home so it's not a big deal," said Lynch.

The biggest issue is buying all the books.- Gina Lynch, homeschool mother

"The biggest issue is buying all the books. We buy our own curriculum and anything that's needed in terms of me being able to present things to my kids."

Lynch said teaching four children of different ages, who all require different lessons, can be difficult.

However, it can also provide beneficial educational opportunities.

"My four-year-old has picked up so many things from just being near by when my older kids are learning. It's actually quite amazing how they pick up and learn from each other," said Lynch.

Interaction with children

One aspect found in public schools that can be difficult to replicate in home school is interactions with other children.

There may be other children, but they're brothers and sisters. Lynch has found ways to ensure her children maintain social interactions.

"We have a homeschool co-op that we go to every Fridayand there's about eight families or so that come together their kids, and they learn together," she said.

"Of course, my kids [are also in] swimmingand dance and all those sorts of things."

Lynch isn't alone in teaching her children.

Her husband, who is a teacher in the public school system, is there to provide a professional viewpoint as well.

Lynch said originally she thought her homeschooling career would be limited to elementary schooland while she isn't ruling out her childrengoing to public school one day, she's may be in for the long haul.

"I think I'm up for the challenge at this point," she said.