San Marcos homeschooling group grows post pandemic

By Andrea Narro

News Reporter 

SAN MARCOS – Homeschool programs faced an outstanding rise in the number of students withdrawing from traditional education after the pandemic, making homeschooling the new normal.

Originally homeschooling was a short-term option for most parents during the pandemic with the possibility of sending kids back to traditional schools. However, the Administrator of San Marcos Homeschoolers, Amanda Fox, believes the numbers will keep growing due to improved resources.

“I think the numbers are actually going up because there’s more resources since COVID and there’s more programs in place for the homeschoolers now,” Fox said.

Parents involved in the homeschooling group find it the perfect way to have their kids focused one-on-one while learning and still have socialization thanks to the added resources. 

Member of the San Marcos homeschooling group, Bridget Gates, strongly believes that switching from private school to homeschool programs has been the best decision for her daughter.

“It’s just such an amazing way for them to still get socialization and physical activity,” Gates said. “And now that the homeschool group has partnered with the city, the parks and rec department to have special things set up here at the activity center, she looks forward to it every week.”

Homeschooling programs have grown to have great academic benefits throughout the years. Member of the San Marcos homeschooling program, Ashley Rose, talks about the benefits she enjoys the most for her kids.

“The great benefit is being able to have a variety of teachers,” Rose said. “We have so many different people who are willing to give us their knowledge and share their passions, and I think it’s really great because we have so many more teachers than if you were to just go to school and have your two or three teachers.”

The San Marcos homeschooling program has raised its numbers about four times more since COVID and expects to grow more.

If you are interested in volunteering to help the programs, please contact them through sanmarcoshomeschoolers@gmail.com