Homeschooling Gifted Students

Abstract

The homeschooling movement has grown consistently over the past 50 years and is now a viable option for gifted children as well, particularly when traditional schools fail to meet their unique needs. As the educational option offering the greatest flexibility, homeschooling can hold great promise to assist the optimal development of both gifted and twice exceptional children. The purpose of this chapter is to highlight major trends in homeschooling practice for families with gifted children, as well as to focus attention on the need for further research into the topic of homeschooling and giftedness. Ways in which homeschooling can provide a fit for gifted and twice exceptional children, resources utilized by parents in meeting their children's needs, and challenges parents face as they direct their children's education are considered. The importance of flexibility in approach and curriculum, as well as utilizing outside resources, is emphasized.