Home-school advocates are cheering Friday's decision by the California Court of Appeal for the 2nd Appellate District to allow parents to home-school their children whether or not they are certified teachers.
“Tens of thousands of California parents teaching over 166,000 home-schooled children are now breathing easier," said Michael Farris, chairman of the Home School Legal Defense Association.
The court agreed to rehear the case after public outcry over its February ruling, which would have jeopardized home schooling in the state.
In its opinion, however, the court said additional requirements for home-schoolers should be considered by the state Legislature.
“This is a huge victory worth celebrating," said Candi Cushman, education analyst for Focus on the Family Action. "We’re glad the court acknowledged constitutional protections for home schooling.
“However, the court’s wording also makes it clear we need to remain vigilant to oppose future attacks on that freedom.”
