As Nevada legislation leans increasingly liberal, school choice for homeschooling families faces mounting challenges.
We are always a step behind California, and with each policy shift, we find ourselves fighting to preserve our freedoms.
One example is the recent change in homeschooling age requirements.
Before July 1, 2024, parents had to file a Notice of Intent by the time their child turned seven. Now, the age has been lowered to six.
The trend is clear—what’s next? Five years old?
Protecting Religious Freedom in Education
One of the most important reasons many families choose homeschooling is faith.
Public schools have steadily pushed God out of the classroom. Prayer is banned, biblical teachings are excluded, and many schools actively discourage expressions of faith.
Instead, children are often exposed to secular ideologies that conflict with their family’s religious beliefs.
But parents have the right to raise their children according to their faith. Homeschooling allows families to live out that right fully—without interference, without compromise.
By homeschooling, we are better able to put into action our God-given and constitutional right to freedom of religion. We can incorporate faith into every aspect of learning—science, history, literature, and daily life.
We can teach morality, virtue, and purpose in a way that no public school ever will.
The First Amendment protects our freedom of religion, but that freedom is being stripped away in public education. If we do not stand firm, we risk losing it altogether.
Why We Homeschool
Research indicates that homeschooled students often outperform their public school counterparts. They typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher on standardized academic achievement tests.
Additionally, homeschooled students tend to have higher ACT scores, grade point averages (GPAs), and graduation rates compared to traditionally schooled students. These outcomes remain consistent regardless of parents’ level of formal education or household income.
Sources:
- Research Facts on Homeschooling (NHERI)
- Homeschooling vs. Public School Academic Achievement (IES)
- Homeschooling Overview (Wikipedia)
For many of us, homeschooling is about freedom—the ability to choose where we live, how we educate our children, and how we integrate learning into our daily lives.
I love that I am not tied down to a specific school district or zip code. I can move anywhere in the valley, find a home that suits my family’s needs, and not worry about school boundaries.
The flexibility homeschooling provides is invaluable, and it’s protected by both state laws and the Constitution.
More importantly, homeschooling allows parents to educate their children as they see fit. Public schools operate under a one-size-fits-all approach, forcing every child into a mold.
But every child is unique—each one has their own potential, learning style, and pace. Why should they be forced to conform to a system that doesn’t recognize their individuality?
Debunking Homeschooling Myths
The biggest misconception about homeschoolers? That we’re overprotective. But is that really a bad thing?
The public school system criticizes parents for either not being involved enough or being too involved—so which is it?
We’re constantly told that homeschoolers lack socialization, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Homeschooled kids interact with people of all ages, not just peers in their grade.
They engage in sports, clubs, and real-world experiences that prepare them for life beyond a classroom.
And let’s talk about academics.
There’s a myth that homeschoolers don’t learn as much or aren’t as smart. But the reality is, many homeschooled kids perform far above grade level. I’ve seen firsthand how public schools hold kids back rather than helping them thrive.
For example, my son was reading at a fifth-grade level in third grade. Yet, when he continued in public school, his reading level stayed the same for years.
Instead of pushing him forward, the school system let him stagnate. That’s not education—that’s mediocrity.
The Student-to-Teacher Ratio Advantage
One of the biggest flaws in public education is overcrowding. In Nevada, the student-to-teacher ratio is among the highest in the nation, with some classrooms exceeding 30 to 40 students per teacher.
In contrast, homeschooling offers a personalized and efficient learning environment.
Smaller class sizes mean:
- More one-on-one instruction
- A personalized learning pace—Students can master material before moving on, rather than being rushed through lessons
- Immediate feedback—No waiting days or weeks for graded assignments
- Less time wasted on distractions, behavioral issues, and administrative tasks
When children receive more individual attention, they learn faster, retain information better, and develop a love for learning—something the public school system is failing to achieve.
More Time for Hobbies, Electives, and Real-World Skills
Another major advantage of homeschooling? Flexibility.
Public school students are confined to rigid schedules that leave little room for exploration. Homeschoolers, on the other hand, have time to pursue interests, develop talents, and build practical skills that benefit them throughout life.
Some examples include:
Hobbies & Electives
- Music, art, and theater programs that are being cut from public schools
- Coding, robotics, and STEM education beyond the standard curriculum
- Creative writing, filmmaking, and journalism
- Entrepreneurship and business skills
Life Skills That Schools No Longer Teach
Remember home economics? How about civics? It used to be a core part of education.
Today, it’s nearly nonexistent in public schools. That means most students graduate without basic skills like:
- Cooking & meal planning—Essential for health and independence
- Financial literacy—Budgeting, saving, and understanding debt
- Household management—Laundry, cleaning, and organization
- Time management & self-discipline—Essential for success in work and life
Homeschooling restores these skills, ensuring that young people enter adulthood prepared to manage their homes, finances, and futures responsibly.
When we teach our children real-world skills, we’re not just raising students—we’re raising competent, independent adults who will contribute positively to society.
What Does School Choice Really Mean?
The phrase “school choice” gets thrown around a lot. But what does it actually mean?
For homeschoolers, it’s about freedom, not government funding.
Some argue that school choice means public funding for all educational options, including homeschooling. But homeschoolers don’t want government money—because with money comes control.
Whoever funds education dictates what is taught, how it is tested, and how students are tracked. Our children are not for sale.
Public schools in Nevada receive massive amounts of funding, yet we rank 49th in education. The problem isn’t money—it’s the system. Why would we invite the same failing bureaucracy into our homes?
Homeschooling works because it operates outside of government control.
Recent Political Perspectives
The debate over homeschooling and school choice has recently been highlighted by Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo and Clark County School District Trustee Lorena Biassotti.
On March 17, 2025, at 9:09 AM, Governor Lombardo posted on X:
“Every Nevada family deserves the right to choose the best educational path for their children. School choice empowers parents and fosters innovation in our education system. Let’s ensure our policies support diverse learning opportunities, including homeschooling, so that every child has the chance to succeed.”
At 10:15 AM the same day, Clark County School District Trustee Lorena Biassotti reposted Lombardo’s statement, adding:
“I appreciate the Governor’s concern for Nevada’s children. However, it’s important to note that 62.6% of K-12 students in Nevada attend traditional public schools. While school choice can have both positive and negative effects on public schools, our priority should be legislation that directly benefits and strengthens public education.”
Biassotti’s response highlights the ongoing tension in the education debate—balancing school choice with the need to improve traditional public schools.
As Nevada families push for educational freedom, the political landscape continues to shape the future of homeschooling rights and school choice policies.
Parents know what’s best for their children and should have the freedom to choose—whether it’s public school, private school, or homeschooling.
I stand with Governor Lombardo in advocating for school choice and protecting parental rights in education.
