This is the VOA Special English Education Report.

A new school year has begun in America. But some children do not go to school. Instead, they learn at home, usually with their parents as teachers. Educational companies, libraries, school systems and the Internet provide families with teaching material.

Homeschooling is increasingly popular. Homeschooling groups estimate that two-million children, around two percent, learn at home. The last government estimate was eight-hundred-fifty-thousand in nineteen-ninety-nine. Current numbers are not expected until next year.

Some parents choose homeschooling because of their religious beliefs. Others say it provides more time for the family to be together.

Many parents also believe homeschooling avoids problems of a lot of traditional schools. One problem is classes with too many students.

Critics, though, say children need to attend school with other children to help them learn things like social skills. They also say that some homeschooled children do not get a very good education.

All fifty states and the District of Columbia permit homeschooling. Some, however, require more preparation by parents or testing of children than others do.