Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-8-2026
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Public Policy Leadership
First Advisor
Melissa Bass
Second Advisor
Darren Grem
Third Advisor
Anne Bomba
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
In recent years, the growth of homeschooling and alternative education methods such as hybrid and virtual schools has reshaped educational opportunities for both parents and students. As more options become available and more parents opt for the flexibility of non-traditional school, it is imperative that we examine the educational guardrails in place for these students. Even more importantly, it is imperative that the perspectives of home educators and homeschool alumni have a place at the table when we review the regulations in place. This thesis seeks to understand the perspectives of current and former Mississippi home educators, Mississippi homeschool alumni, and U.S. homeschool policy advocates. After reviewing findings about the current state of homeschooling and homeschool regulations around the United States, this thesis collected primary qualitative data through nine semi-structured interviews with current and former Mississippi home educators, Mississippi homeschool alumni, and U.S. homeschool policy advocates. In these interviews, participants shared their motivations for homeschooling, their homeschooling experiences, and their perceptions of proposed homeschool regulations. These findings aligned with the literature: many parents homeschooled for flexible schedules, in response to poor public school experiences, and to personalize their child’s education. Findings also indicate problems such as access to supplemental resources and concerns about potential educational neglect or child abuse. This research concluded that although most homeschool families are wary of regulation, they may be open to minimal regulations that affirm their child’s proficiency in basic education requirements, establishing and enforcing baseline child-safety protections, and providing optional increased access to public resources. This research seeks to shed light on an understudied educational method and lay the groundwork for addressing the concerns of a range of parents, alumni, and policy advocates.
Recommended Citation
LeCroy, Kaley, "Homeschool Policy in Mississippi: Perceptions of Regulations Among Parents, Alumni, and Policy Advocates" (2026). Honors Theses. 3543.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3543
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