For some parents, homeschooling has nothing to do with not trusting others with the education of their children. It's simply a bonding opportunity that they can't pass up.

"I prayed about it, and the Lord brought me to several verses in the Bible," said Kathy Fogel, a Manheim Township homeschool mom and teacher. "When we pass away, we're not going to take anything with us. The only thing we're going to leave behind is people and our children. When I've talked with older people and asked them if they have any regrets, the only thing they say is they wish they had better relationships with their families. That (regret) is not what we want. We want to invest in our family."

"I know a lot of moms who have been in the classroom," continued Fogel, "and they asked themselves, 'Why am I doing this? Why am I separating myself from my child?'"

Fogel is currently homeschooling her four children, Kenneth, 12; Lily, 10; Alana, 8; and Aurora, 4. The Fogels moved to Manheim Township in November of 2020, during the height of the pandemic, and the children have never attended a public or private school.

"My whole thing with homeschooling is that you have to have a child's heart and discipline first," said Fogel. "Once that's established, they wake up knowing this is what we do. Establishing a rhythm and expectations, it's hard. Once it's established, it flows well."

In the education of her children, Fogel follows a teaching curriculum that includes all the core subjects, including reading, writing, math and social studies. She also utilizes resources from online sources, local homeschool co-ops and other parents who are teaching their children.

Some families employ the use of tutors as a way to supplement their children's homeschool experiences.

"I graduated from a good school, and I figure things out," said Fogel. "The Lord gives me the things I need to know. Because I'm in a co-op where there are so many driven and intelligent moms, we share ideas and concerns. Because we're able to share things, we're all better off."

Homeschooling in Pennsylvania is regulated by state laws, and parents like Fogel aren't required to be certified to teach their children. But homeschooled students are required to pass tests at specific points of their education journeys.

"I (administer the state evaluations) yearly just to check their progress," said Fogel. "We do evaluations at the end of each school year and submit the evaluations to the school district (Manheim Township). This year, some homeschoolers have been able to join public schools for certain classes."

The Fogel children are four of 193 students currently being homeschooled in Manheim Township. The Coalition of Homeschoolers Across Lancaster County (CHALC) serves more than 600 homeschool families in the county and surrounding areas.

Fogel noted that she's heard that the number of homeschool families is growing. "I've noticed it in our circles," she noted. "I've heard parents say, 'We find that it's so much better.' But I've also heard, 'I'm not doing this again because it's so hard.' Your kids can bring out the best in you and the worst in you."

"One parent has to stay home, and there is a loss of income," Fogel continued. "It's a sacrifice and a privilege to do. You have to be careful and aware of your resources. It can be expensive, or it can be less expensive. It's very customizable. You have to be very wise with the things you spend your time on."

For additional information about the Coalition of Homeschoolers Across Lancaster County, go to http://www.chalc.org.