MCS Offers Support for Homeschooled Students

MARGARETVILLE – During a recent Board of Education meeting, several community members asked about homeschooling and how it is affecting our district. We appreciate these thoughtful questions and would like to provide some helpful context.

Across New York State, homeschooling has grown over the past decade. According to the Empire Center for Public Policy, more than 50,000 students statewide were homeschooled during the 2023–24 school year. While the largest increase occurred during the pandemic, participation remains higher than pre-2020 levels. Over the past decade, homeschooling in New York has seen remarkable growth, nearly tripling while overall public school enrollment has experienced a gradual decline.

Families choose homeschooling for many personal reasons. These may include a desire for individualized instruction, flexible scheduling, specific curriculum preferences, religious or faith-based instruction, health considerations, or family lifestyle needs. Some decisions are also influenced by vaccination requirements or other state policies. Every family’s choice reflects what they believe is best for their child.

Public schools, however, continue to offer broad opportunities and comprehensive supports. Students benefit from certified teachers in all subject areas, specialized academic and social-emotional services, extracurricular activities, athletics, arts programs, and career and technical education pathways. Public education also provides daily opportunities for students to build peer relationships and learn to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds.

In the Margaretville Central School District (MCS), homeschooling enrollment has remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations rather than a consistent upward trend. It is important to recognize that homeschool enrollment data may change within a given school year due to midyear enrollments, families relocating out of the district, or other family decisions regarding educational placement. As a small rural district, these changes can have a noticeable effect on year-to-year, and even semester-to-semester, data.

At present, 29 students from 18 families are being homeschooled. During the 2022–2023 school year, 32 students from 19 families were homeschooled, while in 2023–2024 there were 30 students from 17 families. Each student and family represented in these figures reflects a unique educational path.

Margaretville students who are homeschooled benefit from, and are connected to the district, through a variety of services and supports offered by MCS. If a homeschooled student has a disability, they may qualify to receive special education services from the district, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or counseling. These services are provided following the guidelines set by the New York State Education Department, just like they do for students in nonpublic schools. Homeschooled students also need to meet state requirements for home instruction, including submitting annual assessments. Families may ask for their child to participate in certain state assessments at MCS, with coordination from the district and following state rules.

Our doors remain open. Homeschooled students may enroll or re-enroll in Margaretville Central School District at any time, consistent with district policies and state requirements. We work closely with families to support smooth transitions and appropriate placement. We remain committed to providing a high-quality educational experience that supports students academically, socially, and emotionally. We value strong partnerships with families and strive to maintain a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.

“The decision to homeschool or attend public school is a personal one,” said Superintendent Michelle Osterhoudt. “We respect every family’s choice and remain focused on providing a welcoming, inclusive, and rigorous educational experience that supports student success.”

Margaretville Central School District will continue to prioritize strong academics, supportive relationships, and meaningful opportunities that prepare students for college, careers, and active citizenship. We are grateful for the trust our community places in us and remain committed to open, transparent communication.