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 Home The Independent Learning Network, Inc. (ILN) is a support network for Independent Learners* and their families in Coastal Georgia. ILN was established to address the need for alternative educational options in the region and is dedicated to the academic success of home-based learners in grade levels 3-12. ILN services are also recommended for learners with exceptional needs (accelerated and academically challenged), at-risk learners, and parents of home-based learners who seek additional support. ILN’s exceptional educators promote life-long learning and global thinking through personal curriculum planning, individualized instruction, and community programming while inspiring learners and bridging academic gaps. *Independent Learners are defined as students who seek or are actively participating in home-based educational programs outside the traditional public and private school sectors. Our Mission To provide parents and students with a support network that inspires independent learners to achieve academic excellence and meaningfully contribute to society. Why Home-based Learning? - As the fastest growing form of education in the U.S. (5-12% increase per annum), home-based learning is becoming “mainstream” (Ray).
- The National Center for Education Statistics reported that in 2007, home-based learners had increased by 74% since 1999 (National Center for Education Statistics).
- Over one million families in the United States have chosen an alternative to public education (American Home School Association).
- According to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, there is an estimated 220,000 black children being homeschooled, 10 percent of the estimated 15 percent of minority children who are homeschooled (Ball).
- Regardless of income, race, gender or parents level of education, home-based learners consistently tested above average (82-92%) on achievement tests (Lyman) and higher on standardized tests than their public school counterparts (Rothschild).
- There was no significant difference between minority and white homeschooled students in academic achievement (Home School Legal Defense Association).
- Home-based learners scored higher than the nation average on the ACT in 2009 (Schuberg).
- The Chronicle of Higher Education reported a boom in home-based learners winning admission to selective colleges (Lyman).
- Home-based learners have significantly fewer problem behaviors (Shyers).
- Home-based learners are above average in academic, social, emotional and psychological development (Ray).
- Home-educated girls develop a stronger sense of self-esteem (Cate III) and boys with ADHD and other learning disabilities thrive in home-based learning environments (Stevens/Blair).
- The natural tendency toward physical expression and energetic nature in boys is better accommodated by home-based learning (Ray).
- Inexpensive virtual curriculum programs are creating endless options for students participating in home-based learning, including the necessity to be based in one location (Robinson).
- Home-educated learners are, in general, happier, better adjusted, more thoughtful, competent, and sociable (Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents).
- Home-based learners report being more mature, better socialized, participate in activities in their community, and socialize with children of different ages (Belfield).
- Home-based learning focuses on what is best for the individual learner and takes in account stages, not ages (St. John).
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