History brings us a large number of homeschooled role models, but what people don`t realize is that there are plenty of great examples of successful home education today, as well. Whether you`re just curious about who is who in the world of homeschooling or need to prove to others that there really is a good reason to take this route, this post will focus on some of the people who went on to do great things as a result of their education.
Past
Thomas Edison: Though he did go to school for a short while, it didn`t work out . . . . his teachers considered him dumb and he was educated by his mother at home instead. He went on to invent many things including the light bulb.
Mozart: He was homeschooled during a three year trip around Europe with his family. Obviously taking time off school to travel is a great idea! Read about a modern day family doing the same thing here.
Leonardo da Vinci: Famous for his studies of many areas and his inventions and ideas that were far before their time, da Vinci was also a home-taught child.
Louisa May Alcott: This famous author (Little Men and Little Women, among others) was homeschooled by her parents, but was also taught by friends of the family who had other areas of expertise, similar to homeschool groups nowadays.
Also, no fewer than 15 American presidents were homeschooled, which really says something about the quality of education!
Present
Christopher Paolini: After graduating at the age of 15, having been homeschooled his entire life, Paolini went on to write the Inheritance Cycle books, which are now being made into movies.
Mattie Stepanek: Homeschooled because of a rare form of muscular dystrophy that killed his sister and two brothers, Mattie began writing poetry at the age of 3 and went on to publish 5 poetry books before he died at the age of 14.
Dave Thomas: The famous entrepreneur who founded Wendy`s restaurants was homeschooled.
Hilary Duff: Both Hilary and her sister were homeschooled, studying with their mother in between acting auditions. Of course, Duff is now well known as an actress and singer.
Jennifer Love Hewitt: Another notable actress, was also taught at home.
Agatha Christie: Too shy to attend school with her sisters, this now famous author stayed home and was taught by her mother.
Here`s a more complete list of famous homeschoolers.
Tags: famous homeschoolers, homeschool, success