Besides being famous, what do Simone Biles, Benjamin Franklin, and Andrew Carnegie have in common? They were all homeschooled! In fact, several other well-known people were also homeschooled. Thomas Edison, Theodore Roosevelt, and Kristi Yamaguchi, to name a few, were all educated at home. These individuals have each made major contributions to politics, sports, science, and technology. We will take a closer look at these famous people, their homeschooling experiences, and how homeschooling prepared them for success.
Homeschooling has offered many benefits for hundreds of years. Over the past few years, more and more families have been switching to homeschooling because of all its advantages. This viable option may be something for you to consider as you weigh all your educational decisions for your family.
Read more: Famous People Who Were HomeschooledHomeschooled Historical Figures
Benjamin Franklin
After paying for one year of grammar school and private tutoring, Franklin’s father could no longer afford to send all 17 of his children to traditional school. A self-motivated student, Franklin taught himself through reading, writing, and debating friends. He continued to learn by working as an apprentice in his brother’s print shop. Later, he wrote for the newspaper.
His home education helped him to invent several devices, including the lightning rod, glass harmonica, Franklin stove, and bifocals. Franklin also made major contributions to American politics. He was one of the founding fathers who signed the US Constitution. He also helped to write the Treaty of Paris that ended the American Revolutionary War.
Thomas Edison
An unruly and troublesome student, Edison was expelled from his elementary school. A former schoolteacher, Edison’s mother saw the intellectual capabilities in her son and decided to educate him at home. She supported his love for mechanics and science, encouraging him to pursue all kinds of experiments.
Edison’s hands-on method of homeschooling fueled his creativity and ingenuity. He ended up inventing many lifechanging tools—the most famous being the light bulb—as well as the phonograph and motion picture camera.
Theodore Roosevelt
The 26th president of the United States was homeschooled, largely due to difficulties with asthma. An intellectually gifted student, he attended Harvard University after finishing his homeschool education. He studied law after graduating from Harvard and was elected to the New York legislature. Afterward, Roosevelt joined the Navy. During the Spanish-American War, he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel of the Rough Riders Regiment.
His leadership qualities earned him much respect, and he was elected governor of New York in 1898. His gain in popularity propelled him into the vice presidency in 1901. After William McKinley was assassinated in office, Roosevelt succeeded him as president. He played a key role in the founding of several national monuments and parks and worked to conserve America’s natural resources. He is also well-known for helping with the construction of the Panama Canal.
Condoleezza Rice
Though she was homeschooled for only one year, Rice’s homeschool experience played a critical role in the rest of her education and future career. Her parents were determined to give their daughter every academic opportunity possible. When she was 5, Rice’s father began teaching her reading, writing, and math at a school he established. Rice was more than capable to begin first grade, but she missed the cut-off date because of her birthday and could not enroll in public school. Undeterred, Rice’s mother wanted to prove that her daughter would be ready to test for second grade the next year. She worked tirelessly to prepare Rice for the test, and her hard work paid off. Rice surpassed the requirements and scored above her grade level in every subject. She graduated high school early, completed college by 19, and earned a doctorate in political science at 26.
Rice later became the National Security Advisor for President George W. Bush and then Secretary of State. She now serves on the faculty of Stanford University and is a fellow for the Hoover Institution. Rice is also an accomplished pianist who has performed at many events in Washington. She even played at Buckingham Palace for Queen Elizabeth II.
Homeschooled Businessmen
Andrew Carnegie
An elementary school dropout, Carnegie received only five years of formal education. He was homeschooled the remainder of the time. Carnegie later founded the Carnegie Steel Company in Pittsburg and is responsible for the growth of the steel industry in the U.S. during the nineteenth century. A well-known philanthropist, Carnegie donated around $350 million to many different foundations and charities in his lifetime.
Rex David Thomas
Thomas was homeschooled after dropping out of high school. He later went back to earn his GED, more than 40 years after he dropped out. He founded Wendy’s, one of the largest and most successful fast-food chains in the United States. Thomas had a keen mind for business and was highly involved in all aspects of running a fast-food chain. In 1982 he and a group of entrepreneurs established The Wellington School, the first co-ed independent school in the greater Columbus metropolitan area.
Homeschooled Athletes
Kristi Yamaguchi
Yamaguchi was homeschooled during her first two years of high school so she could have the flexibility to pursue her figure skating dream. In her professional career, Yamaguchi won a U.S. Championship, two World Championships, and a gold medal in the 1992 Winter Olympics.
Simone Biles
At 13, Biles chose to homeschool to accommodate her demanding gymnastics training schedule. Though she missed her friends and school activities, Biles never regretted her decision. She said it was “the only way to push her gymnastics career forward,” and it has certainly paid off. Biles has won 30 World Championship medals and 7 Olympic medals during her professional career.
Tim Tebow
Tebow’s parents decided to homeschool their children to help them grow both spiritually and academically. The Tebow’s used homeschooling to instill character and family values in their children. Homeschooling shaped each of their children’s unique academic abilities, goals, and interests. All five Tebow children excelled in their home education, each earning college scholarships.
Tebow was the quarterback for the Florida Gators, leading them to many victories. He is also the first homeschooled student to win the Heisman Trophy.
The Impact of Homeschooling on Their Success
Personalized Education
Just as these homeschoolers are unique, so was their education. The parents of these homeschoolers were able to personalize their children’s schooling. They knew their children’s academic strengths and weaknesses. They tailored lessons so their children were able to excel in their stronger abilities while working on their weaker areas. Homeschooling provided an opportunity for them to pursue their dreams.
Flexibility and Focus
One of the greatest advantages of homeschooling is flexibility. These home educators planned and managed their school schedules to accommodate their families’ needs. These students could focus on areas of interest and develop their talents.
Family Support and Environment
A positive, loving, structured family environment is crucial to the success of homeschooling.
Consider Homeschooling
Each of these notable individuals achieved great success because of homeschooling. Flexible schedules, tailored lessons, hands-on learning, and strong family support helped them to realize their dreams and accomplish their goals.
The accomplishments of these homeschooled historical figures, businessmen, and athletes can help others view homeschooling from a broader perspective. Their achievements may encourage parents to consider homeschooling as an option for their own families.
Take some time to consider homeschooling for your family. Home education offers your child many advantages that traditional education may not. Homeschool benefits include personalized lessons, an adaptable calendar and schedule, a curriculum to fit your child’s learning style, and freedom to explore your child’s abilities and interests. BJU Press Homeschool can help answer your questions and provide feasible options for your educational plans and goals.
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Jennifer is a pastor’s wife and mom of two young girls and loves homeschooling them. During her own twelve years of being homeschooled, Jennifer developed a passion for reading and writing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and relishes writing during her free time.
