Date
12-16-2025
Department
School of Education
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD)
Chair
Shanna Baker
Keywords
Homeschooling, single-parent, alternative education, homeschool support
Disciplines
Education
Recommended Citation
Ball, Sarah C., "A Phenomenological Study of Homeschooling from a Single Parent Perspective: Pipe Dream or Possibility?" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7843.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7843
Abstract
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of single parents who chose to homeschool their students in South Florida. The theory guiding this study was Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems. The central research question was focused on how single-parent home educators describe their experience. The methodology used was qualitative, utilizing the following data collection methods: personal interviews, journaling, and focus groups. The participants were single parents — widowed, divorced, or by choice — who chose to homeschool their students in South Florida. Once the data were collected, the analysis included identifying commonalities, recognizing emergent themes, and transcribing the conversations to provide a vivid description of the experience as reported by the participants. The results suggested single parents shared many characteristics of confidence, determination, and spirituality. They also shared similar fears of failure, both academically and financially; however, those who found support were able to engage in successful homeschool journeys.
