A small but increasing number of school-aged children are engaging in home schooling--pursuing learning at home or elsewhere in the community. This digest summarizes research findings on and issues around home schooling. It describes the historical roots of home schooling, the estimated number of participants, the constitutionality and legal issues surrounding it, and the resources available to home schoolers. The effect of home schooling on children's social development is also examined. Disagreement exists about which is more beneficial to children--spending more time with mixed-age groups or with their peers. Public opinion is divided about home schooling. It is primarily opposed by professional educators' unions and associations; however, the parents' right to homeschool their children is generally upheld by the American Civil Liberties Union, most state legislatures, and the majority of respondents to a Gallup poll. (LMI)