Famous People who were Homeschooled

There are many famous people, throughout history, that have been homeschooled. These were students who went on to become artists, inventors, scientists, statesmen, writers, religious leaders, Supreme Court justices, musicians and even American presidents.

There will always be those individuals who believe that children should not be homeschooled because it makes it more difficult to be successful. Considering all of the famous people who have been taught at home, that belief seems to be more of a myth than truth.

English author, Helen Beatrix Potter, never received a formal education. She was always very interested in the study of plants and animals and felt she learned more from her own self-study than from any textbook.

Many considered her an amateur artist because she did not attend a traditional classroom. But, her books and the characters she created (Peter Rabbit, Mr. Tod, Benjamin Bunny, Jeremy Fisher and many others) are still as popular today, as when they were written.

Other famous writers include: C.S. Lewis, Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, Pearl S. Buck and Hans Christian Andersen.

Architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, received a traditional classroom education, for only four years. (Age 11 to 15) After which, while still only 15, he was admitted to the University of Wisconsin and given the classification of ‘special student’. He majored in engineering because there were no architecture courses available, at the time.

The 2nd President of the United States, John Adams, was also admitted to Harvard University at the very young age of 15. He learned to read at home and was later sent to the home of a neighbor, who taught many of the local children throughout the years.

Other U.S. Presidents and Statesmen who were homeschooled include: Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Benjamin Franklin.

There are more than a few celebrities who have been homeschooled. We all are familiar with Whoopi Goldberg, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Charlie Chaplin.

These are just a few of the famous people who were, at one time or another, homeschooled. In reality, the complete list is an extremely long one. If you take the time to do further research, you’ll be surprised at how large this group really is.

Here is one of the best online resources for homeschool guides, curriculums, and other homeschool information - Homeschool