Homeschooling, a tradition that's existed for hundreds of years, has been enjoying a renaissance of sorts since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021-2022, the number of Ontario children being homeschool jumped from 40,000 to more than 85,000 and here in Haliburton County, the trend continues.

Micheon Hutchings is a member of the Haliburton Homeschoolers, a Facebook group that supports parents who've chosen to educate their children themselves. CanoeFM spoke with Hutchings recently. She says the freedom to explore a wide range of topics on their own schedule, without the pressure to follow a curriculum means children excel on their own timeline.

Hutchings adds the stigma of homeschooled children is gradually being debunked as more parents see the benefits of choosing this unconventional method of educating children.