Since Theresa Klose joined Cary Home-schoolers three years ago, the group has grown from 180 families to 260 families. The local numbers correlate with a national trend. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 1999, there were 850,000 school-aged children who were home-schooled, and by 2007, the number had risen to 1.5 million.

Now the president of Cary Homeschoolers, Klose isn't surprised that the practice has become more mainstream. The growing numbers of children learning outside the formal school environment have opened up opportunities throughout the Triangle for social outlets, co-ops and flexible extracurricular activities.

Q: What are some of the reasons families choose to home-school?

A: Personally, I was getting frustrated with the curriculum in the Wake County school system. Obviously, teachers are working with 30 students in a classroom and must follow a common path. I understand that. But what was frustrating was when my children could answer a question but didn't know how they got the answer.

One strength of Cary Homeschoolers is that the group is so diverse. There is a range from unschooling to very structured schooling. Some people home-school for religious reasons, some because of a child with special needs, some to support a gifted child. Some even home-school two of their children, while another child in the family attends a formal school environment.

Q: What sorts of programs are available for home-schooling families in our area?

A: For academics, the Internet has opened up so many resources for families. Sites like k12.com, or Florida Virtual High School are truly incredible resources. Locally, we also belong to "Learning Arbor," which enrolls about five to 12 students in each class.

As far as sports and extracurricular (activities), groups like Marlins of Raleigh (a swim team) have practices dedicated to families who home-school. There are home-school soccer leagues, tennis, bowling, fencing, football, ballet and gymnastics. The Triangle area is really embracing home-schoolers.

Q: What's the biggest misconception about home-schooling?

A: People always ask me about whether my kids are getting socialized. I think my kids are probably more socialized than most. They are involved in Scouting and athletics and interact with a variety of ages, aptitudes and maturities.