Did Thomas Jefferson think that a parent who chose to homeschool was "stupid?"?

Question

In an answer to another homeschool question, one answerer states:

"While history states that Thomas Jefferson thought any parent who would homeschool their child is stupid he also thought that it was within their rights to do so."

Did Jefferson think this?

Here are a few TJ quotes that seem to contradict such a statement:

From NEA Site:

"To read the Latin and Greek authors in their original is a sublime luxury ... I thank on my knees him [Jefferson's father] who directed my early education for having put into my possession this rich source of delight."

(note the homeschooling by father)

From BrainyQuote:

Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves are its only safe depositories.

historyOfIdeas.org

"Education not being a branch of municipal government, but, like the other arts and sciences, an accident [i.e., attribute] only, I did not place it with election as a fundamental member in the structure of government."

Answer 1

People are ignorant as to the history of education and homeschooling in this country.

Here's a brief history of homeschooling:

http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/...

Here are some other famous homeschoolers.  There are many presidents on this list:

http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/...

Answer 2

Well, since Jefferson was homeschooled (except for a brief stint with a tutor in a nearby town) until he was old enough to travel to attend college (I believe he was 16)...

And most of his contemporaries, including George Washington and James Madison, were homeschooled...

Nope, I think the person who stated that has not actually researched Thomas Jefferson.  I think they have a very skewed view of history, and of how education has evolved in our country.

Quite frankly, I think TJ would turn over in his grave if he were to see what education has become today.  The man made sure his daughter was well-versed in Latin and Greek, in classic literature, in music and art, as well as art and architectural history.  He made sure that she would be able to homeschool and oversee her children's educations in a similar manner.  He, himself, was self-taught in nearly everything he took on.  He went to college because that was where the resources were, not because he wasn't capable of learning anywhere else - and he founded (and designed) the University of Virginia to open those resources up to others.

He did not, in any way, shape, or form, think that homeschooling was insufficient - he merely wanted to open up education to those who may not have a chance at it any other way.

Love the quotes, by the way :-)

Answer 3

Not at all. Who would say such a silly thing?

Answer 4

Well stated, YSN.

Thanks for all the great quotes. I might have to blog them. I usually do "Thoughtful Thursdays", with five quotes from a single author, and I *love* these!