More than 50 parents have opted to educate their children at home, The Royal Gazette has learned.

A mother, who did not wish to be identified, said parents were scampering to find other means of educating their children for a variety of reasons.

A lack of faith in the current and planned public school system, a lack of space in schools of choice, and a general view that one-on-one education was better were some of the reasons she said she had heard.

However the Education Department only have 13 primary age students and one secondary student registered to be taught at home.

And their parents must ensure that they are taught English, mathematics, science, social studies, and physical education, and that there is provision for their social development, Chief Education Officer Joseph Christophersaid.

But one mother told The Royal Gazette the Education Department's figures were not accurate. "I know of 50 or more people already teaching their children at home,'' she said, "that is not including the people interested.'' She explained that she chose home schooling in order to enrich her daughter's learning and allow her to reach her "full potential''.

"Many don't like the morals that are instilled in the children in school,'' she added. "Many teachers are overworked and tired, this rubs off on the children.'' She noted that public schools had nothing to offer children with learning disorders.

"Home schooling is a well-thought-out process,'' she said. "If parents are committed to teaching at home it will work.

"Many prepare their children before primary school, but many also teach their children through high school.'' Another mother said she had heard that many parents were dissatisfied with both public and private schools.

"They are not happy with the services available for their children,'' she said. "Needs aren't being addressed at public schools.'' A third parent, who estimated that some 200 children were receiving education at home, said she knew of some 24 families who were involved in home schooling.

"We are committed to the upbringing of our child both spiritually and academically,'' she said. "Tutoring is the best method.'' She noted that the family belonged to a support group of 12 families that taught their children at home.

"There are 18 children in our group that are home schooled,'' she said. "We take field trips together. It is also a chance for interaction among the kids.'' Education Jerome Dill said he was surprised to hear the number of families involved in home schooling.

And he stressed that anyone who knew of families doing it without permission had a "civic duty'' to inform him.

"I am prepared to deal with specifics,'' he said.

Mr. Dill also invited people who knew of such families to contact Dr.

Christopher.

"There are far more people who are happy with public schools than not,'' he added. "Special needs children get better attention in public schools than private schools.

"I know one man who has moved his child from private to public school. He is far more satisfied where he is now.''