Place-based education, which draws from local culture, history, and geography to create a meaningful curriculum, holds particular promise for rural homeschooling. Following a brief review of the homeschooling phenomenon, this digest identifies ways that rural place-based education can counter common concerns about homeschooling. In 1999 about 1.7 percent of U.S. school children (2.2 percent in rural areas) were schooled at home because of parents' educational, religious, or social attitudes or beliefs. The flexibility inherent in homeschooling allows an individualized approach to instruction and curriculum that capitalizes on student interests and community learning opportunities. Most homeschooling parents design their own curriculum. A major criticism of homeschooling is the social isolation of the student. Place-based education can address socialization issues by immersing children in the daily routines of their communities, exposing them to local behavior norms and belief systems, and showing them how one functions as a contributing member of society. Criticisms of the methods and materials of homeschooling can be countered by a place-based approach that integrates separate disciplines and subject matter with home and community projects. Student interests combine with daily living activities and practical experience in various interconnected subjects to provide both practical and academic knowledge. Several examples of rural community-based education are given, and rural community resources are discussed. (Contains 22 references.) (TD)