Twenty years ago, home education was treated as a crime in almost every state. Today, it is legal all across America, despite strong and continued opposition from many within the educational establishment. This paper explores the various factors behind its success and resiliency against antagonistic social and political pressures. In the early days of home schooling (circa 1965), there were no support groups or newsletters for parents who taught their children at home; parents were frequently arrested, jailed, or fined until they put their children back in school; and many families were socially stigmatized because of their alternative educational practices. Support grew from conservative religious families who based their home schooling on their faith. When adverse political pressure decreased, families of more diverse backgrounds made their presence and pressure felt at state and federal government levels. Factors such as the Columbine High School shootings, dissatisfaction with public schools, the desire to educate children in a more holistic environment, the success of Catholic and African-American home schools, and the rise of "soccer moms" as important swing voters for politicians contributed to the firm establishment of home schooling, its continuation, and eventual legalization in all 50 states. (Contains 13 references.) (RT)