Disillusioned with the education her child had been receiving, she pondered her options.

Huffman, who now instructs her six children, ranging from 1 to 17 years old, began by exploring some homeschooling classes in her church.

A year later, she opened a store selling teaching materials. Now she has two.

Standing in front of a table where various samples of the curricula she sells were displayed, Huffman gave a talk Saturday afternoon in the C. Burr Artz Library in Frederick about her experiences with homeschooling.

Iola Marroquim of Hagerstown said she just started homeschooling her two children in January because her 5-year-old son was not being challenged enough in kindergarten.

She went to the talk to get a better sense of the laws concerning homeschooling, as well as to learn more about teaching materials.

Pam Grzadzielewski of Martinsburg, W. Va., said this was her first year homeschooling her two children.

"It's a big experiment," Grzadzielewski said, "but the benefits are excellent."

Knowing, for example, where her son's strengths and weaknesses lie, and being able to focus on them, has been important, she said.

Huffman said some of the drawbacks to homeschooling in Maryland include a prohibition on homeschooled students from joining public sports teams. Also, there are no tax breaks available to families who homeschool.

According to www.homeschoolfrederick.com, parents have to notify Frederick County Public Schools of their decision at least 15 days before they take them out of school. The website provides information to parents who are interested in homeschooling their children.

Another requirement is that a system to monitor the curricula of Frederick County's nearly 1,700 homeschooled children has to be chosen. This can be done by either requesting a monitor from FCPS, or by joining an umbrella group, in most cases a religious institution.

Much of modern homeschooling came out of the Christian movement, Huffman said, so most of the material she sells is Christian focused.

Gary Marple, one of two homeschool monitors working for FCPS, said basic subjects, like English, math, science and physical education, have to be included in the portfolio of each student.

Frederick County Community College and other groups provide extra courses and chances for learning, Marple said.

Huffman said homeschooling has no achievement or curriculum restrictions, though children have to demonstrate they are progressing in their studies.

Many people ask her about the socialization, Huffman said.

"It's a non-issue," she said.

The various umbrella groups, cooperatives, sports teams and clubs like 4-H more than make up for what children lose by going to public or private schools. Homeschooled children are more socialized than those who are not, Huffman said.

Post your comments » Round 2: Snow expected to fall today, Wednesday Fast on the heels of the largest 24-hour snowfall to hit the Frederick County since 1983, meteorologists are predicting another round of heavy snow and wind to hit today. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Monday afternoon for the area, including Frederick County, and said 10 to 20 inches of snow is possible by Wednesday night. Weather-related closings, delays A list follows of weather-related closings and cancellations for this week. Fire and police blotter Police search for robber School closures cause makeup schedule revision Even though Frederick County Public Schools are closed today -- using the sixth snow day this school year -- the school system will not hold school on the Monday Presidents Day holiday as the first scheduled snow makeup day. Crowds pay respect to fallen marine Even U.S. Marines couldn't hold back tears Monday at the viewing of their colleague, Sgt. David Smith. The procession to the Frederick Christian Fellowship Church was led by Frederick County Sheriff's deputies. Dressed in full military regalia, Marines carried Smith's casket into the church followed by family members as more Marines stood at attention.