When the Duggar family hit our screens, they were introduced as ultra-conservative and super religious. The Duggar daughters wore prairie dresses and took on the role of parenting and educating the younger children.
One thing become very apparent early on: the Duggar children were all educated at the dining room table by mother Michelle. For a long time, it looked like that would remain the tradition for generations to come. Now, one Duggar daughter is breaking away and sending her child to public school for kindergarten.
Fans were very surprised to learn that Jill and Derick Dillard were sending their oldest son, Israel, to public school for kindergarten. Since Jill Duggar was considered one of the most pious Duggar daughters, many people suspected she would also choose to homeschool her children.
Derick, while also very religious, did attend school as a child. In fact, he even went to college and is now a law school student. Fans suspect that Derick may have convinced Jill that public school was the best way to educate their children.
In an adorable post on Instagram, Israel can be seen smiling while holding a frame that boasts his new school’s mascot. In her post, Jill says that Israel is registered for kindergarten, so it is official. She also asks her followers to share their own feelings about their own children going to kindergarten.
Fans were supportive in the comments, and many were thrilled that Jill seems to be breaking tradition and ensuring her child gets an education and has the social outlet of school.
Now, fans and followers of the Duggar family wonder if other Duggars will follow suit. Jessa Seewald, who has sons nearing school age, have not attended pre-school. Will Jessa and husband Ben be more likely to follow in their sister’s footsteps, or will they decide to homeschool like their parents did.
It also appears that Josh and Anna Duggar do not send their children to school. In fact, their children seemingly spend a lot of time at their grandparent’s house. As a result, it seems likely they will follow their example.
Jill and Derick Dillard have been slowly breaking away from the family since they got married, and it is becoming increasingly evident that this is happening. Jill and Derick stopped appearing on the show, and Derick has called out father-in-law Jim Bob for taking all the money earned on the show.
Additionally, fans have noticed that Jill has not been appearing at the family home often, and Derick even says the two are not allowed at the house without parental supervision.