The Rise of Homeschooling
Homeschooling has experienced significant growth in recent years, with an increasing number of families choosing this educational option for their children. This section explores the growth of homeschooling in the United States and the surge in homeschooling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Top 10 Key Homeschooling Statistics
- The number of homeschooled students in the United States has increased by 2.2% to 2.5 million students in 2019.
- Homeschooling has been growing at an estimated rate of 2% to 8% per annum since the late 1990s.
- In 2019, homeschooling households spent an average of $700 per student on educational materials.
- 91% of parents who homeschool their children do so because they want to provide religious or moral instruction.
- In 2016, 34 states had homeschooling policies that required parents to notify the state or local education agency of their homeschooling status.
- In 2019, 62% of homeschooled students were white, 15% were Hispanic, 8% were black, and 6% were Asian or Pacific Islander.
- Homeschooled students score higher than public school students on standardized tests, on average.
- In 2019, 80% of homeschooled students were being taught by a parent or guardian.
- Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states in the United States.
- Homeschooling is also legal in many other countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Growth of Homeschooling in the United States
Between 1999 and 2016, the number of homeschooled students in the United States doubled from 850,000 to 1.7 million. This steady increase indicates a growing interest in alternative educational approaches.
In 2019, there were an estimated 2.5 million homeschooled children in the U.S., representing an increase from the 2.3 million estimated homeschooled children in 2016. The percentage of homeschooled students also rose from 3.3% in 2016 to 3.7% in 2019. This steady growth demonstrates the increasing popularity of homeschooling as an educational option.
According to data from the 2020/2021 school year, there were approximately 3.7 million homeschooled students in the USA. From late March to early May of 2022, homeschooling rates reached 5.22% of all school-age children. This indicates a substantial increase in the number of families embracing homeschooling.
Increase in Homeschooling During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on education, leading to a surge in homeschooling. In 2020, the number of homeschooled students in the United States reached 2.5 million, representing a significant increase due to the pandemic.
Throughout the pandemic, many parents sought alternatives to traditional schooling to ensure the safety and well-being of their children. Homeschooling provided a viable solution, allowing families to have greater control over their children's education and adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic.
While there was a decline of approximately 16 percent in the number of homeschool students during the 2021-2022 school year compared to the previous year, the homeschooling rates still remained high. The number of homeschool students exceeded the count of Catholic school students and was slightly lower than the number of students in public charter schools during the same period. These statistics demonstrate the continued impact of the pandemic on educational choices and the sustained growth of homeschooling as a preferred option for many families.
The rise of homeschooling in recent years, coupled with the significant increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the changing landscape of education. As families continue to seek personalized learning and alternative approaches to education, homeschooling remains a prominent choice for many parents across the United States.
Homeschooling Popularity
- The number of homeschooled students in the United States has increased by 2.2% to 2.5 million students in 2019.
- Homeschooling has been growing at an estimated rate of 2% to 8% per annum since the late 1990s.
- In 2016, 34 states had homeschooling policies that required parents to notify the state or local education agency of their homeschooling status.
- In 2019, 80% of homeschooled students were being taught by a parent or guardian.
- Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states in the United States.
- Homeschooling is also legal in many other countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Reasons for Homeschooling
- 91% of parents who homeschool their children do so because they want to provide religious or moral instruction.
- 74% of parents who homeschool their children do so because they are concerned about the school environment, such as safety, drugs, or negative peer pressure.
- 64% of parents who homeschool their children do so because they want to provide a better education than they believe is available in public or private schools.
- 54% of parents who homeschool their children do so because they want to customize or individualize the curriculum to their child's needs.
- 44% of parents who homeschool their children do so because they want to spend more time with their children.
Demographics of Homeschooled Students
- In 2019, 62% of homeschooled students were white, 15% were Hispanic, 8% were black, and 6% were Asian or Pacific Islander.
- In 2019, 34% of homeschooled students were from families with incomes below $50,000 per year.
- In 2019, 38% of homeschooled students were from families with incomes above $100,000 per year.
- In 2019, 25% of homeschooled students were from families with incomes between $50,000 and $100,000 per year.
- In 2019, 58% of homeschooled students were from two-parent households, while 26% were from single-parent households.
- In 2019, 45% of homeschooled students lived in rural areas, while 22% lived in cities and 33% lived in suburbs.
Demographics of Homeschooling
When examining homeschooling statistics, it is important to consider the demographics of homeschooling families and the motivations behind their choice to homeschool.
Diversity Among Homeschooling Families
Homeschooling has gained popularity among parents who are unsatisfied with traditional education settings and seek more personalized learning options for their children [1]. Homeschooling families come from diverse backgrounds, representing a range of races, ethnicities, religions, and socioeconomic statuses.
The percentage of homeschooled students in 2019 was highest for those from families with two parents, where one parent was in the labor force, at 6.6 percent. However, homeschooling is not exclusive to any particular family structure. Families from various backgrounds and structures choose homeschooling as an alternative educational option for their children.
Motivations for Choosing Homeschooling
Parents choose homeschooling for various reasons, including concerns about the traditional school environment, the desire for personalized instruction, and the ability to provide religious or moral instruction.
The highest-rated reason parents choose to homeschool their children, as indicated by the National Household Education Survey (NHES), is the negative environment of their child's public school. Over 26% of parents cited a negative environment as their most important reason for choosing homeschooling, with over 90% listing it as one of their reasons. Concerns about school violence, bullying, and negative peer pressure are common factors contributing to this decision [6].
Another significant motivation for homeschooling is the desire to provide a higher quality education. Some parents feel that traditional schools may not meet the individual needs of their children due to factors such as declining education budgets, increased student enrollment, and changes in curriculum standards.
Additionally, homeschooling allows parents to incorporate their religious or moral values into their children's education. This can be particularly important for families seeking to provide specific religious instruction or maintain a particular set of values.
Understanding the demographics and motivations behind homeschooling is essential for gaining insight into the reasons why families choose this educational path. By recognizing the diverse backgrounds and motivations of homeschooling families, we can better appreciate the varied perspectives and experiences within the homeschooling community.
Homeschooling and Academic Achievement
- Homeschooled students score higher than public school students on standardized tests, on average.
- Homeschooled students are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college than public school students.
- Homeschooled students are more likely to have a higher GPA and be on the honor roll than public school students.
- Homeschooled students are less likely to drop out of high school than public school students.
- Homeschooled students are more likely to take advanced courses, such as calculus and physics, than public school students.
Homeschooling and Socialization
- Homeschooled students are just as likely as public school students to participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and clubs.
- Homeschooled students are more likely to participate in community service than public school students.
- Homeschooled students are more likely to be involved in their communities than public school students.
- Homeschooled students are more likely to have positive relationships with their parents and siblings than public school students.
- Homeschooled students are more likely to have positive attitudes towards learning and be self-motivated than public school students.
Homeschooling Trends and Numbers
Homeschooling has experienced significant growth in recent years. Between 1999 and 2016, the number of homeschooled students in the United States doubled from 850,000 to 1.7 million. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend, with the number of homeschooled students surging to 2.5 million in 2020.
During the 2021-2022 school year, there were an estimated 3.135 million homeschool students in the United States, representing a decline of approximately 16 percent from the previous year but still indicating a significant increase compared to two years prior. In fact, the number of homeschool students during that period exceeded the count of students in Catholic schools and was slightly lower than the number of students in public charter schools.
It's important to note that these numbers fluctuate over time due to various factors, including changes in educational policies and external circumstances.
Homeschooling Rates by Race/Ethnicity and Family Structure
Homeschooling rates vary among different racial/ethnic groups and family structures. While comprehensive data on the most recent homeschooling rates by race/ethnicity and family structure is limited, information from previous years provides some insights.
According to estimates from 2019, the number of homeschooled children in the U.S. reached an estimated 2.5 million, reflecting an increase from the 2.3 million estimated homeschooled children in 2016. However, specific breakdowns by race/ethnicity and family structure are not readily available for these years.
It is crucial to recognize that homeschooling is a choice made by families from diverse backgrounds. Families opt for homeschooling for various reasons, including educational preferences, concerns about the traditional school environment, and the desire for personalized learning.
As homeschooling continues to evolve and gain traction as an alternative educational approach, it is important to stay informed about the latest statistics and demographic trends to better understand the landscape of homeschooling in the United States.
Homeschooling Resources and Support
When it comes to homeschooling, having access to resources and support systems is essential for the success of both students and parents. Homeschooling encompasses various approaches and practices, and families can choose the approach that aligns best with their educational goals and preferences. Let's explore different approaches to homeschooling and the importance of support systems and resources.
Importance of Support Systems and Resources
Regardless of the chosen approach, homeschooling families rely on support systems and external resources to enhance their educational journey. These resources can include homeschool groups, local resources, and school district resources. Connecting with other homeschooling families through support groups provides opportunities for sharing experiences, accessing valuable advice, and arranging social activities for students. Local resources, such as libraries, museums, and community organizations, also play a vital role in supplementing homeschooling with educational opportunities and materials.
Access to support systems and resources ensures that homeschooling families have guidance, information, and assistance when needed. School district resources may include access to online libraries, educational websites, and assistance from experienced educators. These resources enable parents to provide a well-rounded education and ensure that students receive the necessary knowledge and skills for academic success.
It is crucial for homeschooling families to identify and utilize the necessary resources to successfully educate their children at home. While homeschooling provides flexibility and autonomy, it's important not to try to homeschool alone. Embracing available support systems and external resources will enhance the homeschooling experience and contribute to the overall educational development of the children.
In conclusion, homeschooling families have the freedom to choose different approaches to educate their children. Regardless of the approach, access to support systems, such as homeschool groups and local resources, and external resources, including school district materials and online libraries, is vital for a successful homeschooling journey. By leveraging these resources, homeschooling families can provide a comprehensive and enriching education for their children.
References
[1]: https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/homeschooling-resources/
[2]: https://hanleyfoundation.org/resources/educational-tools/why-do-some-parents-choose-homeschooling/
