Homeschooling has emerged as a compelling alternative to traditional education, gaining momentum and capturing the interest of numerous families across the United States.
Despite the increasing popularity, many parents struggle with understanding the actual number of children being homeschooled and how these figures have evolved over time.
This blog offers a comprehensive dive into the statistics behind homeschooling, exploring how the numbers have changed in recent years, the growth rate, and demographic variations.
Additionally, it will discuss the reasons behind homeschooling choices, the academic performance of homeschooled students, and the impact of significant events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
By the end of this blog, you'll have a clearer understanding of the ever-changing scenario of homeschooling in the U.S.
To start, let’s what homeschooling is.
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is when parents or guardians educate their children at home instead of sending them to a public or private school. It means that the parents are in charge of choosing what their children learn, how they learn it, and when they learn it.
Homeschooling families have a lot of flexibility. They can create their own schedules, use different kinds of teaching materials, and even take their learning on the road by going on field trips or traveling. It's a way to personalize education and make it fit each child's unique needs and interests.
Now, let’s look at the overall picture of homeschooling in the U.S. by examining how many students are currently being homeschooled. These numbers offer insight into the growing popularity of homeschooling across the country.
The Number of Homeschooled Students in the U.S.
Homeschooling is on a remarkable rise in the United States, marking significant shifts, especially in recent years.
As of the 2020-2021 school year, around 3.7 million students, or roughly 6.73% of all school-aged kids, were homeschooled. This number contrasted strikingly with earlier years, showcasing a growing trend in education.
The COVID-19 pandemic doubled the number of homeschoolers compared to before the pandemic.
Homeschooling numbers have decreased slightly since the pandemic but are still higher than before.
State-Level Variations in Homeschooling
For the 2023-2024 academic year, there was a significant rise in homeschooling across the nation.
Historical Trends and Changes
An examination of these numbers reveals historical trends playing out, particularly the post-pandemic volatility.
Some states, like Arkansas, initially experienced a downturn in homeschool numbers during the 2022-2023 school year but have bounced back.
It's worth noting that in states like Delaware, there's been a 29% surge in homeschooling, while Georgia saw a modest yet telling 2% increase.
Factors Influencing Current Numbers
Several factors contribute to these variations, with state-specific regulations and policies at the forefront.
For instance, New Hampshire experienced a decline in reported homeschooling numbers following the initiation of the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program in 2021. This policy change possibly altered how students receiving public funding are counted rather than reflecting a true decrease in homeschooling interest.
Moreover, state regulations profoundly influence homeschooling dynamics. Some states impose minimal oversight. This creates a more liberal environment that might encourage families to homeschool.
In contrast, states with stringent reporting and oversight could potentially deter homeschooling enthusiasm. Interestingly enough, regulatory intensity doesn't necessarily correlate with academic achievement.
According to various reports, during the 2020-2021 school year, homeschooling numbers doubled compared to the prior year. In particular, a staggering jump was observed in states like New Hampshire, where homeschooled children increased from roughly 2,955 in 2019-2020 to more than 6,110 in 2020-2021.
In addition to policy changes, homeschool growth can also be attributed to factors like:
The flexibility homeschooling offers
The economic benefits it provides
The flexibility is particularly advantageous for families with multiple children or those with irregular work schedules. That enables them to better manage and tailor their children's education.
Need a homeschooling program that fits your family's busy lifestyle?
The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a flexible and adaptable curriculum that can be tailored to your family's unique needs and schedule. Whether you have multiple children with different learning styles or an irregular work schedule that makes traditional schooling challenging, TSHA can help you create a homeschooling experience that works for everyone.
Here's how TSHA supports flexibility:
Adaptable curriculum: Our American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) can be easily adjusted to fit your child's pace and interests.
Personalized Pacing: You set the pace! The AEC allows you to move through lessons at a speed that works best for your child. Whether your child needs more time on a particular concept or is ready to zoom ahead, you have the flexibility to adjust the pace to match their individual needs.
Online resources: Access our curriculum and resources online anytime, anywhere, making it easy to homeschool on the go.
Visit The School House Anywhere to learn more about how TSHA can help you create a flexible and fulfilling homeschooling experience.
Beyond state differences, homeschooling participation also shows variation across demographics. Exploring these disparities helps shed light on which groups are more or less likely to homeschool their children.
Demographic Disparities
Homeschooling has undergone significant changes in the last decade, with notable demographic shifts. Historically, homeschooling was predominantly a choice made by White families. The National Center for Education Statistics reports White families outnumber others by nearly two to one. However, recent trends reveal a more diverse group adopting homeschooling.
As of the spring of 2021, according to the Household Pulse Surveys (HPS) by the U.S. Census Bureau, there is a decrease in racial disparities. Homeschooling rates are becoming nearly comparable across various racial groups.
Factors Affecting Homeschooling Trend in the US
Homeschooling has become increasingly popular in the United States, with noticeable shifts in recent years. Let's explore the factors contributing to this growing trend:
The Pandemic's Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in the rise of homeschooling. Many families were drawn to the flexibility it offered and the ability to align education with their values during uncertain times.
Diversification of Homeschooling Families: The pandemic also led to a significant increase in the number of Black and Hispanic families choosing homeschooling, diversifying the homeschooling demographic.
Socioeconomic Factors: Homeschooling is often more common among families with lower incomes, possibly due to its affordability compared to private schooling and the economic challenges faced by some families.
Regional Trends: Homeschooling rates tend to be higher in the Southern and Western states, reflecting regional preferences and access to resources.
The Appeal of Flexibility and Personalization: As more families experience the benefits of homeschooling's flexible schedule and personalized learning approach, they are increasingly choosing this educational path.
Understanding the demographics is one side of the story, but what about the reasons behind the decision to homeschool? Parents choose this path for many reasons, from educational flexibility to concerns about the traditional school environment.
Why to Choose Homeschooling?
The decision to homeschool often stems from a combination of concerns about traditional school settings and the values that families wish to emphasize in their children's education.
Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular, and it's not just because of the pandemic anymore! Families are choosing to homeschool for a variety of reasons, and many of them have to do with wanting a better, more personalized education for their children.
Here are some of the top reasons why families are making the switch to homeschooling:
Concerns about the School Environment
Safety: A consistent top reason driving parents to choose homeschooling is the concern about the school environment. More than 90% of the participants cited this as their primary reason for homeschooling their kid.
Academic Challenges: Some parents feel that traditional schools don't provide enough academic challenge or that their child isn't getting the individualized attention they need to excel.
Life Preparation: Many parents believe that homeschooling allows them to better prepare their children for life beyond academics. They can focus on skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application of knowledge.
Religious or Moral Instruction
Faith Formation: For many families, faith and morals are a central part of their lives. Homeschooling allows them to integrate their religious beliefs and values into every aspect of their child's education.
Character Development: Homeschooling provides opportunities to focus on character development and instill important moral values in children.
Dissatisfaction with Academic Instruction
Curriculum Choice: Homeschooling gives parents greater control over the curriculum, allowing them to choose materials and methods that align with their child's learning style and interests.
Personalized Learning: Homeschooling allows for a truly personalized education, where children can learn at their own pace and explore topics in depth.
The Pandemic's Lasting Impact
Increased Awareness: The pandemic forced many families to consider homeschooling for the first time, and many discovered that it was a great fit for their children.
Flexibility and Control: Homeschooling offers a level of flexibility and control that many families appreciate, especially in uncertain times.
Families are choosing homeschooling for reasons that go beyond pandemic anxieties. They want a safe, personalized, and values-driven education for their children, and homeschooling offers a way to achieve that.
A key question on many minds is how homeschooled students perform academically. Looking at their results on standardized tests gives us a better understanding of how homeschooling affects academic achievement.
How Do Homeschoolers Measure Up?
One of the biggest questions parents have about homeschooling is, "Will my child be able to keep up with their peers academically?" It's natural to wonder how homeschoolers perform compared to children in traditional schools.
Let's take a look at some research and standardized test results to see how homeschooling stacks up.
1. Enhanced Scores
The academic performance of homeschooled students is often reflected in their standardized test scores. On average, they score 15 to 30 percentile points higher than their public school peers.
This performance is notable given that the public school average hovers around the 50th percentile. This data suggests that the tailored education approach significantly benefits homeschooled students.
2. College Entrance Exams
Furthermore, these students often outperform their peers on college entrance exams like the SAT and ACT. The strong foundation provided by homeschooling facilitates smoother transitions into higher education.
3. Support from Studies
Research supports these findings, with 78% of peer-reviewed studies showing that homeschooled students statistically outperform those in traditional school settings. The flexibility in homeschooling allows for a customized learning pace, encouraging academic excellence.
4. American Emergent Curriculum
With the American Emergent Curriculum (AEC), students have been shown to achieve remarkable results. In a study of 4th graders, those educated with AEC performed at twice the national average.
If you're looking for a way to help your child excel academically, explore how AEC can make a difference in their education and future success. Contact The School House Anywhere to learn more about the AEC.
But homeschooling isn’t just about academics. Extracurricular activities also play a crucial role in a child’s development. Let’s explore how homeschooled students engage in activities outside the classroom.
Extracurricular Activities for Homeschooled Students
There's a common misconception that homeschooling means kids miss out on extracurricular activities and social interaction. But that couldn't be further from the truth! Homeschooling actually offers a unique advantage when it comes to extracurriculars.
1. Homeschooling and Extracurriculars
Homeschooling provides a distinctive approach to education, not only in academics but also in its involvement in extracurricular activities. Most homeschooled students participate in at least one extracurricular activity. This contrasts sharply with assumptions that homeschooled children lack opportunities for socialization and external engagement.
2. Seamless Learning
The tailored nature of homeschooling allows families to integrate learning seamlessly into their educational routine. This flexibility is a key benefit, enabling students to pursue interests beyond traditional academic subjects.
3. Real-World Connections and Collaboration
Students might engage in scouting, join local sports teams, or volunteer in community projects. Homeschool groups frequently organize field trips and science fairs, presenting platforms for collaborative learning and social interaction, considered as integral as classroom instruction.
Homeschooling doesn't limit extracurricular involvement; it enhances it! With flexibility, diverse opportunities, and a focus on holistic development, homeschooling allows children to explore their passions, build friendships, and thrive both inside and outside the "classroom."
Wrapping Up
Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular in the US, with more and more families choosing this path for their children's education. Many factors have influenced this trend, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a desire for personalized learning, and concerns about traditional school environments.
Homeschooling offers flexibility and allows for a tailored approach to education, catering to diverse needs and learning styles. Despite its challenges, homeschooling has shown positive academic outcomes, with homeschooled students often outperforming their traditionally schooled peers on standardized tests and in college.
The homeschooling path continues to evolve, with changing demographics and varying state regulations. As more families adopt homeschooling, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest trends and research to make the best decisions for your child's education.
Ready to start your child’s homeschooling?
The School House Anywhere offers a comprehensive and engaging online homeschooling program that can support your child's learning and development. Our American Emergent Curriculum develops curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, while our supportive community provides a sense of belonging and connection.
Here’s what you’ll get:
Access Customized Tools and Materials
Utilize the TSH Educator Film Library, featuring 300+ educational films packed with teaching tips and insights.
Benefit from our custom printable AEC materials and worksheets to enhance your child's learning experience.
Keep track of progress with our Online Progress, Organizing & Portfolio Management Tool, powered by Transparent Classroom.
Get started with the Digital TSH Welcome Box, and opt for TSH Materials Boxes for hands-on learning materials delivered right to your doorstep.
Join a Supportive Community with Live Guidance
Access the exclusive TSHA Member Site to connect with a thriving homeschooling community.
Participate in weekly LIVE Educator & Founder Online Gatherings with Q&A sessions, recorded for your convenience.
Benefit from live scheduled office hours for personalized support.
Engage with a parent/educator online social network that offers encouragement and shared experiences.
Stay updated with weekly email updates, bi-weekly newsletters, and insightful TSH Podcasts.
Reach out to The School House Anywhere today and discover the power of personalized, child-led learning.
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