Homeschooling Statistics

Unveiling homeschooling statistics: academic achievement, social aspects, demographics, and post-pandemic rise. Explore the data now!

By Brighter Strides ABA

July 4, 2024

Homeschooling Statistics Overview

Homeschooling has experienced significant growth in recent years, with more parents opting to educate their children at home. In this section, we will explore the growth trends and reasons behind the decision to homeschool. Here are some eye-opening statistics about homeschooling:

Growth in homeschooling: The number of homeschooled students in the United States has increased by 61% in the last decade.
Academic performance: On average, homeschooled students score 15-30 percentile points above public school students on standardized academic achievement tests.
College admission rates: Homeschooled students are increasingly being accepted into colleges and universities, with a 10% higher admission rate compared to traditionally schooled students.
Reasons for homeschooling: The top three reasons parents choose to homeschool are:
- Concern about school environment (91%)
- Desire to provide religious or moral instruction (77%)
- Dissatisfaction with academic instruction at other schools (74%)
Diversity in homeschooling: Homeschooling families represent a wide range of demographics, with a 41% increase in Black families choosing to homeschool between 2019 and 2020.

Growth Trends

The number of homeschooled children in the United States has been steadily increasing. As of March 2021, estimates suggest there are about 2.3 million home-educated children in the country, showing growth from approximately 2 million in 2010 [1]. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend, with twice as many kids being homeschooled during the 2020-2021 school year compared to the previous year. This surge in homeschooling highlights the increasing interest and confidence parents have in this alternative form of education.

Reasons for Homeschooling

There are various reasons why parents choose to homeschool their children. The most common reasons include academic performance, social and emotional development, gender differences, and preparing children for adulthood.

One of the primary factors influencing the decision to homeschool is dissatisfaction with the negative environment of public schools. Over 26% of parents cited a negative environment as their most important reason, with more than 90% listing it as one of their reasons for choosing homeschooling [3]. This dissatisfaction can stem from concerns about safety, bullying, or inadequate support for individual learning needs.

Another significant reason for homeschooling is dissatisfaction with the academic instruction provided in traditional schools. Parents believe that public school curricula may not meet the unique needs and learning styles of their children. Homeschooled children often perform well on standardized tests, scoring 15 to 30 percentile points above their public-school counterparts. This suggests that parents perceive homeschooling as an effective way to tailor education to their child's specific strengths and weaknesses.

By examining the growth trends and reasons behind homeschooling, we gain insights into the motivations and preferences of parents who choose to educate their children at home. In the following sections, we will explore the academic achievement, social and behavioral aspects, demographics, and outcomes associated with homeschooling.

Academic Achievement in Homeschooling

When it comes to academic achievement, homeschooling has been the subject of numerous studies comparing its outcomes to those of traditional schooling. These studies provide valuable insights into the academic performance of homeschooled students and their readiness for college.

Comparison Studies

One study conducted in Alberta, Canada, compared the language arts academic achievement of homeschooled students (grade 3 and grade 6) with conventionally schooled students. The results revealed that homeschooled students scored significantly higher in reading compared to conventionally schooled students, while there were no significant differences in writing scores between the two groups. These findings suggest that homeschooling can have a positive impact on reading skills.

Another study conducted by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) found that homeschooled students tend to outperform their traditionally-educated peers in terms of ACT scores, grade point averages (GPAs), and graduation rates. The analysis showed that homeschooled students earned higher first-year and fourth-year GPAs when controlling for various factors such as demographics and pre-college engagement.

Impact on College Attendance

While homeschooled students have shown strong academic performance, there are factors to consider when it comes to college attendance. Research conducted by Harvard on more than 12,000 children between 1999 and 2010 found that homeschooled children were 23% less likely to attend college compared to those in public school. However, it's important to note that this research only provides a snapshot of a specific period, and individual circumstances can vary.

Despite this, homeschooled students who do attend college tend to exhibit positive outcomes. According to the IES study, homeschooled college students do not show significant differences in self-esteem compared to traditionally-educated students. In fact, they often experience lower levels of depression and report higher academic success in college. Homeschooled students also view their entire college experience more positively than their traditionally-educated peers [5].

It's worth noting that homeschooled students often credit their current abilities, skills, and knowledge to their previous homeschooling experiences. They tend to rate themselves as above average and in the top 10% of their peers in various academic abilities compared to other student groups [5]. These findings indicate that homeschooling can lay a strong foundation for academic success.

When considering the academic achievement of homeschooled students, it's important to recognize the individualized nature of homeschooling and the potential impact of various factors such as teaching methods, curriculum choices, and parental involvement. While homeschooling statistics provide valuable insights, it's essential to consider each student's unique circumstances and goals when evaluating academic outcomes.

Social and Behavioral Aspects

When examining homeschooling statistics, it is essential to consider the social and behavioral aspects of homeschooled children. Two key areas of focus in this regard are volunteerism and community engagement, as well as psychological well-being.

Volunteerism and Community Engagement

Homeschooled children have been shown to be more likely to engage in volunteer activities and actively participate in their communities. Research conducted by Harvard University found that homeschooled children were more likely to volunteer, be forgiving, and attend religious services in young adulthood. These behaviors are associated with a lower risk of substance use, depression, and suicide [2]. Engaging in volunteer work not only benefits the community but also helps homeschooled children develop a sense of social responsibility and empathy.

Psychological Well-being

The psychological well-being of homeschooled children is an important factor to consider. Multiple studies have explored the psychological outcomes of homeschooled students and have found some interesting results. According to research conducted by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), homeschooled students do not exhibit significant differences in self-esteem compared to traditionally-educated students. However, they experience significantly lower levels of depression. Additionally, homeschooled students report higher academic success in college and view their entire college experience more positively than traditionally-educated students.

Homeschooled students also tend to credit their abilities, skills, and knowledge to their previous educational experiences more than students from other educational backgrounds. They often rate themselves as above average and in the top 10% of their peers on various academic abilities. This positive self-perception can contribute to their overall psychological well-being.

When it comes to social integration and institutional commitment, homeschooling has been found to have positive effects. Homeschooled students tend to exhibit communal potential and institutional integrity, which are important factors in the social integration process. They also show subsequent institutional commitment to higher education, leading to higher persistence rates into their sophomore year of college. These findings indicate that homeschooling can have a positive impact on the social and behavioral aspects of students' lives.

Understanding the social and behavioral aspects of homeschooling provides a comprehensive view of the experiences and outcomes of homeschooled children. By actively engaging in volunteer activities and displaying positive psychological well-being, homeschooled students demonstrate their ability to contribute to their communities while maintaining a healthy sense of self.

Demographics and Homeschooling

When examining homeschooling statistics, it's important to consider the demographics of families who choose homeschooling as an educational option. Two key factors that shed light on the demographics of homeschooling are racial disparities and parental employment status.

Racial Disparities

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the homeschooling rate among students ages 5 to 17 with a grade equivalent of kindergarten through 12th grade varied by race/ethnicity in 2019. The data revealed that a higher percentage of White students were homeschooled (4.0 percent) compared to Hispanic students (1.9 percent) and Black students (1.2 percent). This disparity suggests that homeschooling is more prevalent among White families. It is important to note that these statistics reflect the specific timeframe and may vary over time.

Parental Employment Status

Another factor that influences homeschooling statistics is parental employment status. The percentage of students who were homeschooled in 2019 was highest for those with two parents, one of whom was in the labor force (6.6 percent). In comparison, 3.1 percent of students had no parent participation in the labor force, 1.6 percent had two parents, both in the labor force, and 1.2 percent were from one-parent households with the parent in the labor force. These statistics suggest that families with one working parent may be more likely to choose homeschooling as an educational option.

It is essential to recognize that homeschooling decisions are influenced by various factors, including parental values, concerns about the school environment, dissatisfaction with academic instruction at other schools, and the desire to provide religious or moral instruction. These factors contribute to the overall picture of homeschooling demographics.

Understanding the demographics of homeschooling can help policymakers, educators, and researchers gain insights into the reasons behind the choice to homeschool and develop a more comprehensive understanding of this educational approach.

Homeschooling Outcomes

When examining the outcomes of homeschooling, two important aspects to consider are academic performance and self-esteem and mental health.

Academic Performance

Research has shown that homeschooled students often excel academically when compared to traditionally-educated students. Multiple regression analysis results reveal that homeschooled students earn higher first-year and fourth-year grade point averages (GPAs) when controlling for demographic, pre-college, engagement, and first-term academic factors [5]. These findings suggest that homeschooling provides a solid foundation for academic success.

Furthermore, homeschooled students tend to achieve higher ACT scores, demonstrating their proficiency in standardized testing. The higher GPA and standardized test scores indicate that homeschooled students possess strong academic skills and knowledge.

It's important to note that the positive academic outcomes associated with homeschooling may be influenced by the demographics of homeschooled students and families in the studies. However, further research is needed to establish a direct causal relationship between homeschooling and academic performance [1].

Self-esteem and Mental Health

Contrary to some concerns about socialization, studies have found that homeschooled students do not exhibit significant differences in self-esteem compared to traditionally-educated students. In fact, homeschooled students often experience lower levels of depression and report higher academic success in college compared to their traditionally-educated peers. These findings suggest that homeschooling can contribute positively to the mental well-being of students.

Homeschooled students also tend to credit their abilities, skills, and knowledge to their previous educational experiences. They often rate themselves as above average and in the top 10% of their peers on various academic abilities, indicating a strong sense of confidence and self-belief in their academic capabilities.

It's important to note that the positive outcomes associated with homeschooling may be influenced by various factors, including the supportive and nurturing environment provided by homeschooling families. However, more research is required to fully understand the impact of homeschooling on self-esteem and mental health.

In conclusion, homeschooling has been associated with positive outcomes in terms of academic performance and self-esteem and mental health. While homeschooled students often excel academically and exhibit confidence in their abilities, they also tend to experience lower levels of depression. However, it's important to consider the limitations of the existing research and the potential influence of various factors on these outcomes.

Rise of Homeschooling Post-Pandemic

In recent years, homeschooling has experienced a significant surge in popularity, and this growth has been especially pronounced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This section will explore the rise of homeschooling post-pandemic, including a data analysis of its growth and the factors driving this shift.

Growth Data Analysis

Homeschooling has become the fastest-growing form of education in America, surpassing the rate of growth in private and public schools [6]. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2019, there were 1.5 million children being homeschooled in the United States. Since then, based on the growth in states that track homeschooling, it is estimated that there are now between 1.9 million and 2.7 million homeschooled children in the country [6].

The growth of homeschooling has been particularly notable in different demographics and geographies. For example, in the small city of Anderson, S.C., the number of homeschooled children has increased by 373% over the past six years. Similarly, in a school district in the Bronx, the growth rate has reached 358% [6]. These figures highlight the widespread appeal and adoption of homeschooling across the United States.

Factors Driving the Shift

Several factors have contributed to the rise of homeschooling post-pandemic. Concerns about the school environment, including issues such as school shootings and bullying, have been significant drivers for parents choosing to homeschool their children. Dissatisfaction with academic instruction at other schools has also been a key reason cited by parents. The desire to provide moral instruction and emphasize family life together have also played a role in the decision to homeschool.

Additionally, fears of the intrusion of politics into public education have contributed to the increase in homeschooling. Ongoing debates over curriculum content have prompted some parents to seek alternative educational options for their children. The pandemic itself has also played a significant role in the rise of homeschooling, with families opting for this form of education as a response to the uncertainties and disruptions caused by the health crisis. The flexibility and control that homeschooling offers have made it an appealing choice for many families during these challenging times.

As homeschooling continues to grow in popularity, it is shaping the educational landscape in the United States. The data analysis and factors driving this shift illustrate the impact and relevance of homeschooling in the post-pandemic era. As families seek alternative educational options, homeschooling provides a viable and increasingly attractive choice for many parents and children.

For more interesting reads, check out our articles on: E-Learning/Online Learning Statistics, Scholarship Statistics and Homeschooling Statistics.