Summary
More families in the U.S. are choosing to homeschool their children even after the COVID-19 pandemic, with many wanting to personalize their children's education. Recent data shows homeschooling rates have almost doubled since before the pandemic. Parents cite several reasons for homeschooling, including concerns about the school environment and dissatisfaction with academic offerings in traditional schools.
Key Facts
- Homeschooling rates increased to 5.92% of school-aged children in the 2023-24 school year, up from 5.82% the previous year.
- These rates have almost doubled from before the pandemic, which was at 2.8% in 2019.
- 19 out of 21 states reporting data showed increases in homeschooling.
- Parents mentioned concerns about school safety, drug exposure, and peer pressure as top reasons for homeschooling.
- Dissatisfaction with academic instruction and the desire for religious teaching and nontraditional education are also common reasons.
- The COVID-19 pandemic initially increased homeschooling sharply, but many families chose to continue afterward for various benefits.
- New families choosing homeschooling come from diverse backgrounds and are not limited to those motivated by religious reasons.
- Programs like eXtend Homeschool Tutorial offer community-based group learning options that became more popular during COVID-19 times.
