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Homeschool Statistics Prove Success

High School

Tuesday, 16 January 2024

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Have you ever thought about statistics on homeschooling and the success of homeschooling? There are currently over 3 million homeschool students. How does homeschooling compare to public education? Let's talk about How and Why Homeschooling Works with Dr. Jay Wile.

Academic Scores

Academically, homeschoolers score significantly higher on achievement tests than public school students. In a K-12 study, homeschoolers score in the 87th percentile in reading, 80th percentile in total Language, 82nd percentile in math, 84th percentile in science, and 85th percentile in social studies. This is significant because public school students generally score in the 50th percentile. That is quite the difference!

Notably, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020 and public schools resorted to online learning, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) tested the lowest math and reading scores since 1992! Peggy Carr, commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics, a branch of the Education Department, said in an interview, "In NAEP, when we experience a 1- or 2-point decline, we're talking about it as a significant impact on a student's achievement. In math, we experienced an 8-point decline - historic for this assessment". Across every state, public school, and subject, NAEP scores either dropped significantly or barely managed to tread water and remain the same. Read the full report from NBC News. Because homeschoolers were already accustomed to home education, there was no notable decrease in homeschooled students' test scores.

Am I Qualified to Educate?

A homeschool parents' level of education has little to do with the success of their homeschooled children. Whether the parent has less than a high school education, or has a college degree, the academic success of homeschooling still stays within the range of 80-88th percentile. While some parents happen to be certified teachers, that doesn't equate to improved academics in children, either. Whether parents have a teaching degree or not, their students tend to score in the 80th - 88th percentile overall. Read Certified Teachers vs Regular Homeschool Parents.

Is there Diversity in Homeschooling?

While it's true that 68% of homeschoolers in the United States are Caucasian, according to a 2021 study, it's important to remember that the general population of students that same year was 59.3% Caucasian. So, while there is still a discrepancy, homeschoolers from all racial and ethnic backgrounds homeschool successfully. Hispanics represent 15% of the homeschool population. Black students account for 8% and Asian ethnicities make up 4%.

Should States Regulate Homeschooling?

State regulatory laws appear to have no impact on homeschool success rates. Low regulation states and high regulation states both have an average 86th percentile overall in academic performance. In addition, students in low regulated states tend to have higher SAT college scores than students in highly regulated states. Do you know your state homeschool regulations? If not, you can find it in my article, Know Your State Homeschool Law.

What is the Cost of Homeschooling?

The average cost of homeschooling ranges from $700 to $1,800 per child per school year, according to a 2020 study from Time4Learning.com, an online resource for homeschool families. This includes the cost of the curriculum, school supplies, field trips and extracurricular activities. While there are huge cost savings when educating one child at home, test scores are not necessarily increased when parents spend more money on homeschooling.

What about Family Income?

The income of a homeschooling family does not impact student success in homeschooling. Whether extremely low income, or significantly well off, the statistic of academic achievement is maintained. Students of all income levels score in the 82nd to 92nd percentile. In contrast, family income is tied to achievement in public schools, but is not in homeschooling.

What about Socialization?

Homeschoolers have more time to engage in their community and attend activities. They are also more likely to interact with people of all ages, rather than just being friends with students of the same age. 98 percent of homeschoolers are involved in two or more activities that provide regular socialization!

Do Homeschooled Adults Succeed?

Grown adults who were homeschooled display more civic engagement than their public-school counterparts. While homeschoolers are diverse politically, they all tend to be more politically active than non-homeschooled students. They are more likely to write, make phone calls, sign petitions, and work for candidates, as well as make financial contributions to campaigns. Of homeschooled graduates, 71% are involved in community service, compared with only 37% of the general population.

Why Homeschool?

Parents choose to homeschool for a variety of reasons. The most common reasons cited are that they can customize and individualize education and accomplish more academically. Parents homeschool to promote a strong family and to guide healthy interactions. They homeschool to keep their children safe from physical harm, sexualization, bullying, drugs, alcohol, and psychological harm. They homeschool to instill their values, beliefs, and worldview.

Why does Homeschooling Work?

Homeschooling works because parents love their children and are deeply committed to their education and development. Aware of their own limitations (whether it's their own lack of education or a lack of finances) they are careful to find ways to compensate. Hard work and a library can overcome financial constraints. Carefully choosing curriculum can compensate for a lack of knowledge in different subjects.

If you need help in getting started in homeschooling, these resources will help.

Find Resources to Start:
Getting Started with Older Teens
Getting Started with Younger Teens

Read a Book of Tips
How to Homeschool Independently: Do-it-Yourself Secrets to Rekindle the Love of Learning

Take a Free Online Class
The 12 Keys to High School Success

Get support along the way by joining
The Gold Care Club

If you are thinking you may want to start homeschooling, you can be successful! Grab some of my free resources and take the plunge!