The Homeschool Movement Grows
Homeschooling in the United States continues its remarkable growth trajectory, with the latest estimates placing the number of homeschooled students at approximately 5 million — representing roughly 9% of the school-age population.
The growth, which accelerated during recent years, shows no signs of slowing down. Parents cite a variety of reasons for choosing to educate their children at home, including concerns about curriculum content, academic quality, school safety, and the desire to incorporate faith-based instruction.
Academic Outcomes
Research consistently shows that homeschooled students perform well academically:
- Homeschooled students score an average of 15-30 percentile points above public school students on standardized tests
- Homeschool graduates have higher college GPAs and graduation rates
- Homeschooled students report higher levels of life satisfaction as adults
The homeschooling community has also become increasingly organized, with co-ops, sports leagues, and extracurricular programs providing social and athletic opportunities that address historical concerns about socialization.