Why the boom?
Homeschooling has only been around (legally) for about 30 years or so in the states and has steadily increased in use—though after 2020 and a pandemic that forced traditional schools to close their doors, a boom occurred.[1] The percentage of homeschooled students nearly doubled, from being only about 2.5%-3% of school-age children to almost 6%.[2] But what has spurred such rapid growth?
Several factors are at play, and as more and more school districts place restrictions on what can and cannot be taught and book bans continue to expand, many parents feel as though their children would not obtain a thorough, holistic or morally aligned education. Many also believe that traditional schooling is not up to date with current trends, leaving their children underprepared for both higher education and the workforce.[3] Homeschooling offers a flexible, tailored, monitored, and often a more comprehensive approach to learning that parents find appealing and more up to par with their standards.[4] The pandemic uncovered these issues and demonstrated the importance of “hands on” learning, highlighting a potential solution.[3] At the same time, more and more jobs became remote, and many parents are now able to monitor their children’s learning whilst bringing home the bacon. In short, redefined ideas of “normal” came together to form the perfect environment for parents that not only needed to homeschool, but also had the ability and necessary resources to do so.
How does homeschooling work?
There are a broad range of methodologies and programs that parents can employ. Online, ready-made, and accredited paths are readily available (at a price) to parents and students who wish to homeschool.[5] These programs contain the necessary elements for academic success, including a broad variety of subjects, experts curating lessons behind the scenes, and professionals that ensure the student fulfills state requirements. They are the most intuitive options for parents who are new to homeschooling as it is very guided. Plus, they provide high school transcripts and diplomas, making the transfer of credits easily accessible.[5] Universities have also begun to actively recruit students with homeschooling backgrounds.[2]
“School at home,” “unschooling,” and the famed Montessori Method are among other methodologies often used by parents to homeschool their children.[6] With these, parents have better control over various elements such as the structure of their child’s learning, the topics they’ll study, and the goals they’ll meet. Due to the higher level of involvement, these methods are recommended and/or more effective for parents who can spend a significant amount of time monitoring and teaching their children.[6] There are also online materials and courses dedicated to homeschooling that they can use to guide themselves, but these are not accredited.
Accreditation isn’t necessarily an indication of quality, but it works to demonstrate how aligned a program is with traditional education standards and how transferable/acceptable they are to colleges and universities due to evaluation methods. [5]
What are the pros of homeschooling?
Homeschooling can be incredibly beneficial to children. It allows academic flexibility and adheres to a humanistic approach, where students are seen and treated as individuals and their specific needs and interests are catered to.[3] It has a “more pleasant atmosphere” and “encourages freedom of expression and independence.”[4] There’s no social pressure to affect their participation and no fear of embarrassment or ridicule, so they are more likely to take risks and fail without admonishment.[7] In this article by Sarah Hernholm, there’s several examples of homeschooled children pursuing their interests—one of them has their own business—without being hindered by the schedule of traditional schooling.[3] Additionally, for children with special needs or any necessary accommodations, homeschooling allows them to have the support, pacing, and flexibility that facilitates their overall success.[8]
Meaningful engagement with family and community is a big part of homeschooling, as well. Local homeschool groups have been created to ensure that they make friends and learn from their peers.[9] This is in addition to attending church and church events, volunteering with the community and participating in social hobbies.
What are the cons of homeschooling?
There are some observable challenges with homeschooling. The main concern is the lack of consistent assessment of children’s progress and the likelihood of not being as ready for higher education as their traditional school counterparts. A Washington Post article noted that “Home-schooled kids don’t have to submit to any form of testing for academic progress in most states, and even states that require assessments often offer loopholes.”[9] Many education experts are “worried about many home-schooled kids’ academic preparation and lack of exposure to diverse points of view.”[9] Additionally, homeschooling can place a financial burden on families, resulting in a lack of resources and support for the learner.[10] The student may not be able to adapt to new social situations as well, since “homeschooling limits the diversity of beliefs and backgrounds.”[4]
Lastly, as the homeschool sector continues to grow, it “will increasingly compete for tax dollars with the public education system.”[9]
Conclusion
Companies that serve the homeschooling market are experiencing notable growth as it becomes more mainstream. The homeschooling market size was valued at $5.49 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $10.35 billion by 2031. Homeschooling continues to be a viable, legitimate option for parents who feel that traditional schooling isn’t sufficient for their children. It appears to be just the beginning of a shift towards more educational diversity.[3]
How does PSG fit into this?
Publishing Solutions Group (PSG) is committed to creating high-quality material and providing constant support for all forms of education, including homeschooling. We strive to keep up with changes in education and the needs of students and parents to provide the resources they need to succeed. PSG supports clients in creating new content while also revising and updating existing content to support K-12 learners in the best way possible.
[1]https://www.northgateacademy.com/the-history-of-homeschooling-in-the-united-states/#:~:text=In%201992%2C%20homeschooling%20was%20officially,to%20750%2C000%20students%20in%201995
[2]https://www.nheri.org/research-facts-on-homeschooling/
[3]https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahhernholm/2024/04/30/rise-of-homeschooling-and-its-transformative-impact-on-education/
[4]https://research.com/education/benefits-and-disadvantages-of-homeschooling
[5]https://aop.com/blogs/featured-articles/accredited-vs-non-accredited-homeschool-programs-benefits-differences-and-how-to-choose?srsltid=AfmBOoot-Tx_hudzm7ZFgB5ua8JkzMJjNw24jAALvneP_egCp3sk-QuP
[6]https://www.homeschool.com/homeschooling-methods/
[7]https://www.bookshark.com/blog/introverts/
[8]https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/367271/homeschooling-public-school-accommodations-autism-learning-differences-disabilities
[9]https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/interactive/2023/homeschooling-growth-data-by-district/
[10]https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/interactive/2023/homeschooling-growth-data-by-district/
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