19 Homeschool Statistics to Know
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Hey there, curious minds! As we dive headfirst into the year 2023, it’s time to explore the ever-evolving landscape of homeschooling.
Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooling pro or just dipping your toes into the waters of alternative education, these 19 homeschooling statistics will provide you with a fascinating snapshot of where we stand today.
From the reasons parents choose this path to the grade levels that shine the brightest, we’ve got the inside scoop on homeschooling in 2023.
General Homeschooling Statistics around the World
If you’re a parent considering homeschooling, here are some key stats you’ll want to know:
Surging Homeschooling in the US
As of February 2020, around 9 million students in the United States had experienced homeschooling at least once. Homeschooling had been making steady strides even before the pandemic.
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Pandemic-Driven Homeschooling Boom
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it turned the world of education upside down. More than 300 million students worldwide found themselves homeschooled at some point during the pandemic.
Parents had to step into the role of educators, resulting in an unprecedented surge in homeschooling numbers.
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Active Homeschoolers
Here’s an interesting tidbit: 98% of homeschooled students get involved in an average of 5 extracurricular activities per week.
It turns out that homeschooled kids are pretty active in extracurriculars, often even more so than their counterparts in traditional schools. From sports to art, they’re up to a variety of activities.
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Rapid Growth in Homeschooling
The numbers speak for themselves. In 2020, the United States had approximately 2.65 million homeschooled students.
Fast forward to 2021, and that figure had risen to 3.7 million. By 2022, we were looking at a whopping 4.3 million homeschooled students. It’s a trend that keeps on growing.
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Homeschooling Statistics in the USA
In recent years, homeschooling has emerged as a dynamic force in the American educational landscape, with a notable surge in the number of families opting for this alternative approach.
Homeschooling Soars
According to data from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), the 2020/2021 school year witnessed a remarkable 3.7 million homeschooled students in the United States. That’s quite a significant number!
Moreover, NHERI’s findings show that between late March and early May of 2022, a noteworthy 5.22% of all school-age children were homeschooled. This indicates the enduring appeal of homeschooling as an educational choice.
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Pandemic Impact
Data from the Census Experimental Household Pulse survey highlights the seismic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on homeschooling.
During the pandemic, the number of homeschooling households doubled, reflecting a significant shift in how families approached education during challenging times.
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Steady Growth
When looking at the past few years, homeschooling has experienced an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.1% between 2016 and 2021.
This growth trajectory underscores the increasing interest in homeschooling as an alternative to traditional schooling. While some families may have returned to public schooling post-pandemic, the overall trend suggests that homeschooling is likely to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years.
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The State-by-State Statistics
Let’s explore the varying landscape of homeschooling across different states, highlighting which regions boast the highest number of homeschoolers and the unique characteristics that make each state’s homeschooling community distinct.
North Carolina Takes the Top Spot with 179,900 Homeschooled Students
As of 2021, North Carolina had a substantial 179,900 homeschooled students, securing its position as the frontrunner.
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Florida Close Behind
143,431 Homeschooled Students: Florida closely followed with approximately 143,431 homeschoolers, while Georgia claimed the third spot with 85,510 students.
In terms of percentages, North Carolina had a homeschooling rate of 10.6%, demonstrating a significant presence of homeschoolers in the state.
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Georgia Rounding Out the Top Three with 85,510 Students
Virginia had a 4.8% homeschooling rate, while both Florida and Georgia were right behind with 4.6%. These statistics shed light on the geographic distribution of homeschooling and the varying levels of popularity across states.
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Homeschooling Reason Statistics
Homeschooling is a deeply personal choice, and parents opt for it for a multitude of reasons. However, when we delve into the data, some key motivations emerge as the driving forces behind homeschooling decisions.
Safe Learning Environment
A Primary Concern: According to insights from the National Center for Education Statistics (IES), a significant 25% of parents cited concerns about the safety of their children as the foremost reason for choosing homeschooling.
In a world where school shootings and peer-related crimes are unsettlingly on the rise, more parents are taking the path of educating their children within the secure confines of their own homes.
Academic Quality Concerns
A Strong Secondary Motivation: Approximately 14.5% of parents expressed dissatisfaction with the academic quality provided by traditional schools, leading them to opt for homeschooling.
They believe that by taking the educational reins themselves, they can ensure a more tailored and effective learning experience for their children.
Religious Integration
A Spiritual Connection: Religion plays a significant role in the homeschooling landscape, with 13% of parents choosing this path to provide and integrate religious instruction into their children’s curriculum.
Homeschooling offers these families the flexibility to incorporate their faith seamlessly into their child’s education.
Addressing Special Needs
Around 7.3% of parents turn to homeschooling to meet the unique educational needs of their children.
Homeschooling allows them to customize the learning experience, providing the necessary support and accommodations that might be challenging to find in traditional school settings.
Varied and Miscellaneous Reasons
A diverse group of parents, accounting for 14% of homeschoolers, cited miscellaneous reasons for their choice. These could range from dissatisfaction with the school’s culture to a desire for a more well-rounded and holistic education for their children.
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Grade-Level Homeschooling Statistics
Now delve into the distribution of homeschoolers across different grade levels, uncovering where homeschooling peaks and why certain grade levels are more popular among homeschooling families.
The Grade Levels with the Most Homeschoolers
According to the NCES, homeschooling is the highest occurrence among students in grades 6 to 8. This marks a shift from the landscape in 2012 when the dominant homeschooling grades were 9-12. Let’s take a closer look at the age distribution:
- Kindergarten: In 2012, 12% of homeschooled kids were in kindergarten, which decreased to 11% in 2016 and further to 8% in 2019.
- Grades 1 to 3: Homeschooling among students in grades 1 to 3 has remained relatively steady, with 20% in 2012, 18% in 2016, and a slight increase to 22% in 2019.
- Grades 4 to 5: For students in grades 4 to 5, homeschooling saw a rise from 15% in 2012 to 17% in 2016, and a subsequent increase to 18% in 2019.
- Grades 6 to 8: The peak of homeschooling occurs among students in grades 6 to 8. In 2012, 24% of homeschooled students were in this group, a number that remained constant in 2016 and increased to 29% in 2019.
- Grades 9 to 12: Interestingly, the percentage of homeschooled students in grades 9 to 12 showed a decline, dropping from 29% in 2012 to 31% in 2016, and then decreasing further to 22% in 2019.
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Households with Multiple Children
A substantial 48% of homeschooling households have three or more children. About 33% of homeschooling households have two children, while only 19% have one child.
This data offers a unique perspective on homeschooling, suggesting that households with more than two children might find it more conducive to embrace homeschooling.
With a higher focus on children’s education already in place, larger households often find it easier to embark on the homeschooling journey.
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Homeschool Financial Statistics
When it comes to the financial side of homeschooling, the data presents a compelling case for its affordability compared to traditional schooling.
The Budget Breakdown
According to Time4Learning, the average cost of homeschooling typically falls within the range of $700 to $1800 per child every year. This budget includes several key categories:
- Curriculum: Homeschooling curriculum costs can range from $350 to $750 per year, depending on the chosen materials and resources.
- Supplies & Materials: Parents generally spend between $150 and $300 annually on supplies and materials, which can vary depending on their children’s grade level and specific needs.
- Field Trips: Homeschooling offers the flexibility to incorporate educational field trips, which can cost around $100 to $250 per year.
- Extracurriculars: Extracurricular activities, ranging from sports to arts, can add an additional $100 to $500 to the annual homeschooling budget.
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Income Levels of Homeschooling Households
According to studies and statistics from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI):
- Approximately 34% of households engaged in homeschooling boast a combined annual income exceeding $100,000.
- 15% of homeschooling households have an annual income ranging from $75,001 to $100,000.
- 21% of homeschooling households earn between $50,001 to $75,000 each year.
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Conclusion
So there you have it, folks, the scoop on homeschooling in 2023, served up in a casual and informative style. We’ve seen how homeschooling is on the rise and dynamically adapting to the times, with its own unique set of reasons and motivations.
Whether you’re considering homeschooling for your child or simply intrigued by the movement, these stats paint a vivid picture of the ever-expanding world of home education.
As we continue on this educational journey, one thing’s for sure: homeschooling isn’t just a trend; it’s a thriving and personalized approach to learning that’s here to stay. Happy homeschooling!
Frequently Asked Question
1. How much does homeschooling cost compared to traditional schooling?
Homeschooling typically costs between $700 and $1800 per child annually, including curriculum, supplies, field trips, and extracurriculars. In contrast, public schools average between $1,017 and $12,011 per year, while private schools can cost much more.
2. What are the main reasons parents choose homeschooling?
Parents opt for homeschooling for various reasons. Some primary motivations are safety concerns, dissatisfaction with academic quality, and the desire to integrate religious instruction into the curriculum. Addressing special needs and miscellaneous reasons also play a role.
3. Which grade level has the most homeschooled students?
Homeschooling is most prevalent among students in grades 6 to 8. Yet, the trajectory of this pattern has evolved over time. In 2012, grades 9-12 dominated, reflecting the evolving landscape of homeschooling preferences.
4. Is homeschooling more popular in households with higher incomes?
No, homeschooling is accessible across diverse income levels. Approximately 34% of homeschooling households have an annual income over $100,000, but it accommodates families with incomes ranging from $50,001 to $100,000 (15%) and even lower.
5. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected homeschooling rates?
The pandemic significantly impacted homeschooling rates. Between late March and early May 2022, 5.22% of all school-age children were homeschooled due to pandemic-related uncertainties. It accelerated the growth of homeschooling, though some families returned to traditional schooling afterward.