Homeschooling in the United States: Growth, Debate, and What It Means for Education

Homeschooling in the United States has transformed from a fringe activity to a mainstream alternative to traditional education. Homeschooling was once a fringe activity, but it has gained popularity in recent years due to the changing values and attitudes towards school culture and outcomes post-pandemic.

A Growing Trend Across the Country

Homeschooling continues to expand in the United States. According to the Pew Research Center, “Some 3.4% of K-12 students in the United States were homeschooled during the 2022-23 academic year.”

This is in line with data from the Johns Hopkins Homeschool Hub, which monitors state-level reporting on home education. According to its 2024-2025 analysis, the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy found that homeschooling grew at an average rate of 4.9%-nearly three times the pre-pandemic rate.

Experts see this as a structural shift. Angela R. Watson, director of the Homeschool Research Lab at Johns Hopkins School of Education, said the trend is not just lingering pandemic interest but “a fundamental shift in how American families are thinking about education.”

Why Families Choose Homeschooling

Parents cite a range of motivations for opting to educate children at home. According to Pew’s analysis, many families point to concerns about school environments as a key factor in their decision.

Outside of safety and social issues, there are parents who are attracted to homeschooling because of individualization, flexibility, and/or a faith-based approach to education. Homeschooling communities of families continue to provide advice and encouragement on the Internet. In a blog post on maintaining stability during a family move, the Schoolhouse Review Crew blog writes:

“A general daily routine helps the days run more smoothly. List a few necessary things that must be done each day, do them every day, making them a habit.”

Such grassroots opinions are consistent with research on children’s development within the home learning environment.

Insights from Research on Home Learning Environments

Research has highlighted the importance of home learning structure as a significant predictor of the student experience and outcome. A peer-reviewed study on early childhood development found that structural family characteristics and maternal beliefs were associated with stronger social-emotional competence in children.

This supports the theory that there are different sets of dimensions of development in non-classroom education, especially when the parents or guardians are involved in the learning process. Although the study focused on preschool development rather than K–12 homeschooling, it highlighted the importance of the home learning environment in building core skills.

Another peer-reviewed study on online homeschooling during COVID-19 found both opportunities and challenges for children, parents, and teachers.
This is an indication that home education is not an easy task; it requires support systems for all parties involved.

Home learning can support children’s development, though results depend on family resources and implementation.

The Debate: Results, Rules, and Fairness

Despite the increase in homeschooling in the United States, there are still many issues about the quality of education, equity, and socialization.

There are concerns about whether or not homeschooled children are able to compete with those in other schools. Some researchers claim that children who are homeschooled perform well in achievement tests.

Socialization issues: Homeschooling has also been criticized because of its negative effects on socialization compared to other schools. Homeschoolers, however, participate in activities such as co-ops and community groups.

The regulations for homeschooling differ from state to state. While some states require notification and portfolio review, others have very lenient policies regarding homeschooling.

Supporters say strict regulation ensures accountability and quality, while opponents argue it limits parental authority and innovation.

These are some of the questions that are being raised in connection with public spending on education, the number of teacher shortages, and cultural attitudes in American society.

What It Means for the Future of Education

The implications of the rise of homeschooling are quite profound for the education sector as a whole.

Attitude shift: Parents are now understanding that education doesn’t have to be the same for all. This mindset goes beyond homeschooling and encompasses other forms of learning, such as online learning.

Getting accustomed to public schools: Public schools are adapting to changing educational demands by offering flexible schedules, expanding online classes, and partnering with homeschooling groups.

Changing attitudes: Parents are realizing education isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Roles and training of teachers: As homeschooling and alternative education expand, schools and districts may ask teachers to assume new roles, such as tutor, curriculum developer, or blended learning facilitator. The role of teachers inside the classroom may also change to incorporate an advisory and mentorship function.

Equity in impact: A longstanding challenge is that not all homeschooled children have access to quality instruction. Families with the time, financial means, and educational background to homeschool can more easily provide high-quality instruction.

Community, Technology, and the Changing Definition of School

Another reason for the popularity of homeschooling is the many online resources available for homeschooling. In many states, homeschool cooperatives, or “co-ops,” bring students together weekly for shared classes, labs, arts, and social activities.

Technology has also blurred the line between traditional and home education. Many homeschooled students now take dual-enrollment classes, virtual AP courses, or hybrid programs combining classroom and independent study. Such models call into question the traditional understanding of what constitutes a “school day” and what a learning environment must look like.

However, education leaders are also paying close attention to the situation. If the trend of homeschooling continues to grow, it may have an impact on the funding formula, enrollment, and policy agenda of public education systems across the country. Whether it’s empowerment, experimentation, or disruption, the fact that homeschooling is growing at such a rate means that American education is clearly in a time of transition.

Conclusion: A Transformative Moment

Homeschooling in the United States is part of a broader cultural shift in the way that families think about education, work, and community. As it grows steadily and the motivations evolve, it is no longer just a reaction to a particular period of time; it is a significant shift in the way in which we think about education.

While the debate continues to rage, the complex relationship between choice and accountability, the needs of the individual versus the needs of the community, and innovation and equity will be the key to unlocking the data and the experiences of homeschooling families in building a system of education that is good for all children, whether in a classroom or around the kitchen table.

Sources:

Medical Science Monitor— “The Effects of Online Homeschooling on Children, Parents, and Teachers of Grades 1–9 During the COVID-19 Pandemic”

Frontiers in Psychology — “How the Home Learning Environment Contributes to Children’s Social–Emotional Competence”

Pew Research Center — “A Look at Homeschooling in the U.S.”

Johns Hopkins School of Education Institute for Education Policy — “Homeschool Growth: 2024-2025”

Schoolhouse Review Crew — “How to Succeed at Homeschooling When Making a Move”

National Center for Education Statistics — “Homeschooled Children and Reasons for Homeschooling”

Editor’s Disclaimer:
This article is intended to provide an informative overview of homeschooling trends in the United States, including research findings, public data, and perspectives from various sources. It does not advocate for or against homeschooling or any specific education model. Readers are encouraged to consult local education authorities and qualified professionals when making decisions regarding educational options.

More from Presence News:

Do Schools Reflect What Families Value? Insights from Cory Arsic

The Quiet Comeback of Community Notice Boards and Local Groups