The steady rise of homeschooling in the U.S. is a phenomenon that transcends regional and economic boundaries. Urban areas like New York City and rural districts like Pulaski County, KY, are witnessing significant growth in homeschooling rates. Anecdotal evidence suggests a variety of reasons for this development, ranging from dissatisfaction with public school systems, and personal experiences of students, to an effort to provide a more tailored education for children.
High-performing school districts are not immune to this trend. Many parents are choosing to homeschool their children, despite the high academic achievements of their local schools. Parents, even those supportive of public education, are opting for homeschooling when they find their children’s unique needs not being met in the traditional educational setup.
Multiple factors could influence the future of homeschooling in America. Issues such as safety, drugs, and a desire to provide moral or religious instruction drive more parents to choose homeschooling. Educational vouchers in 32 states that provide financial aid for homeschooling could also encourage this shift.
An estimated 3.135 million K-12 students were homeschooled in the 2021-2022 school year. According to the National Home Education Research Institute, that is a 16% decline from the prior year, but much higher than two years earlier. The growth in homeschooling is expected to continue.
