The sound of laughter floats through the air as children gather around Hope Risley, director of education at Verity Schoolhouse. Holding colorful puppets, she leads her students in an engaging outdoor lesson, a scene that exemplifies the burgeoning trend of homeschooling in America. Over the last few years, the educational landscape has shifted dramatically, with homeschooling gaining unprecedented traction, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2019, approximately 2.5 million students were being homeschooled in the United States. That number has now surged to nearly four million. The pandemic-induced shift to remote learning played a significant role in this rise, exposing both the strengths and shortcomings of traditional and virtual education. Remote learning often lacked hands-on experiences like science experiments and art projects, and many parents struggled to balance their work responsibilities with supervising at-home education. These challenges propelled families to seek alternative educational paths.
Homeschooling offers a unique approach where parents or guardians take the reins of their children’s education, tailoring curricula to meet individual needs and reflect personal values. Surveys from organizations like the National Home Education Research Institute reveal that many families choose homeschooling due to concerns about the quality of education in traditional schools, dissatisfaction with school environments, and a desire for personalized learning experiences.
Simon, a homeschooling father from Florida, expressed his dissatisfaction with the public school system: “The curriculum taught in public schools is outdated and fails to address the skills necessary for success in the modern world.” For Simon and his wife, homeschooling allows them to incorporate subjects they deem essential, such as artificial intelligence and art, and ensures their children get adequate rest without the rigid schedule of traditional schools.
While some families turn to homeschooling out of necessity—such as escaping bullying or seeking a safer environment—others see it as a means to offer a more customized educational experience. Different resources and curricula, like those listed on Homeschool Naturally, cater to various educational philosophies and preferences, including secular options. Online platforms like Time4Learning and Khan Academy provide interactive lessons and activities that can be tailored to individual learning paces and interests.
Across the country, local communities and organizations are stepping in to support homeschooling families. The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Creek County, for instance, recently launched a homeschooling program to provide socialization opportunities for homeschooled children and support for their parents. The curriculum includes art, STEM, and physical education classes, aiming to offer experiences that homeschooling alone might not provide.
Mallory Parker, the club director, emphasizes the importance of flexible yet structured learning environments: “It gives a sense of structure without it being that eight-hour long all-day structure. They are structured for a short amount of time, then they get that freedom to learn in the ways they do best.”
Despite the growing popularity and benefits of homeschooling, it is not without controversy. Critics point out the lack of regulation and oversight, which can lead to disparities in educational quality and, in some extreme cases, conceal abuse. The National Center for Education Statistics reported that, as of 2019, around 1.5 million children were homeschooled, a number that has undoubtedly increased. However, in many states, parents are not required to report that they are homeschooling, and there’s minimal accountability to ensure children receive an adequate education.
Instances of abuse have raised significant concerns. In Michigan, the tragic case of an 11-year-old boy who died after years of mistreatment by his stepmother, who used homeschooling to cover up her actions, highlights the potential dangers. Data from Connecticut also revealed that a substantial percentage of children withdrawn from school to be homeschooled came from homes with prior abuse reports.
Advocates for stricter homeschooling regulations argue that basic standards for safety and educational quality are essential. They suggest measures like requiring homeschool instructors to pass background checks and submit annual documentation to local school districts.
Despite the push for regulation, homeschooling advocacy groups like the Homeschool Legal Defense Association often resist new legislation, arguing that it infringes on parental rights and the freedom to choose educational paths. The debate continues, with each state navigating its own maze of laws and legal precedents regarding homeschooling.
The homeschooling movement's impact on education is multifaceted, reflecting both its potential to offer highly customized learning experiences and its challenges in ensuring consistent educational outcomes for all students. As the trend continues to grow, the need for a balanced approach that respects parental rights while safeguarding children's education and well-being becomes increasingly apparent.
As Simon reflects on his family’s homeschooling journey, he voices a sentiment shared by many: “We all understand that we are in this together, and our shared goal of prioritizing our children's well-being and education takes precedence over any differences.” It’s a reminder that, at its core, the movement is about providing the best possible opportunities for the next generation, whatever form that may take.
