The Rise in Homeschooling
I should start off this post by stating that neither of my kids are homeschooled. I have long been intrigued by the idea of it, but for various reasons both kids have ended up at different traditional schools that suit their needs. For some children and families, homeschooling is a wonderful choice. It’s also becoming an increasingly popular choice and one that I’ve learned more about recently at a few conferences I’ve attended for work.
Nobody can deny that homeschooling is gaining serious momentum in the United States. According to the Washington Post, around 2.7 million kids were homeschooled in 2023. More families were forced into it during the pandemic and many decided to stick with it after. For many families, it just makes more sense. In one word “adaptability,” seems to be the theme I hear most.
After talking with families of all types who have homeschooled for years or are just making the switch, I’ve compiled 5 reasons why homeschooling might be the best choice for some children/families.
1. Customized Learning Experiences
According to those who homeschool, one of the primary advantages is the ability to tailor the educational experience to fit the individual needs, learning styles, and pace of each child. Parents can adapt lessons to suit their child’s strengths and weaknesses, which may not always be possible in a traditional classroom setting due to fixed curriculums and/or teacher-to-student ratios. Customization can be important for students with developmental delays, advanced learners, and everyone in between.
2. Concerns About School Environment
Many parents turn to homeschooling due to concerns about the school environment, including bullying, peer pressure, safety, and sometimes politics or religious beliefs. Homeschooling provides a controlled environment where parents feel their children are safer and better protected from external negative influences.
3. Flexible Scheduling
Homeschooling offers a flexible schedule that can accommodate the family’s lifestyle. It can also accommodate the child’s peak learning times. For example, some kids learn better in the afternoon. Flexible scheduling is also convenient for families who frequently travel. This is also important for children committed to competitive sports or activities that require hours of practice each day.
4. Family Bonding
Some homeschool parents believe the homeschooling model can strengthen family ties because of the increased time family members spend together. They note shared beliefs, values, and closer sibling relationships.
5. Dissatisfaction with Academic Standards and Teaching Methods
Some parents choose homeschooling because they are dissatisfied with the educational standards and teaching methods in traditional schools. Homeschooling allows families to pick different educational approaches, such as Montessori, Classical education, or unschooling, that they believe are more suited to fostering academic and personal growth in their children.
Technology has made homeschooling easier and more effective than ever. Children who are homeschooled may learn and interact through online platforms and with online tutors, for example. Meanwhile, the rise in homeschool groups and co-ops lends group learning, socialization, and support opportunities.
If you are homeschooling or are considering doing so and have never attended a regional homeschool convention, I highly encourage you to do so! There are many resources out there for family educators. You are not alone, and these events are a great opportunity to feel part of a huge community.
