Top 14 reasons homeschooling is a valid choice

Critics of homeschool argue that a parent should have a valid teacher's certificate in order to homeschool their children. But research disputes this claim. Regardless of a parent's level of education, homeschoolers still score much higher on standardized tests than their public schooled peers.According to research conducted by researcher, Dr. Brian Ray, homeschooled students score higher, on average, than public schooled students, regardless of family income, level of education of the parents, or government insight. Boys and girls do equally well in the homeschool environment.According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 2 million children in the United States are learning at home and the numbers are growing. Research shows that a home education is a valid choice for some.View the list »
Homeschooling a valid choice

Homeschooling newsletter

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (2009), there are approximately 2 million school aged children are educated at home. This is 75% increase of homeschooled students since 1999 reveals a growth that is seven times faster than the number of students enrolling in K-12 public schools. Clearly, homeschooling is fast becoming a more attractive educational choice. Here are a few research statistics that support homeschooling as a valid educational choice in the United States today:

Related topics

Advertisement
United States of America
39.450000762939 ; -98.907997131348
View the list
  • According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 2 million children in the United States are learning at home and the numbers are growing. Research shows that a home education is a valid choice for some.
  • According to research conducted by researcher, Dr. Brian Ray, homeschooled students score higher, on average, than public schooled students, regardless of family income, level of education of the parents, or government insight. Boys and girls do equally well in the homeschool environment.
  • Critics of homeschool argue that a parent should have a valid teacher's certificate in order to homeschool their children. But research disputes this claim. Regardless of a parent's level of education, homeschoolers still score much higher on standardized tests than their public schooled peers.
  • Government oversight has no bearing on test results. Students scored just as high in low-oversight states as high-oversight states. This chart shows which states have what level of oversight each state has. High oversight means parents must report test scores, get curriculum approved, and/or must be certified to teach their own children.
  • The amount of money spent on text books, curriculum and materials also had little bearing on test scores. Homeschoolers still scored much higher on tests than public schooled students, and those spending less than $400 a year scored nearly as high as those who spent $600 or more.
  • Homeschool studie show that homeschoolers are more involved in extra-curricular activities than their public schooled peers. Activities include scouting, music, dance lessons, sports, community service and more.
  • Homeschoolers are above average socially, emotionally, and psychologically according to research reported by Homeschool Legal Defense. The research measured peer intereaction, self-concept, leadership skills, family cohesion, participation in community service and self-esteem.
  • Homeschoolers participate regularly in educational and social activities outside their homes with people other than their family in such things as field trips, scouting, church activities, 4-H, community service and volunteer work.
  • Homeschoolers have more "real world" experiences than public schooled children. They interact more with adults than the average public schooled child. Since children grow up to be adults, and need adult people skills, this is an asset. Social skills are better learned when modeled by mature peers rather than age-mates alone.
  • Homeschoolers are able to spend more time developing their unique gifts and talents. Here a homeschooler participates in the Special Olympics. He spends part of his days in the spring training for the event held every May in his county.
  • Far from the practices of the past, colleges now actively recruit homeschool students. They have learned that homeschooled students are self-starters, self-motivated, and high academic achievers. Most colleges have homeschool admissions offices or at the very least, a homeschool admissions policy.
  • Homeschoolers do well as college freshmen. They score higher on college entrance exams, and earn a higher GPA on average than those freshmen who attended public school. On average homeschoolers enter college with 14.7 college credits while public schooled students' average is 6 credit hours prior to college attendance.
  • It really is possible to homeschool through college. Distance colleges such as Western Governors University offer degree programs online that can be earned at home, at the student's own pace, including accelerated. The competency-based model and its modest price of tuition is an attractive option for homeschoolers.
  • The education model is changing. Distance learning is more popular than ever. Colleges such as WGU support the home education model. Free, self-paced online classes are also offered from top universities such as Stanford, MIT, Harvard and more via programs such as edX. More than ever before, homeschooling in modern times is a good fit for many families.
View the list

, Homeschooling Examiner

Karla Akins is the author of "Sacagawea," "O Canada! Her Story," "Jacques Cartier," and several novels. She is the proud Mom of five, three with special needs. Karla holds a doctorate in Christian Education and is pursuing a degree in Special Education. You can contact Karla through her website:...

Advertisement

Today's top buzz...