The Report Card with Nat Malkus

Angela Watson on Homeschooling

Feb 21, 2024

Discover the surge in homeschooling rates during the pandemic and the factors driving this shift. Uncover the complexities of homeschooling data, debunk stereotypes, and explore diverse educational models like micro-schooling. Dive into the impact of ESAs on homeschooling trends and forecast the future of homeschooling over the next decade.

54:29

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Angela Watson

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Quick takeaways

Pandemic drove a significant rise in homeschooling rates due to virtual schooling dissatisfaction and online resources availability.

Homeschooling now stands at 5-6%, a considerable increase from pre-pandemic levels, indicating a notable presence in education sector.

Younger generations more open to homeschooling post-pandemic, influenced by closures of traditional schools and evolving parental attitudes.

Deep dives

Homeschooling Rates Surged During the Pandemic

During the pandemic, homeschooling rates significantly increased, reaching levels never seen before. Even though the numbers have slightly decreased since then, they are still substantially higher than pre-pandemic levels, currently standing around 5% to 6%. This jump in homeschool participation was largely driven by various factors such as dissatisfaction with virtual schooling and increased availability of online resources.

Pushed out vs. pulled through in homeschooling choices

01:21

Introduction

3min

The Rise of Homeschooling During the Pandemic

7min

Examining the Complexities of Homeschooling Data and Stereotypes

13min

Exploring the Impact of ESAs on Homeschooling Trends

3min

The Diverse Landscape of Homeschooling

9min

Exploring Field Trips, College Promise Programs, and Educational Options

3min

Challenges and Regulation in Homeschooling

15min

Forecasting the Future of Homeschooling

3min

During the pandemic, homeschooling rates spiked, reaching unprecedented levels. And although they have fallen some since then, homeschooling rates remain far higher than anything we saw before the pandemic.

On this episode of The Report Card, Nat Malkus speaks with Angela Watson about what is driving this change, what we can expect from homeschooling in the coming years, and what we know about homeschooling more broadly.

Angela Watson is a senior research fellow at the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy and an assistant research professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Education. She is also the creator of The Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy’s Homeschool Hub and the director of the Homeschool Research Lab.

Show Notes:

Homeschool Hub

Parent-Created "Schools" in the US

Investigating Declining Trends in Arts Field Trip Attendance