The Education Exchange Ep. 394 - May 27, 2025 - Who Are the Homeschoolers?
May 27, 2025
Angela R. Watson, a senior research fellow at the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy, dives into the evolving world of homeschooling. She highlights the growth from 3% to 7% participation, revealing surprising demographics that challenge common stereotypes. Discussions include how state laws affect homeschooling rates, the significance of Education Savings Accounts, and parents’ unique definitions of success that often prioritize outcomes beyond traditional college pathways. Watson's insights paint a comprehensive picture of this dynamic educational landscape.
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Homeschoolers' Education Levels
- The homeschooler population's education levels roughly match those of public school parents.
- Private school parents tend to have higher education levels than homeschool or public school parents.
Diverse Racial Composition
- Majority of homeschoolers are white, but minority families also homeschool in large numbers.
- Homeschoolers' racial demographics resemble the broader US population more than stereotypes suggest.
Homeschooling Not Just Rural
- While homeschooling is more common in rural areas compared to the general population, most homeschoolers live in urban and suburban areas.
- Rural concentration is notable but does not define the majority of homeschoolers.