Home School Numbers and Statistics

It is important to separate the facts from the fiction surrounding homeschooling. Some parents immediately recoil from the notion of homeschooling their children, while it excites other parents. But there are many families who just want to know: will my child be better off being homeschooled?

For over 20 years, study after study has concluded that homeschoolers excel both academically as well as socially. Here’s the rundown on what we know about the success of homeschooling!

Testing Statistics

A number of studies have found that homeschooled students outperform traditional school students on tests across virtually every subject. How much better do they do? Research conducted by the Home School Legal Defense Association confirms that homeschooler’s test scores are 30% higher, on average! Homeschooled kids score in the 80th percentile in all categories…Math, English, Science and Social Studies.

One independent study (Rudner, 1998) found that elementary-age homeschoolers perform one grade level higher than traditional school students. By eighth grade, homeschoolers have widened the gap to a whopping four grade levels above traditional school students!

While some naysayers claim the studies are statistically inaccurate since different states have different homeschooling requirements, every study conducted since the early 1990s has demonstrated the academic superiority of homeschoolers. Combined with trends showing that the longer a student goes to public school the worse he or she performs on tests, the number of people willing to challenge the viability and success of homeschooling is fast dwindling.

Social Adjustment & Self Esteem

Many folks also wonder about their child’s socialization – and what impact homeschooling will have on that important part of their development. In fact, one of the biggest myths that surrounds homeschooling is that homeschooled children won’t be socially well-adjusted. Studies have shown that homeschoolers get more than enough socialization, possess much higher levels of self-esteem and exhibit fewer behavioral problems. They are also not as likely to form cliques with their friends.

One study found that homeschoolers are more than twice as likely as the general population to be happy with their adult lives. They are also significantly more likely to be involved in their communities and civic affairs. In fact, 98% of home taught children participate in at least two community-type activities each week. According to a study conducted by the National Home Education Research Institute, homeschoolers act more mature and are better able to manage real world, grown-up problems since they have more contact with adults on a day-to-day basis.

Perhaps the greatest measure of success is what the students themselves think, later in life. A Canadian study undertaken in 2009 found that as many as 96% of homeschoolers felt that their schooling had prepared them suitably for life. A study by the HSLDA has reported that 82% of adults who were homeschooled plan to home school their own children! Another sign that homeschooling works: it’s growing at an estimated rate of 15% per year, with no drop-off in sight!

Have you ever taken creative steps to make sure your child is getting the best possible education?