The History Of Homeschooling In The US

Homeschooling gained popularity and attention in the US the 1970s, but it has been around for much longer than that. While a very small percentage of children in the US are currently homeschooled, the figure has been rising steadily over the past 20 years.

Homeschooling can have many benefits for children. It allows for personalized education (to a certain extent) that suits the individual child, rather than a “one-size-fits all” approach, which is often offered in schools. However, there are several important laws surrounding homeschooling to ensure that children who are homeschooled still receive a high quality of education (these laws vary between states). Today, we’ll take a look at the history of homeschooling in the US, and discuss why more and more people are choosing to homeschool their children.

When did homeschooling begin in America?
It is hard to put an exact date on the beginning of homeschooling in the States, as this was typically done in rural areas and more isolated communities or homes. However, in the 1970s, homeschooling became more prevalent. This was namely due to John Holt, who was a critic of what he deemed the oppressive classroom environment and rote learning of schools at the time.

Holt advised parents to follow a process of “unschooling”: removing their children from public education. He published a newsletter called Growing Without Schooling in 1977, and this united parents who wished to take their children out of public schools. Following this publication, Raymond Moore, an education theorist, added to Holt’s argument. His view was that children should be educated at home until age eight or nine, as going to school prior to this would be detrimental to their development. Moore’s 1981 book Home Grown Kids became a staple among homeschoolers.

When did homeschooling become legal in the United States?
The legality of homeschooling is a contested issue, as there are many different views on the subject. It is debated by educators, lawmakers, parents, and other bodies. Some people worry that children who are educated at home may not receive the same standard of education as their school-going peers, and there is often tension regarding how much influence the state can have on homeschooled children. This is especially relevant when it comes to completing state exams and standardized curricula.

While each state has differing rules surrounding homeschooling, it has been legal across all 50 US states since 1993. However, despite homeschooling being legal throughout the country, some states have more restrictive measures than others. For example, some states put homeschooling in the same category as a private school, and parents are required to fulfill the same requirements. Certain states offer more than one option for homeschooling, and have different requirements for each option. If you’re looking for further info, it’s best to research the laws surrounding homeschooling on a state level, as no two states treat homeschooling the same.

How many students are homeschooled in the United States?
According to the National Home Education Research Institute, there were about 3.7 million homeschooled students in the year 2020–2021 from grades K–12. This represents roughly 6% of school-age children. The rate of homeschooling has been growing on average 5% per annum over the past few years.

When was homeschooling most popular?
As we have seen, homeschooling has been consistently growing in popularity. However, the biggest jump in homeschooling numbers was in the year 2020. This is presumably predominantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which time many parents took on the role of teacher to their children throughout lockdown. While some children had online classes via Zoom, oftentimes the onus fell on parents to help in the education of their children for this period.

Why is homeschooling popular?
There are a number of reasons why parents or guardians prefer to homeschool their children. These include:

• The ability to customize a child’s curriculum and learning environment. Not all children learn in the same way, and many benefit from a more individualized approach to education.
• Higher academic achievement. Many children excel in homeschool environments and achieve higher grades than their public school counterparts.
• Bonding. Some parents prefer to educate their children themselves, as a way to increase connection and closeness.
• Protection. Some parents fear neglect, racism, or general danger in schools, and choose to homeschool their children as a way to keep them safe.
• Teaching a unique set of values or beliefs. Some parents have strong beliefs that they would like to pass on to their children, which they may feel are not passed on adequately in public schools.

While the majority of children still attend the public school system, the growing popularity of homeschooling is proof that many parents are becoming more aware of its positive effects. It’s clear to see why many parents are choosing to homeschool their children. Each child is different, and it’s important to recognize this when deciding on the best way to teach them. Homeschooling allows for a certain level of flexibility when it comes to education, which is so important for young minds.

Online classes can be a great asset for teaching children as part of their homeschool education. Teachers1on1 can help you to access online teachers and tutors for your child at a rate that works for your budget. Our online database of highly qualified teachers can enable you to find the perfect tutor for your child online, in a range of subjects.

 

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