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We’ve been happily homeschooling Aiden for several years now. It was an easy decision for us–a decision that I’ve begun to see more and more families make.
I was curious about the rise in popularity of homeschooling, so I did some research and found 10 benefits of homeschooling.
It turns out, according to The National Center for Education Statistics, homeschooling has grown from 2.8 percent of students in 2019 to 5.4 percent in 2021.
The Census Bureau reported that during that same period, the number of households homeschooling doubled to 11.1 percent. That’s a huge increase.
I knew when Aiden was still a toddler that homeschooling would be the best option for our family.
It hasn’t come without challenges, but I’ve been more than happy with our decision to homeschool since the moment we made it.
The benefits far outweigh the challenges. And since there aren’t many tax benefits of homeschooling, the value of these benefits can’t be measured in dollars. They’re valuable in a different way.
I know that every homeschooling family is different. I wanted to share the benefits of homeschooling that I have personally experienced, in hopes that they will inspire or encourage you to see homeschooling in a different light.
10 Benefits of Homeschooling
Greater Flexibility and More Control Over What is Taught When and How
Arguably the most favored aspect of homeschooling is having greater flexibility and control. When you homeschool your child, you create the schedule.
This has been one of the most significant advantages of homeschooling for our family. We love to travel and homeschooling allows us to travel whenever we want, rather than having to wait on a break in the school schedule. I can teach Aiden anytime, anywhere.
Even if your family isn’t big on traveling, homeschooling gives you optimal flexibility with your schedule. You can schedule field trips and doctor appointments whenever is most convenient for you.
Encourages Social and Emotional Development
Contrary to popular belief, homeschooled children aren’t more likely to become isolated. There are many social benefits of homeschooling.
According to the National Home Education Research Institute, homeschoolers achieve greater social, emotional, and psychological development than public school students of the same age.
The comparison is made by measuring peer interaction, family cohesion, leadership skills, and participation in community service.
One possible explanation is that homeschoolers are more likely to participate in social and educational activities outside of the home.
Because of their flexible school schedule, they have more time to get involved with things like volunteer work and sports.
In terms of emotional development, homeschoolers routinely score higher on the Self-Esteem Index and report lower instances of anxiety. They also have stronger and healthier relationships.
Homeschooling is a proven way to support the development of emotionally intelligent children.
Provides a Safe Learning Environment
Safety is probably a top priority as you consider homeschool pros and cons. Never has there been so much concern about the safety of our children in schools.
Many parents choose to homeschool so that they don’t have to worry about the safety of their children while they’re at school.
Homeschooled students typically feel much safer and more comfortable in their homes, compared to at school. If safety is a concern for you or your children, homeschooling is often a better option.
Higher Academic Achievement
Parents often cite dissatisfaction with the academic instruction at other schools as their main reason for homeschooling.
When they make the switch to learning at home, they’re comforted by the fact that home school students have higher rates of academic achievement, in addition to higher career achievement post-graduation.
Here are a few stats I’ve found:
- The rate of students who finish a four-year college degree is 10% higher for homeschooled students than for public school students.
- Homeschooled students usually score 15 to 30 percent higher on standardized tests than public school students.
- Another study found that homeschooled students who follow an organized, at-home lesson plan score higher on standardized tests than their public school peers.
- According to a 2015 study, African-American homeschool students score 23 to 42 percent higher than African-American public school students.
- Another study found that achievement test scores of homeschooled K-12 students were “exceptionally high.” The average scores were in the 70th to 80th percentile.
- Approximately 25 percent of homeschooled students are enrolled at least one grade above peers of the same age in public and private schools.
- More and more homeschooled students are being accepted to prestigious universities.
Stronger Familial Relationships
Homeschool parents have the valuable opportunity to spend more time with their children. Even if you already spend a lot of time together, when you teach your child at home, you develop a stronger bond in a brand new way.
You’re bound to face some challenges along the way. That’s normal for any family who spends a lot of time together. But homeschooling will bring you closer like you never thought possible.
Optimal Student-teacher Ratio
For many parents, the student-teacher ratio is the biggest benefit of homeschooling. A homeschool curriculum allows for your child to get complete, undivided attention.
One-on-one teaching provides students with attention that simply isn’t possible in a traditional classroom.
Less Wasted Time
Have you ever considered how inefficient the traditional method of schooling is? Think about how much time is spent getting to and from school, in addition to preparing for the school day before you even walk out the door.
What if you could put that time toward actual learning? Overall, the daily routine for a homeschooled student is significantly more efficient.
Meets the Diverse, Sometimes Unique Needs of Children
One of the most significant health benefits of homeschooling is the ability to focus on your child’s unique needs.
When children are grouped together in a traditional school environment, it’s practically impossible to utilize a unique learning style for each child.
In reality, every child learns differently. Homeschooling allows parents to use a teaching method that is best suited to their child.
Lack of Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is a major concern among parents. Children are especially susceptible to peer pressure. Studies show that peer pressure is the main reason that children pick up bad habits.
Additionally, students who are bullied are significantly more likely to miss, skip, or drop out of school.
Homeschooling gives you more control over who your child interacts with.
Promotes Independence and Self-discipline
Homeschooling children encourages the development of valuable life skills. Children who learn at home typically develop important skills like
Additionally, children who are homeschooled tend to be more independent, with greater self-discipline and better time management skills. These life skills allow homeschoolers to be better prepared for college.
Learning more about the benefits of homeschooling makes it easier to decide if it’s right for you.
My main goal in writing posts like these is to provide valuable information for my readers. As homeschooling parents, we’ve witnessed the many benefits of homeschooling your child.
But I know it’s not right for everyone. There’s no shame in sending your children to traditional schools if that’s the route you decide to take.
If you want to read more about home education, head over to the blog.
