Homeschooling is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional public or private schooling. It’s estimated that between 1998 and 2012, the number of homeschooled students increased by some 75%. Parents are now turning to homeschooling as an option for their children’s education.
But does homeschooling actually result in more successful children? Let’s take a look at the evidence and find out.
School Success: Studies
It’s difficult to determine the overall success of homeschooled kids due to the diversity of what constitutes successful outcomes. What one individual deems a success may not be seen as such to another person.
That said, there have been several studies that have examined the academic achievement of homeschooled students, and they suggest that they do in fact have attribute strong academic success to homeschooling. A 2004 study published in the Journal of Education Research found that homeschoolers typically scored higher than their public school counterparts on academic achievement tests. Similarly, an analysis of the National Home Education Research Institute’s Standardized Achievement Test data established that homeschoolers scored better across reading and math than the national average for public school students.
The success of homeschooled kids doesn’t stop at academics, however. Homeschoolers reported higher maturity levels, self-confidence and social awareness than those in conventional schools. Another study conducted in 2018 focused on the long-term educational success of homeschooled students and found that homeschoolers who went to college or university had better grades than those who didn’t.
Home Teaching
One of the reasons homeschooled children are thought to be more successful is due to the extra focus and personalised attention they receive. Homeschoolers work one-on-one with their parent or tutor and go at their own pace. This means they can spend more time on topics they find challenging and can go over material in great detail.
Additionally, when learning at home, students have to take responsibility for their own learning. This can encourage a sense of self-reliance and motivate them to succeed.
They are also more likely to complete all of their work and be less likely to procrastinate. Furthermore, homeschoolers often have less distractions and fewer external pressures than their peers in public or private school.
This can make it easier for them to stay focused and motivated.
Alternatives
Homeschooling isn’t the only alternative to traditional schooling. Parents can consider a hybrid approach in which their children learn partially at home and partially in a school setting.
There are also virtual schools where students can log in and receive instruction from home. Online courses also enable students to customise their learning and go at their own pace. Pre-recorded lectures, interactive tutorials and live streaming classes can create a self-paced learning environment that can be helpful in supplementing the knowledge and skills of students.
Parents can additionally opt for the ‘unschooling’ approach, which supports children to self-direct their learning. This could include visiting museums, libraries and even travel.
Conclusion
Homeschooling is an attractive, if viable, option for many families. The advantages of homeschooling are clear: personalised attention, motivation to learn and an overall better learning experience. Although studies have found that homeschooled children tend to be more successful, it is important to consider all factors and assess the individual needs of the child before making a decision on their education.
Taking in different aspects of the decision, such as the availability of a good curriculum, the kind of instruction at home and the child’s overall preferences, can help parents make an informed decision that’s best for their child’s educational success.
Are Homeschooled Children More Successful?