The number of parents choosing to home school their children has grown tremendously over the past few decades, causing some to question whether or not homeschooled students are successful. This article seeks to answer that question in greater detail by looking at different examples, studies, and results regarding homeschooled students in order to help anyone considering this educational path know what to expect.
Homeschooled Student Statistics
The U. S Department of Education conducted a study in 2016 that sought to identify and compare the academic achievement of homeschooled students to their traditionally schooled peers.
The results indicated that 81% of homeschooled students scored in the top quartile categories of the standardized tests that were administered, compared to only 50% of other students who are from public and private schools. Furthermore, homeschooled students attained an average score of 85% on the standardized tests versus the government school average of only 72%. Another study was conducted by Dr.
Brian Ray, who looked at the college performances of homeschooled students. His study found that homeschooled students were significantly more likely than their public school peers to earn a college degree.
Specifically, 30% of homeschooled students had earned a college degree by their mid-20s, while only 6% of those who attended public schools achieved the same result. Lastly, a 2003 study by Dr. Patricia Lines found that homeschooled students were more likely to score higher than their public school peers on the reading, language arts, and math portions of standardized tests.
Dr. Lines’ research also revealed that homeschooled students displayed higher levels of self-esteem, better attitudes toward learning, more enthusiastic engagement in learning activities, and higher overall academic performance.
Initiation Factors
Several factors are likely to attribute to the higher academic successes that homeschooled students attain. First, homeschooling provides a more diverse option for those who have specific learning needs or interests. This means that the family can focus on the educational needs of their children and create a curriculum that meets their individual needs and goals.
Homeschooling also provides the opportunity for students to work self-directed and at their own pace as they complete their academic assignments, helping cultivate positive study habits and self-discipline. Additionally, homeschooled students may have access to more hours each week of academic learning and more resources than is typically available in traditional schools.
For example, parents may be able to supplement their children’s learning with early morning if required and have access to library books and courses, which may not be as easily accessible in public schools. This allows the homeschooled student to explore and access materials that could heighten their learning experiences, such as additional books or other resources. Increased one-on-one instructional time with their parents or instructors is also a major factor that contributes to homeschooled students’ academic success.
Generally, the teacher-to-student ratio in a traditional school setting is 1:25 or higher, while in a homeschool education, it is usually 1:1 or just a few students per classroom. This leads to increased attention and opportunities for homeschooled children to ask questions, practice their academic skills, and receive feedback or individualized instruction from their parents or teacher.
Socialization
One of the primary concerns for the parents of homeschooled students is whether or not their child will lose out on important socialization opportunities. Research has debunked this fear, as many studies indicate that homeschooled students may actually be better socially equipped than their public school peers. One such example is a study conducted by Dr.
Lawrence Blum, which looked at the social skills of both homeschooled and traditionally schooled children. His research revealed that homeschooled students had better social skills and higher self-esteem than their traditionally schooled peers.
He also found that they were more risk-tolerant, responsible and independent. Another aspect to consider here is that homeschooled students still have the opportunity to interact with children of their own age or other adults.
For instance, homeschooled students may choose to participate in online courses, clubs, or homebased clubs, which can all help foster socialization and learning opportunities. They may also attend homeschool fairs, volunteer and community service organizations, or team sports. Additionally, homeschooled children may have wider networks of social connections than their peers, as those who are homeschooled still have the opportunity to interact with members from other families.
Homeschooling provides an opportunity for children to learn from many sources, including their families, and to form relationships with their parents and siblings. This can lead to increased communication, understanding, and respect for each other, thus aiding the development of social skills.
Conclusion
To conclude, there is no definitive answer as to whether homeschooled students are more or less successful than those who are traditionally schooled. However, various studies have shown that homeschooled students are often academically successful, and may even possess better social skills than their public school peers. While there are certain advantages to homeschooling, it ultimately comes down to the parents to decide which educational path is right for their children.
With the right approach and resources, homeschooled children can attain a high level of achievement and live up to their full potential.