Homeschooling has become a popular education option in recent years with nearly 3% of the U. S.
school-aged population being homeschooled as of 2019 (according to the National Home Education Research Institute). This rising trend has caused some to wonder if homeschooled kids become successful, especially considering the lack of socialization compared to traditional schooling. This article will explore the long-term effects of homeschooling on success in terms of academic performance, socialization and career success.
Homeschooling and Academic Performance
Research has generally found that homeschooled students outperform their public school counterparts in terms of academic performance. According to a 2010 study in the Journal of School Choice, homeschooled students scored between 17 and 25 percentile points higher than their public school counterparts on standardized tests.
Furthermore, a 2012 study in Education Journal found that homeschoolers scored an average of 63 points higher on the SAT than public school students did. While research on homeschooled students’ academic performance shows a clear advantage, it is important to note that these results may be based on self-selection bias. That is, it may be that the types of families who choose to homeschool their children are more likely to be involved with their children’s education, which could result in higher test scores.
When controlling for self-selection bias, the advantage for homeschooled students becomes less distinct. Despite the potential for self-selection bias, research indicates that homeschooled students generally maintain an academic advantage throughout their educational journey.
A recent article in the Harvard Educational Review found that homeschooled students have higher graduation rates from high school and college compared to their public school counterparts. Furthermore, the same study found that homeschooled students are more likely to complete more advanced college degrees such as master’s and doctoral degrees.
Homeschooling and Socialization
Many people worry that homeschooled students lack socialization opportunities compared to their public school counterparts. While homeschooled students do not attend traditional schools, they typically interact with peers through activities such as homeschool co-ops, clubs, and church or synagogue programs. Furthermore, homeschooled students may talk to and interact with their parents more often, improving their communication and social skills compared to their public school counterparts.
Research suggests that homeschooled students generally have more positive social experiences than public school students. A 2010 study in Home School Researcher found that homeschooled students were more socially competent and had better family relationships than public school students.
Furthermore, a 2009 study in Home School Researcher found that homeschooled students were perceived as more socially adept than public school students. In addition to feeling more socially competent, homeschooled students may also be more likely to participate in a variety of activities and interests.
According to a 2006 study in the Journal of College Admissions, homeschooled students are more likely to participate in activities outside of school, such as volunteering and religious services, compared to their public school counterparts. Also, a 2011 study in the Journal of Education found that homeschooled students had more opportunity to explore interests beyond their academic subjects due to the flexibility of their schedules.
Homeschooling and Career Success
The discussion surrounding the efficacy of homeschooling often focuses on academic performance and socialization, but its effects on long-term career success are often overlooked. Research suggests that homeschooled students are more likely to be successful in their chosen career pathways.
According to a 2005 study in Home School Researcher, homeschooled students were more likely to be employed in highly skilled, prestigious occupations than their public school counterparts. In addition to having more access to skilled, high-paying jobs, homeschooled students may also start their own businesses more frequently than their public school counterparts. A 2008 study in the Journal of Education found that homeschooled students were twice as likely to start their own businesses than their public school counterparts.
Furthermore, the same study found that homeschooled students were more likely to receive awards and recognition for their performance in their jobs than public school students. Finally, homeschooled students may be more likely to pursue postgraduate studies. A 2004 study in the Home School Researcher found that homeschooled students were twice as likely to pursue postgraduate studies than their public school counterparts.
Furthermore, the same study found that homeschooled students were significantly more likely to pursue degrees in science and technology, fields with high-paying jobs.
Conclusion
The research suggests that homeschooled students generally perform better academically, are more socially adept, and are more successful in their chosen career pathways than their public school counterparts. While it is important to acknowledge that there may be some self-selection bias among homeschooled students, the data still indicates that homeschooling can be an effective approach to educating children.
Therefore, those considering homeschooling their children can feel confident that they are making an educational decision that could benefit their child’s success in the long run.