Home-schooling is becoming more and more popular as parents increasingly wish to take an active role in their children’s education and be more involved in the teaching process. Home-schooling enables parents to shape their children’s education according to their personal and religious values, while offering their children the opportunity to thrive and develop outside of a traditional school setting.
This article seeks to answer the question of what percentage of children are homeschooled worldwide, in addition to exploring the various factors that influence the growing or diminishing popularity of home-schooling across countries and regions.
1. Global Perspective on Homeschooling
According to the latest United Nations report, approximately 58 million students are currently being homeschooled around the world, which is roughly 3 percent of the total global student population. However, the true scope of homeschooling is difficult to quantify as there are a few countries that do not officially recognize or record home-schooled students, as well as home-schooler families that don’t report their student population numbers.
Based upon estimates, the total percentage of students who are currently being homeschooled worldwide is likely closer to 7 percent.
2. Regional Variation in Homeschooling
To gain a clearer picture of homeschooling around the world, it’s best to look more closely at regional trends and patterns. For example, in the United States, homeschooling is more popular than in any other region, with an estimated 3 million students being homeschooled. This statistic is equal to about
4 percent of the total student population in the US. On the other hand, in Europe, the percentage of students who are homeschooled is much lower, with an estimated 1 percent of students being homeschooled.
3. Influence of Religion on Homeschooling
Religion is also a factor to consider when looking at homeschooling. According to a survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, about 64 percent of the homeschooling families in the US use religious or faith-based materials for their children’s education.
The countries where homeschooling is most common, such as the US and Germany, are also countries known for their religious population.
4. Reason for Choosing to Homeschool
According to data collected by the National Center for Education Statistics, the most common reasons why parents choose to homeschool their children include a desire to provide an education that is tailored to their children’s learning styles and interests, to provide moral or religious instruction, or in an effort to provide an overall higher quality of education.
5. Disadvantages of Homeschooling
While there are numerous advantages to homeschooling, there are also some disadvantages that should be considered. These include the potential for isolation, the lack of professional teachers, and the potential difficulty in finding information and resources that meet the student’s educational needs. In addition, homeschooled students may miss out on beneficial experiences such as participating in extracurricular activities, learning how to work in teams while engaging with other students, and having access to specialized instructional content and materials.
6. Alternative Approach to Homeschooling
An alternative approach to homeschooling is known as “blended learning”, in which students attend classes on campus but also receive instruction in part or wholly online. In a blended learning environment, homeschooled students can benefit from the resources and expertise of professional teachers, while also having the freedom to work at their own pace, learn from an array of sources, and engage with other homeschooled students.
7. Homeschooling Resources Available
Many homeschooling families find it helpful to join networks and communities, as well as purchase and borrow materials and resources from local libraries and bookstores. The increasing availability of online resources and instructional materials, such as those offered by Khan Academy, also makes it easier for homeschooled students the opportunity to delve into subjects more deeply, and to remain up to date with current educational trends.
8. Homeschooled Students and College Entrance
A common concern among homeschooling families is whether or not their children will be able to get accepted into college. Fortunately, most colleges and universities are open to accepting applications from homeschooled students and typically don’t view homeschooled applicants differently than those from a more traditional school setting.
9. Homeschooling Socialization Issues
A primary concern among many parents is whether or not their children will receive the necessary socialization when being homeschooled. To address this issue, homeschooled families often take part in activities and social events organized by churches, homeschool groups, and other organizations.
These events can provide homeschooled students the opportunity to meet and interact with other kids their age and gain meaningful socialization experiences.
10. Educational Standardization of Homeschooled Students
An issue of concern when it comes to homeschooling is the potential for an inconsistent and varied education curriculum among students. Standards for what is taught and the methods of instruction vary based on the family, which can make it difficult for homeschoolers to achieve the same level of educational success as those from a more traditional school setting. Fortunately, many states have enacted mandatory standards in order to increase the educational standardization among homeschooled students.
11. Cultural Perspectives on Homeschooling
The views on home-schooling vary from culture to culture, for example in Asian countries such as Japan, where it is seen as an extreme form of parenting since most children attend public school. In contrast, in the US, homeschooling is viewed as a viable and respected alternative to public schooling, and is even seen as a better option by many parents.
12. Changes in Homeschooling over the Years
Homeschooling has seen numerous changes since beginning in the US in the early 1800s. In the past, homeschooling was usually the domain of religious families, while today, its popularity has been steadily increasing due to a variety of factors including a desire to provide a quality, secular education, and the rising cost of sending children to private school.
13. Factors Affecting Growth of Homeschooling
Homeschooling is likely to continue to rise in popularity, as parents are becoming increasingly aware of its benefits. Other factors that may contribute to a continued growth in homeschooling include the growth of curriculums and resources available to homeschooling families, as well as the increasing availability of blended education models that incorporate both traditional and homeschooling components.
Conclusion Homeschooling is becoming an increasingly popular option for parents desiring to be more involved in their children’s education, while also providing an education that is tailored to their specific values and needs. According to estimates, 7 percent of students are currently homeschooled worldwide, with the US leading the way at
4 percent. Although there are some potential drawbacks, when done right, homeschooling can provide children with both an enriching educational and social experience. As more resources become available, and with increasing awareness of the benefits of homeschooling, it is likely that the number of homeschooled students will continue to rise in the years to come.