Introduction
Homeschooling has come a long way since it was introduced in the late 1970s. In the early 2000s, homeschooling had become widely accepted across the United States as well as other parts of the world.
As a result, more parents are opting to keep their children away from traditional school, and homeschooling programs and curriculum have become increasingly available. But which country has the most homeschoolers?This article will attempt to answer this question by exploring the statistics and studies on homeschooling around the world.
It will look at the various countries that have the most homeschoolers, as well as the various factors that have resulted in the growth of homeschooling numbers.
1. The United States: Most Homeschoolers of Any Country
The United States is undoubtedly the world leader in homeschooling numbers. According to a national study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics in 2016, an estimated 3% of all children between the ages of 5 and 17 in the US are being homeschooled. This equates to roughly
7 million children who are being homeschooled in the US. The reasons for this growth in homeschooling across the US are varied.
Factors such as parental preference for teaching curriculum, dissatisfaction with public education, religious beliefs, and access to a variety of homeschooling resources are all contributors. Additionally, a certain level of privacy and freedom from government oversight in homeschooling has also made it attractive for many families and communities.
2. Canada: Growing Homeschooling Numbers
Canada is the second most populous country in terms of homeschooling numbers. According to Statistics Canada, a total of 2% of Canadian children between the ages of 5 and 17 are being homeschooled.
This accounts for roughly 126,000 students across the country. The primary reason for the growth in homeschooling numbers in Canada is due to the country’s large immigrant population. Canadians from all walks of life have access to various homeschooling resources, such as special curriculum and teaching materials.
Additionally, Canada’s customizable homeschooling laws have provided more freedom and autonomy for parents who wish to exercise their right to homeschool.
3. United Kingdom: Rapid Increase in Homeschoolers
The United Kingdom is seeing a steep rise in homeschooling numbers in recent years. According to a study conducted by the National Foundation for Educational Research in the United Kingdom, there are now an estimated 55,000 homeschoolers in the UK.
This equates to 1% of the total school-aged population in the United Kingdom. Although the UK does not have a comprehensive homeschooling law in place, the increased availability of resources for homeschoolers has enabled parents to pursue homeschooling a lot easier. Furthermore, the UK’s tolerant attitude towards homeschooling has allowed more freedom for parents to choose the type of education they want for their children.
4. Australia: Lowest Rate Amongst Other Nations
Australia is the least populated country in terms of homeschoolers relative to its population. A 2018 report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics puts the percentage of homeschoolers in Australia at only 0.
2%. This means that less than 4,000 children in Australia are being homeschooled. The reasons for the low number of homeschoolers in Australia can be attributed to the country’s strict homeschooling laws.
Australian homeschoolers are required to be registered with one of the four homeschooling providers in the country. Furthermore, there is a lot of paperwork involved and homeschoolers must adhere to a rigid curriculum in order to be accepted.
5. France: Long History of Homeschool Restrictions
France has a long history of restricting homeschooling. This is largely due to the country’s strict laws which not only bar families from homeschooling but also criminalize it. As a result, homeschoolers in France are often persecuted and fined if they do not adhere to the country’s laws.
Despite this, there is still a growing number of homeschoolers in France. According to a 2013 study by the National Institute for Educational Research, an estimated 12,000 students are being homeschooled in France.
This represents only 0. 2% of the total school-aged population in France.
6. Germany: Moderate Growth in Homeschooling Numbers
Germany is another country that is seeing a moderate growth in homeschooling numbers. According to a 2019 report by the German Ministry of Education, there are now an estimated 21,200 homeschoolers in Germany.
This accounts for only 0. 4% of the total school-aged population in Germany. Unlike other countries, homeschooling in Germany is considered an alternative rather than an outright prohibition.
As a result, homeschoolers in Germany are able to access public funds for their education as well as various other resources provided by the government.
7. India: Only 0.02% of Students are Homeschooled
India has the lowest percentage of homeschoolers in the world. This is largely due to the country’s strict laws and regulations which bar parents from homeschooling their children.
As a result, homeschoolers in India are often prosecuted and fined if they do not adhere to the country’s laws. Despite this, there is still a small number of homeschoolers in India. According to a 2018 study conducted by the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration, an estimated 10,000 students are homeschooled in India.
This equates to only 0. 02% of the total school-aged population in India.
8. Japan: Homeschooling is Starting to be Recognized
Japan is another country where homeschooling is starting to be accepted. Although the country does not have any homeschooling laws, the Japanese government does provide resources, such as textbooks and support materials, to families who opt to homeschool.
According to a 2019 report by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, there are now an estimated 15,000 homeschoolers in the country. This equates to around 0. 3% of the total school-aged population in Japan.
9. Mexico: Low Homeschool Population
Mexico is another country with very low homeschooling numbers. According to a 2016 study conducted by the Instituto Nacional de Educación para los Mexicanos and the Asociación de Padres de Escolares Independientes de México, there are now only 2,000 homeschoolers in Mexico.
This equates to only 0. 04% of the total school-aged population in Mexico. The main reason for the low numbers of homeschoolers in Mexico is due to the country’s strict homeschooling laws.
Parents are required to have their children attend traditional school, and only upon the authorisation of the government can parents homeschool their children.
Conclusion
Homeschooling has grown rapidly in recent years, as more parents opt to take their children’s education into their own hands. From the data presented, it is clear that the US has the most homeschoolers of any country in the world, with an estimated
7 million children being homeschooled. This is followed by Canada, the UK, Australia, France, Germany, India, and Japan. Mexico has the lowest number of homeschoolers, with only 2,000 children being homeschooled.
Despite the differences in numbers, it is important to take into consideration the various factors that contribute to the growth of homeschooling in each country. These factors range from parental preference to government legislation and resources. What is certain is that homeschooling is seeing significant growth in many parts of the world, and this trend is likely to continue for years to come.