Trending: Transitioning from Public School to Homeschool
Homeschooling has experienced an unprecedented surge, initially driven by the pandemic-induced shift to the remote learning model. However, five years later, we are in a post-pandemic education system in which more and more families are choosing to homeschool.
In 2019, approximately 2.5 million students were homeschooled in the United States. However, this number has risen significantly, and as of 2025, almost 4 million students are homeschooled nationwide. This surge in homeschooling is not just a temporary effect of the pandemic; it’s a long-term trend driven by parents’ and students’ personal preferences, empowering them to take control of their children’s education.
Why?
Some argue that the public education system is failing. However, many parents are drawn to homeschooling because it offers them more control over their family’s schedule and allows them to tailor the curricula to their children’s needs, all from the comfort of their home.
The Daily Schedule
Many parents feel the curriculum often taught in public schools is outdated and fails to address the skills and knowledge necessary for success in modern society. By homeschooling, parents can tailor their children’s education to include essential subjects, such as artificial intelligence, travel, art, and other areas often overlooked in public schools. This flexibility reassures parents and allows them to be at ease, knowing that their children are receiving a well-rounded education.
Additionally, several families feel that requiring children to wake up at 6 a.m. to attend school can negatively impact their growth and health. Homeschooling allows children to get the rest they need to thrive, develop, and create a daily schedule that works for them.
Data Talks
These motivations are underscored by alarming data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, a widely respected assessment that measures U.S. students’ academic performance. This data reveals that two-thirds of U.S. children struggle to read proficiently, with an astounding 40 percent functioning as nonreaders.
In short, we have a reading crisis and a growing mental health crisis. Additionally, less than half of public school kids are proficient in math. Long story short, kids are not okay. Looking beyond face value, many public school children are falling through the cracks in America while homeschooled kids are soaring academically and socially.
Social Skills
Parents concerned about their children’s lack of socialization should know that the growing homeschooling community can offer ample opportunities for socialization through co-op classes, community events, and extracurricular activities. Opportunities such as these reassure parents that their children are not missing out on social experiences–they are simply developing strong social skills and meaningful relationships in different settings.
One common misconception is that homeschooling materials are predominantly Christian-based. However, many secular curriculum options are available for those seeking alternatives. Edtech platforms like Thinkwell support homeschooling families with curriculum, teaching, and flexible scheduling. These platforms allow students to be the architects of their futures, carving out paths illuminated by their passions, curiosity, and joyful pursuit of knowledge.
Educators Agree
Due to dissatisfaction with the traditional school model, parents choose alternative education options such as homeschooling, charter schools, or online learning platforms to meet their children’s specific needs and preferences. Surprisingly, many public school educators share this dissatisfaction and are leaving the traditional classroom and creating their own schools or community co-ops. This is a growing trend and, in many ways, offers students and former public educators the best of both worlds.
Homeschooling is Here to Stay
Homeschooling is gaining momentum, period. Education is evolving, and the demand for alternative learning models is very present. This is a shift toward educational diversity, a concept that promotes the idea that families should have the freedom to choose the academic path that best aligns with their values, goals, and aspirations. The general motto is, “They’re our kids,” at the helm.
We are past the point of no return, and that’s okay. It’s time for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to acknowledge and accommodate families’ diverse needs to foster an inclusive educational ecosystem that supports homeschooling alongside traditional schooling options. By doing so, they can create a more dynamic and student-centered approach to learning, and who doesn’t want that?
Written By: Meredith Biesinger
Professional Writer/ Education Specialist
Meredith Biesinger is a licensed dyslexia therapist in Mississippi, in addition to being an experienced classroom teacher and K-12 administrator. Meredith also works as a consultant, where she bridges the bridge the gap between K-12 school districts and ed-tech organizations. With a passion for literacy, she is also a professional writer and syndicated author. With a M.Ed in Educational Leadership and a B.S. in English Education and Creative Writing, she has had rich and diverse opportunities to teach students and education professionals in different parts of the country as well as overseas.
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