Homeschool on the Rise in America
Homeschooling is growing rapidly across the U.S., with more than 3 million students now learning at home.
Over the past decade, homeschooling has shifted from being a fringe choice to a mainstream option embraced by millions of families across the United States. What used to raise eyebrows is now part of everyday conversations at playgrounds, church groups, and neighborhood coffee shops. The numbers tell the story: in the 2022–23 school year, about 3.4% of U.S. K–12 students were homeschooled, according to Pew Research. That’s up from 2.8% before the pandemic. The National Home Education Research Institute estimates that more than 3 million students are currently learning at home.
So what’s behind this surge?
Part of it stems from concerns about the traditional school environment. Parents cite everything from bullying and safety issues to overcrowded classrooms and teaching methods that don’t meet their children’s needs. Others feel a deep desire for education that reflects their family’s values or faith. Still others are drawn by the flexibility: homeschooling allows kids to move at their own pace, dive deep into interests, and adapt schedules around family life. And for families with children who have special needs, homeschooling often provides the individualized attention that can be difficult to find in large public school systems.
This shift isn’t happening in isolation. Public schools across the country are facing challenges of their own. Enrollment has declined in many districts, and new alternatives like microschools and hybrid models are springing up. These smaller, more flexible learning environments often blend the best of both worlds—offering children in-person interaction with peers while still keeping the family at the center of education. In many ways, homeschooling is no longer just about pulling children out of school; it’s part of a bigger reimagining of how education can work.
If you’re a parent curious about this path, the idea of homeschooling can feel overwhelming at first. You might wonder: Where do I even start? What if I’m not a teacher? What if I mess up? The truth is, you don’t need a degree in education to guide your child. You need love, patience, and a willingness to learn alongside them. Homeschooling isn’t about recreating a classroom in your living room. It’s about building an environment where your child can thrive, whether that means working through math at the kitchen table, reading novels on the porch, or exploring science through a trip to the local park.
Every journey begins with one step. Some parents ease in gradually, maybe starting with just one subject or supplementing with online classes. Others jump right in, setting up a full routine. There’s no single right way to homeschool—only the way that works for your family. What matters most is clarity on why you’re doing it. When your “why” is strong, it becomes easier to navigate the inevitable bumps in the road.
Homeschooling also doesn’t mean going it alone. Across the country, families are finding community through co-ops, support groups, extracurricular programs, and even online networks. These connections not only give children social opportunities but also provide parents with encouragement and resources. And thanks to the explosion of online tools, curricula, and free platforms like Khan Academy, homeschooling has never been more accessible—no matter your budget.
For parents of younger children, homeschooling often looks like play, story time, nature walks, and lots of questions. For families with older kids, it can mean diving into online courses, dual-enrollment college classes, or apprenticeships. No matter the age, the flexibility to design an education that fits your child is one of homeschooling’s greatest strengths.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that homeschooling isn’t about perfection. There will be messy days. There will be moments when you doubt yourself. But there will also be breakthroughs—when your child grasps a concept they once struggled with, or when you see them light up with excitement over something they’ve discovered. Those are the moments that make the journey worthwhile.
Homeschooling in America is on the rise not because parents are running away from something, but because many are running toward something: a vision of education that’s more personal, more flexible, and more hopeful. If you’re considering it, know that you’re not alone. Thousands of families are taking the leap every year, each one figuring it out step by step. And with so many resources available today, there’s never been a better time to begin.
