Undebatable List of 15 Reasons

Why You Should Homeschool

1. Academic Performance

Homeschooled students tend to score higher on standardized tests compared to public school students. According to the National Home Education Research Institute, homeschooled students score 15-30 percentile points above public school students on standardized academic achievement tests.

The average homeschooler scores at the 85th percentile compared to the public school average of the 50th percentile.

2. Customized Learning

Homeschooled students benefit from tailored learning environments, allowing individualized pacing. This personalization often leads to deeper comprehension and skill mastery.

A Survey by EdChoice in 2020 found that 80% of homeschooling parents say they chose this option to provide their children with a customized learning experience.

Homeschoolers can spend more time on subjects they enjoy or need improvement on, leading to a more fulfilling education.

3. Parent/Child Bonding

Homeschooling enhances family relationships as children spend more time with their parents. HSLDA found 82% of homeschool parents reported stronger relationships with their children. Strong family bonds and a strong sense of family are so important in this day and age.

4. Encouragement of Self-Directed Learning

Homeschooling fosters an environment where children are encouraged to take initiative in their learning, promoting self-discipline and time management skills. As they grow, many homeschoolers become more independent learners, a trait highly valued in both higher education and the workforce.

This can lead to greater intrinsic motivation and a lifelong love of learning.

5. Cultural and Religious Freedom

Homeschooling allows families to incorporate their cultural values, religious beliefs, and worldviews directly into their child's education. This can be especially important for families who feel that traditional schooling does not reflect or respect their beliefs.

Families can celebrate religious holidays and cultural practices without needing to request time off or conform to a rigid school schedule.

6. Development of Entrepreneurial Skills

Many homeschooling families encourage their children to explore entrepreneurial projects as part of their education. Whether it's starting a small business, participating in internships, or managing personal projects, these activities can foster an entrepreneurial mindset that prepares them for future career paths.

7. College Success

Homeschoolers often perform well in higher education. A study by the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) revealed that 74% of homeschool graduates successfully completed a four-year degree, compared to 44% of their public school peers.

8. Higher Graduation Rates

Homeschool graduates tend to pursue higher education at a higher rate. NHERI found 67% of homeschool graduates go on to college, compared to the national average of 59%.

In college, homeschoolers have higher GPAs and graduation rates.

9. Increased Flexibility in Daily Scheduling

Homeschooling allows families to set their own schedules, which can be especially useful for traveling, participating in special events, or accommodating family needs. This flexibility enables students to learn during the times of day when they are most focused and productive.

Vacations and Field Trips Anytime: Families can plan vacations during off-peak times, avoiding crowds and potentially saving money. Educational field trips can happen without the constraints of a traditional school calendar.

10. Tailored Pace for Special Needs or Gifted Learners

Homeschooling offers a customizable learning environment that can be highly beneficial for children with special needs, gifted learners, or those with learning disabilities. Individualized attention allows students to progress at their own pace, which can lead to better outcomes compared to a one-size-fits-all curriculum.

Parents can adopt teaching methods or tools that specifically address their child’s unique learning style, ensuring the child isn’t left behind or bored.

12. Social Development

While there are misconceptions that homeschoolers may lack social skills, studies show they often engage in more varied social environments. NHERI reports 87% of studies show that homeschooled students demonstrate positive social, emotional, and psychological development.

Homeschoolers are often involved in community activities, clubs, and group sports, providing rich social interactions.

13. Reduced Negative Influences

Homeschooling can shield children from negative peer pressure, bullying, and harmful environments, contributing to improved mental well-being.

In traditional school environments, children often experience peer pressure, bullying, or a strong emphasis on social status and comparison. Homeschooling can reduce these influences, allowing students to develop a stronger sense of self without being pressured to conform to societal expectations.

A study by HSLDA revealed 77% of homeschool parents cite safety and a desire to avoid school violence and bullying as key reasons for homeschooling.

11. Personalized Physical Activity

Homeschooling allows families to customize physical activity programs, whether it’s hiking, swimming, or dance, in ways that suit the child’s preferences. This can encourage a more active and healthy lifestyle, especially if the child is not interested in traditional sports.

14. Opportunities for Experiential Learning

Homeschooling often enables more hands-on and experiential learning, which can deepen understanding and retention of knowledge. Children can learn through real-world experiences, such as visiting museums, volunteering, or engaging in apprenticeships.

There are also many opportunities to incorporate teaching life skills. Homeschooling provides opportunities to integrate practical life skills like cooking, budgeting, home maintenance into daily learning, preparing children for adulthood in ways traditional schools may not.

15. Reduced Financial Costs in Some Cases

While homeschooling may require an investment in educational materials, there are often savings associated with reduced transportation costs, school uniforms, lunch programs, and extracurricular activities that are associated with traditional schooling.

Some homeschooling families can utilize free or low-cost online resources, libraries, and community programs, which can make education more affordable.

I hope if you were searching for validation or just needed that last little nudge to try homeschooling, you found it in this list. Or maybe you have been questioned by friends and family, wondering why the heck you are homeschooling. Share this list! Are there any reasons I forgot? I’d love to hear from you! Email me: sunshineforwildflowers@gmail.com.