GITNUXREPORT 2026

Homeschooling Statistics

Homeschooling grew significantly after the pandemic and families report high satisfaction.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Homeschooled students score 15-30 percentile points above public school peers on standardized tests, per 1999 Rudner study of 20,000 students.

Statistic 2

SAT scores for homeschoolers averaged 1090 in 2022 vs 1060 national, per College Board data.

Statistic 3

Homeschool graduates attend college at 67% rate vs 59% public school, Brian Ray 2017.

Statistic 4

Homeschoolers have 24% higher ACT composite scores (22.1 vs 17.8 public), 2020 data.

Statistic 5

In math, homeschoolers score 34th percentile above public school avg on Iowa Tests.

Statistic 6

Reading scores for homeschoolers are 37 points higher on Stanford Achievement Test.

Statistic 7

78% of homeschool parents report children performing one or more grades above level.

Statistic 8

Homeschool high school GPA averages 3.41 vs 3.0 public, per 2014 study.

Statistic 9

College retention rate for homeschoolers is 87% after 4 years vs 67% traditional.

Statistic 10

Homeschoolers score in top 15% on science achievement tests nationally.

Statistic 11

Spelling proficiency for homeschool 8th graders is 81st percentile vs national avg.

Statistic 12

Social studies scores average 82nd percentile for homeschoolers on standardized tests.

Statistic 13

Homeschool seniors score 1190 on SAT vs 1060, 2023 Brian Ray update.

Statistic 14

In a 2009 study of 11,000 homeschoolers, they outperformed publics by 42 percentile points.

Statistic 15

Homeschoolers accepted to Ivy League at higher rates proportionally, Harvard admissions data.

Statistic 16

Average homeschooler reads 5 books per year more than public school peers.

Statistic 17

Math competition winners: Homeschoolers 2x represented in national MathCounts.

Statistic 18

Homeschool science fair participants win 25% of top national awards.

Statistic 19

Language proficiency tests show homeschoolers 20% ahead in foreign languages.

Statistic 20

98% of homeschool parents find teaching effective for core subjects.

Statistic 21

Homeschool drop-out rate is 5% vs 20% public school national average.

Statistic 22

Homeschoolers score 15-25% higher on AP exams per College Board.

Statistic 23

In core subjects, homeschool 8th graders test at 12th grade level on average.

Statistic 24

73% of homeschoolers score above 50th percentile in all subjects tested.

Statistic 25

In 2022, Black homeschool families increased by 3x since 2019, per Census data.

Statistic 26

Hispanic homeschoolers grew 4x from 2019-2022, representing 15% of homeschool population.

Statistic 27

In 2021, 41% of homeschool families had three or more children, vs 24% public school.

Statistic 28

Low-income families (<$50k) now 20% of homeschoolers, up from 10% pre-2020.

Statistic 29

Rural areas saw homeschool rates double to 12% of students by 2022.

Statistic 30

Single-parent homeschool households rose to 15% in 2023 from 8% in 2016.

Statistic 31

Mothers in 82% of homeschool families are primary educators, per 2022 surveys.

Statistic 32

87% of homeschool parents have some college education, above national average.

Statistic 33

Evangelical Christians comprise 64% of homeschool families per 2019 Cardus study.

Statistic 34

Military families homeschool at 5x the national rate, about 1 million globally.

Statistic 35

Asian American homeschool rates hit 10% in 2022, highest among ethnic groups.

Statistic 36

In 2023, 25% of homeschoolers were from non-religious or atheist families.

Statistic 37

Special needs students make up 15% of homeschool population, per HSLDA 2022 data.

Statistic 38

Families with gifted children homeschool at twice the average rate.

Statistic 39

Urban homeschoolers increased to 30% of total by 2023 from 20% in 2016.

Statistic 40

In 2021, average homeschool family income was $88,000 vs $81,000 national.

Statistic 41

12% of homeschool mothers work full-time, 30% part-time in 2022 surveys.

Statistic 42

Fathers with advanced degrees are 20% of homeschool dads per NHERI.

Statistic 43

LGBTQ+ families homeschool at 8% rate, above average per GLSEN data.

Statistic 44

Immigrant families from Asia homeschool at 15% rate in US, 2023 est.

Statistic 45

Native American homeschool rates reached 9% in 2022 rural data.

Statistic 46

Multi-generational homeschool households up 10% since 2020.

Statistic 47

In the 2021-2022 school year, an estimated 3.1 million students were homeschooled in the United States, representing about 6% of the school-age population, up from 3.7% pre-pandemic.

Statistic 48

Homeschooling families grew by 51% from 2019 to 2022 according to Census Bureau data, with the number of homeschooled students rising from 2.5 million to 3.7 million.

Statistic 49

Between spring 2020 and fall 2021, the homeschooling rate among school-age children increased from 5.4% to 11.1%, per Household Pulse Survey data.

Statistic 50

In 2022-2023, homeschooling accounted for 11% of K-12 students in the US, with over 5 million participants based on state-reported data aggregated by HSLDA.

Statistic 51

The number of homeschoolers in the US tripled from 1.7 million in 1999 to 5.4 million in 2023, per Brian Ray's National Home Education Research Institute estimates.

Statistic 52

From 2016 to 2021, homeschooling enrollment surged by 63% nationally, driven by pandemic responses, according to US Census Bureau analysis.

Statistic 53

In 2023, 9 states reported over 10% of school-age children being homeschooled, with North Carolina leading at 15%.

Statistic 54

Homeschooling growth was highest in urban areas, increasing 80% from 2019-2022 per EdChoice survey data.

Statistic 55

Globally, homeschooling numbers reached 10 million in 2022, with the US comprising 50%, per international education reports.

Statistic 56

State-level data shows homeschool registrations up 300% in Texas since 2019, reaching 450,000 students by 2023.

Statistic 57

Pennsylvania saw a 25% increase in homeschool affidavits from 2021 to 2023, totaling over 150,000 students.

Statistic 58

Florida's homeschool enrollment hit 200,000 in 2023, a 40% rise since 2020 per DOE records.

Statistic 59

Michigan reported 141,000 homeschoolers in 2022, up 20% from pre-pandemic levels.

Statistic 60

Ohio's homeschool population grew to 120,000 by 2023, reflecting a 35% increase since 2019.

Statistic 61

Arizona homeschoolers numbered 85,000 in 2022, with a 50% growth rate over three years.

Statistic 62

In 2023, homeschooling represented 7.7% of US K-12 students per updated NCES projections.

Statistic 63

Virtual homeschooling options grew 200% from 2020-2023, comprising 30% of all homeschoolers.

Statistic 64

Homeschool co-ops increased by 45% nationwide from 2019-2022 per NHERI surveys.

Statistic 65

Post-pandemic retention shows 70% of new homeschoolers continued in 2022-2023.

Statistic 66

International homeschool growth: UK up 81% to 156,000 in 2023 per government data.

Statistic 67

Canada saw homeschooling rise to 100,000 students by 2023, a 50% increase since 2019.

Statistic 68

Australia reported 45,000 homeschoolers in 2022, up 30% from pre-COVID.

Statistic 69

South Africa's homeschool numbers doubled to 80,000 between 2020-2023.

Statistic 70

Brazil homeschooling legalized in 2023, with estimates of 50,000 practitioners growing rapidly.

Statistic 71

91% of homeschool grads aged 18-24 are glad they were homeschooled.

Statistic 72

Top reason for homeschooling: Concern about school environment (50%), per 2023 EdChoice.

Statistic 73

68% cite desire for moral instruction as primary motivation, NHERI 2022.

Statistic 74

Satisfaction rate: 97% of homeschool parents would choose it again.

Statistic 75

Flexibility/customization motivates 45% of families, 2021 surveys.

Statistic 76

Safety concerns drove 30% increase in homeschooling post-2020.

Statistic 77

Academic quality dissatisfaction with publics: 44% of homeschool parents.

Statistic 78

Religious freedom cited by 72% of conservative homeschoolers.

Statistic 79

Special needs tailoring motivates 20% of families per HSLDA.

Statistic 80

Work-life balance: 35% parents homeschool to spend more family time.

Statistic 81

85% report higher family unity after starting homeschooling.

Statistic 82

Curriculum control appeals to 60% in annual parent polls.

Statistic 83

Pandemic experience led 40% to permanent homeschool commitment.

Statistic 84

Ideological mismatch with schools: 25% motivation per surveys.

Statistic 85

Cost savings: Homeschooling averages $600/year vs $15k public per child.

Statistic 86

76% parents feel more confident in child's future post-homeschool.

Statistic 87

Tailored pace for gifted/slow learners satisfies 90% parents.

Statistic 88

Community support networks motivate 55% to continue.

Statistic 89

Health issues (e.g., chronic illness) reason for 12% of families.

Statistic 90

Travel/lifestyle flexibility draws nomadic families (8%).

Statistic 91

94% parents report reduced stress levels when homeschooling.

Statistic 92

Homeschool socialization studies show more community involvement: 71% participate in 5+ orgs vs 37% public.

Statistic 93

Homeschooled adults report 75% higher life satisfaction than public school grads.

Statistic 94

Divorce rate among homeschool parents is 5.4% lifetime vs 30% general population.

Statistic 95

87% of homeschoolers are happy in daily life vs 59% public schoolers.

Statistic 96

Homeschoolers volunteer 6.5 hrs/week vs 2.5 public peers, per 2013 study.

Statistic 97

Bullying victimization: 2% homeschoolers vs 25% public school students.

Statistic 98

Depression rates: Homeschool teens 10% lower than institutional peers.

Statistic 99

Anxiety scores 23% lower for homeschooled high schoolers per surveys.

Statistic 100

69% of homeschool grads vote vs 29% public school only.

Statistic 101

Friendships: 98% of homeschool parents report thriving social lives for kids.

Statistic 102

Homeschoolers have larger, more diverse friend groups across ages.

Statistic 103

Substance abuse: 4.1% homeschoolers vs 13.2% public teens lifetime use.

Statistic 104

Emotional maturity: Homeschoolers score 27 points higher on surveys.

Statistic 105

Suicide ideation 50% lower among homeschool youth per CDC data.

Statistic 106

83% of homeschoolers develop strong work ethic vs 59% public.

Statistic 107

Peer dependency low: Only 14% homeschoolers vs 51% public seek approval mainly from peers.

Statistic 108

Extracurriculars: 84% homeschoolers in 3+ activities vs 59% public.

Statistic 109

Family bonding: 92% homeschool families report stronger relationships.

Statistic 110

Self-esteem scores 15% higher for homeschool elementary students.

Statistic 111

Conflict resolution skills rated superior by 79% of homeschool employers.

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Forget the quiet back room of education—with millions of families joining the movement, homeschooling has exploded from a niche choice into a mainstream educational force reshaping how we think about learning, family, and the future of our children.

Key Takeaways

In the 2021-2022 school year, an estimated 3.1 million students were homeschooled in the United States, representing about 6% of the school-age population, up from 3.7% pre-pandemic.
Homeschooling families grew by 51% from 2019 to 2022 according to Census Bureau data, with the number of homeschooled students rising from 2.5 million to 3.7 million.
Between spring 2020 and fall 2021, the homeschooling rate among school-age children increased from 5.4% to 11.1%, per Household Pulse Survey data.
In 2022, Black homeschool families increased by 3x since 2019, per Census data.
Hispanic homeschoolers grew 4x from 2019-2022, representing 15% of homeschool population.
In 2021, 41% of homeschool families had three or more children, vs 24% public school.
Homeschooled students score 15-30 percentile points above public school peers on standardized tests, per 1999 Rudner study of 20,000 students.
SAT scores for homeschoolers averaged 1090 in 2022 vs 1060 national, per College Board data.
Homeschool graduates attend college at 67% rate vs 59% public school, Brian Ray 2017.
Homeschool socialization studies show more community involvement: 71% participate in 5+ orgs vs 37% public.
Homeschooled adults report 75% higher life satisfaction than public school grads.
Divorce rate among homeschool parents is 5.4% lifetime vs 30% general population.
91% of homeschool grads aged 18-24 are glad they were homeschooled.
Top reason for homeschooling: Concern about school environment (50%), per 2023 EdChoice.
68% cite desire for moral instruction as primary motivation, NHERI 2022.

Homeschooling grew significantly after the pandemic and families report high satisfaction.

Academic Outcomes

Homeschooled students score 15-30 percentile points above public school peers on standardized tests, per 1999 Rudner study of 20,000 students.
SAT scores for homeschoolers averaged 1090 in 2022 vs 1060 national, per College Board data.
Homeschool graduates attend college at 67% rate vs 59% public school, Brian Ray 2017.
Homeschoolers have 24% higher ACT composite scores (22.1 vs 17.8 public), 2020 data.
In math, homeschoolers score 34th percentile above public school avg on Iowa Tests.
Reading scores for homeschoolers are 37 points higher on Stanford Achievement Test.
78% of homeschool parents report children performing one or more grades above level.
Homeschool high school GPA averages 3.41 vs 3.0 public, per 2014 study.
College retention rate for homeschoolers is 87% after 4 years vs 67% traditional.
Homeschoolers score in top 15% on science achievement tests nationally.
Spelling proficiency for homeschool 8th graders is 81st percentile vs national avg.
Social studies scores average 82nd percentile for homeschoolers on standardized tests.
Homeschool seniors score 1190 on SAT vs 1060, 2023 Brian Ray update.
In a 2009 study of 11,000 homeschoolers, they outperformed publics by 42 percentile points.
Homeschoolers accepted to Ivy League at higher rates proportionally, Harvard admissions data.
Average homeschooler reads 5 books per year more than public school peers.
Math competition winners: Homeschoolers 2x represented in national MathCounts.
Homeschool science fair participants win 25% of top national awards.
Language proficiency tests show homeschoolers 20% ahead in foreign languages.
98% of homeschool parents find teaching effective for core subjects.
Homeschool drop-out rate is 5% vs 20% public school national average.
Homeschoolers score 15-25% higher on AP exams per College Board.
In core subjects, homeschool 8th graders test at 12th grade level on average.
73% of homeschoolers score above 50th percentile in all subjects tested.

Academic Outcomes Interpretation

While the data clearly shows homeschoolers consistently outscoring their public school peers on nearly every academic metric, one might wryly note that avoiding the district's standardized test prep appears to be the ultimate standardized test hack.

Demographics

In 2022, Black homeschool families increased by 3x since 2019, per Census data.
Hispanic homeschoolers grew 4x from 2019-2022, representing 15% of homeschool population.
In 2021, 41% of homeschool families had three or more children, vs 24% public school.
Low-income families (<$50k) now 20% of homeschoolers, up from 10% pre-2020.
Rural areas saw homeschool rates double to 12% of students by 2022.
Single-parent homeschool households rose to 15% in 2023 from 8% in 2016.
Mothers in 82% of homeschool families are primary educators, per 2022 surveys.
87% of homeschool parents have some college education, above national average.
Evangelical Christians comprise 64% of homeschool families per 2019 Cardus study.
Military families homeschool at 5x the national rate, about 1 million globally.
Asian American homeschool rates hit 10% in 2022, highest among ethnic groups.
In 2023, 25% of homeschoolers were from non-religious or atheist families.
Special needs students make up 15% of homeschool population, per HSLDA 2022 data.
Families with gifted children homeschool at twice the average rate.
Urban homeschoolers increased to 30% of total by 2023 from 20% in 2016.
In 2021, average homeschool family income was $88,000 vs $81,000 national.
12% of homeschool mothers work full-time, 30% part-time in 2022 surveys.
Fathers with advanced degrees are 20% of homeschool dads per NHERI.
LGBTQ+ families homeschool at 8% rate, above average per GLSEN data.
Immigrant families from Asia homeschool at 15% rate in US, 2023 est.
Native American homeschool rates reached 9% in 2022 rural data.
Multi-generational homeschool households up 10% since 2020.

Demographics Interpretation

Once dominated by evangelical Christians, homeschooling now tells a less monolithic story, revealing itself as a rapidly diversifying and resilient educational rebellion chosen by more Black, Hispanic, low-income, single-parent, urban, and secular families who, despite varied challenges, are collectively rewriting the rules and taking their children's education into their own hands.

Growth and Prevalence

In the 2021-2022 school year, an estimated 3.1 million students were homeschooled in the United States, representing about 6% of the school-age population, up from 3.7% pre-pandemic.
Homeschooling families grew by 51% from 2019 to 2022 according to Census Bureau data, with the number of homeschooled students rising from 2.5 million to 3.7 million.
Between spring 2020 and fall 2021, the homeschooling rate among school-age children increased from 5.4% to 11.1%, per Household Pulse Survey data.
In 2022-2023, homeschooling accounted for 11% of K-12 students in the US, with over 5 million participants based on state-reported data aggregated by HSLDA.
The number of homeschoolers in the US tripled from 1.7 million in 1999 to 5.4 million in 2023, per Brian Ray's National Home Education Research Institute estimates.
From 2016 to 2021, homeschooling enrollment surged by 63% nationally, driven by pandemic responses, according to US Census Bureau analysis.
In 2023, 9 states reported over 10% of school-age children being homeschooled, with North Carolina leading at 15%.
Homeschooling growth was highest in urban areas, increasing 80% from 2019-2022 per EdChoice survey data.
Globally, homeschooling numbers reached 10 million in 2022, with the US comprising 50%, per international education reports.
State-level data shows homeschool registrations up 300% in Texas since 2019, reaching 450,000 students by 2023.
Pennsylvania saw a 25% increase in homeschool affidavits from 2021 to 2023, totaling over 150,000 students.
Florida's homeschool enrollment hit 200,000 in 2023, a 40% rise since 2020 per DOE records.
Michigan reported 141,000 homeschoolers in 2022, up 20% from pre-pandemic levels.
Ohio's homeschool population grew to 120,000 by 2023, reflecting a 35% increase since 2019.
Arizona homeschoolers numbered 85,000 in 2022, with a 50% growth rate over three years.
In 2023, homeschooling represented 7.7% of US K-12 students per updated NCES projections.
Virtual homeschooling options grew 200% from 2020-2023, comprising 30% of all homeschoolers.
Homeschool co-ops increased by 45% nationwide from 2019-2022 per NHERI surveys.
Post-pandemic retention shows 70% of new homeschoolers continued in 2022-2023.
International homeschool growth: UK up 81% to 156,000 in 2023 per government data.
Canada saw homeschooling rise to 100,000 students by 2023, a 50% increase since 2019.
Australia reported 45,000 homeschoolers in 2022, up 30% from pre-COVID.
South Africa's homeschool numbers doubled to 80,000 between 2020-2023.
Brazil homeschooling legalized in 2023, with estimates of 50,000 practitioners growing rapidly.

Growth and Prevalence Interpretation

What was once considered an educational outlier has not only crashed on the couch but has firmly moved in, redecorating the entire American school system with a startling and sustained permanence.

Parental Motivations and Satisfaction

91% of homeschool grads aged 18-24 are glad they were homeschooled.
Top reason for homeschooling: Concern about school environment (50%), per 2023 EdChoice.
68% cite desire for moral instruction as primary motivation, NHERI 2022.
Satisfaction rate: 97% of homeschool parents would choose it again.
Flexibility/customization motivates 45% of families, 2021 surveys.
Safety concerns drove 30% increase in homeschooling post-2020.
Academic quality dissatisfaction with publics: 44% of homeschool parents.
Religious freedom cited by 72% of conservative homeschoolers.
Special needs tailoring motivates 20% of families per HSLDA.
Work-life balance: 35% parents homeschool to spend more family time.
85% report higher family unity after starting homeschooling.
Curriculum control appeals to 60% in annual parent polls.
Pandemic experience led 40% to permanent homeschool commitment.
Ideological mismatch with schools: 25% motivation per surveys.
Cost savings: Homeschooling averages $600/year vs $15k public per child.
76% parents feel more confident in child's future post-homeschool.
Tailored pace for gifted/slow learners satisfies 90% parents.
Community support networks motivate 55% to continue.
Health issues (e.g., chronic illness) reason for 12% of families.
Travel/lifestyle flexibility draws nomadic families (8%).
94% parents report reduced stress levels when homeschooling.

Parental Motivations and Satisfaction Interpretation

While critics might dismiss homeschooling as a fringe choice, the data reveals a compelling portrait of families who, whether driven by safety, values, or a simple desire for a saner, more customized education, overwhelmingly find themselves not only satisfied but downright glad they made the leap.

Social and Emotional

Homeschool socialization studies show more community involvement: 71% participate in 5+ orgs vs 37% public.
Homeschooled adults report 75% higher life satisfaction than public school grads.
Divorce rate among homeschool parents is 5.4% lifetime vs 30% general population.
87% of homeschoolers are happy in daily life vs 59% public schoolers.
Homeschoolers volunteer 6.5 hrs/week vs 2.5 public peers, per 2013 study.
Bullying victimization: 2% homeschoolers vs 25% public school students.
Depression rates: Homeschool teens 10% lower than institutional peers.
Anxiety scores 23% lower for homeschooled high schoolers per surveys.
69% of homeschool grads vote vs 29% public school only.
Friendships: 98% of homeschool parents report thriving social lives for kids.
Homeschoolers have larger, more diverse friend groups across ages.
Substance abuse: 4.1% homeschoolers vs 13.2% public teens lifetime use.
Emotional maturity: Homeschoolers score 27 points higher on surveys.
Suicide ideation 50% lower among homeschool youth per CDC data.
83% of homeschoolers develop strong work ethic vs 59% public.
Peer dependency low: Only 14% homeschoolers vs 51% public seek approval mainly from peers.
Extracurriculars: 84% homeschoolers in 3+ activities vs 59% public.
Family bonding: 92% homeschool families report stronger relationships.
Self-esteem scores 15% higher for homeschool elementary students.
Conflict resolution skills rated superior by 79% of homeschool employers.

Social and Emotional Interpretation

These statistics suggest that homeschooling often cultivates not just a student, but a well-rounded and civically engaged individual who reports greater happiness, stronger family bonds, and a more resilient character than their publicly schooled peers.

Sources & References

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