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A study published in early 2025 found that those who spent at least eight years being homeschooled were more likely to be happier, be married and have children than their mainstream-educated counterparts.
The study compared students who spent at least part of their education being homeschooled to those who never did any type of homeschooling, and found a range of positive outcomes for homeschoolers. After certain demographic characteristics were controlled, the researchers found that “all homeschool adults were less likely than non-homeschoolers to have a full-time job or to have an above-average income,” in their adulthood (aged 24-year to 39-years).
Long-term homeschoolers (those who spent at least eight years being homeschooled) reported the lowest levels of anxiety, depression, and “exhibited the highest levels of optimism, gratitude, and life satisfaction.” (TAKE ANOTHER POLL: Are You Interested in Ancient Historical Mysteries?)
The study comes as public schools continue to report failing students, according to the Washington Stand. Reading and math scores remain below pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. “In 2024, the average score at eighth grade was not significantly different from 2022 but was 8 points lower compared to 2019,” the NAEP reported, WS noted.
How Does Policy Impact Homeschooling?
“Homeschooling is on the rise in the United States, so it’s more important than ever to understand both its outcomes and the students and families who participate in it,” said President of Cardus (US) Dr. Lynn Swaner. “If there’s one thing the study makes clear, it’s that the time has come to end the simplistic, one-dimensional descriptions of American homeschoolers.”
“When it comes to improving student outcomes, the U.S. Department of Education has a longstanding record of failure. Keeping the focus of education as local as possible is the best way to keep parents engaged in their children’s education,” Family Research Council senior fellow Meg Kilgannon told the WS. “Returning federal monies for education to the states will ensure that maximum dollars are flowing to schools with minimal strings. The federal government is not responsible directly for the education of any child. That work is done by localities and states.”
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