Home School Statistics Prove Its Success
With over one million home schooled students in the United States, researchers are able to provide reliable statistics attesting to its growing popularity and success. These figures present a convincing case for parents to consider this alternative to traditional education.
Academic Statistics
Home school statistics show that students educated at home score measurably higher on standardized tests than children attending public school. On the ACT test, which lists a perfect score as 36 points, they averaged 1.7 points higher than their counterparts; on the SAT, they were 67 points above the national average. Parents attributed this to the benefits of one-on-one teaching, which minimizes classroom distractions and discipline problems.
Being educated at home has also been proven to be more time efficient, since a student doesn't need to change classrooms for each subject. Statistics for home school students show them having a higher maturity level and a greater degree of socialization. The Galloway-Sutton Study, which examines five success indicators, showed home schooled children excelling in the academic, cognitive, spiritual and affective-social categories.
Statistics for Home School Families
While more than half of those surveyed chose home schooling for religious reasons, there were a growing percentage of parents who selected this method of education because of their dissatisfaction with the local school system. Home school statistics show a steadily increasing number of students as more and more families opt out of the public schools. The average annual income of home schooling households is around $50,000, with the annual cost of educating one child being quoted as $500. Statistics for home school children reveal a racial breakdown of predominately white and non-Hispanic families, with smaller percentages of black and Hispanics.
Motivational Statistics
While achieving academic success is certainly the main goal, home schooling statistics reveal other reasons for choosing this method of instruction. Many parents who were surveyed referred to the benefits of developing character and passing on moral values. Others cited safety issues in the schools or their need for more individualized attention for a disabled child. Some parents objected to the curriculum taught in the public schools, while others mentioned the classes didn't provide enough of a challenge for their gifted students.
Most Convincing Statistic
Yet, when all the home school statistics are examined and evaluated, there is ultimately only one number that will matter. Every family must make the decision for their own children, factoring in the academic and socialization aspect against the time and financial commitment. If this method of education is right for them, they will be motivated to make it 100% successful.
