Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-24-2024

Keywords

Schooling models; Homeschool; Hybrid homeschool; Demographics; Family composition

Abstract

The legitimization of homeschooling during the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of new schooling models (i.e., hybrid homeschooling) potentially change the composition of homeschooling families and the way homeschooling is practiced. This study establishes pre-pandemic trends of the demographic composition of U.S. households who homeschool their children. This study also articulates a theory that the way families practice homeschooling is based on practical constraints imposed by household demographic characteristics and, to a lesser extent ideological reasons. These theories are empirically tested using the 2012, 2016, and 2019 waves of the National Household Education Survey and a sample of 1,468 homeschooling families. Findings indicate that homeschooling families demographically differ from other families in key ways such as a greater likelihood of one parent not participating in the labor force. However, homeschoolers are demographically similar to other families in many other ways. Findings also indicate that specific household characteristics such as family structure, labor force participation, and parents’ educational background are associated with how long a child is homeschooled and the resources families use to homeschool their children. Implications for more accurately describing the composition of homeschooling families and how they practice homeschooling are discussed.

Series Title

EDRE Working Paper

Series Number

2024-04

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