Homeschooling numbers double in a decade!
WASHINGTON - June 22, 2009 - The number of homeschoolers in the United States has reached an estimated 1.5 million, or 2.9% of all school-age children, according to a report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
This study was completed in 2007. In 1999, the percentage of homeschoolers was 1.7% and the actual number of homeschools was about half.
The ratio of homeschooled boys to girls has shifted. Boys account for 42% of homeschoolers, while 58% of homeschoolers are girls. In 1999, it was more evenly split: 49% boys and 51% girls.
While an article in USA Today states that homeschoolers are “increasingly white, wealthy and well-educated,” a closer look at the numbers shows that the percentages based on race have stayed the same.
In addition, USA Today’s definition of “high income” is $50,000. It’s pretty difficult to raise a family on that amount in most areas of the country, especially if the family has to pay for curricula and books for several children.
“How many people really consider $50,000 in household income 'higher-income?'” asks the Home School Legal Defense Association's website. In fact, the median nationwide income for ALL married couples with children was $74,049 in 2006, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The NCES education study reported that 36% of parents said that their most important reason for home schooling was to provide "religious or moral instruction.” Concerns about school environment were cited by 21%, and 17% cited "dissatisfaction with academic instruction."
