What Homeschool Programs Are Currently Available?

Homeschooling in the U.S. has grown significantly in the last decade. According to the John Hopkins School of Education, homeschooling grew by 4.9% in the 2024-2025 school year. A stark comparison with prepandemic statistics, when the homeschooling growth rate was 2%. Some of the highest homeschooling statistics come from states like Georgia, South Carolina, and Ohio. Flexible learning options, personalized education, and more access to online curricula have made homeschooling an increasingly popular option for families.

Families are now choosing homeschooling not only for older students but also starting as early as pre-K and kindergarten. Parents and caregivers cite reasons such as safety, individualized attention, moral or religious preferences, dissatisfaction with local school quality, and better work-life balance as key factors influencing their decisions. Many also find homeschooling beneficial for neurodivergent children or those with unique learning needs.

Table of Contents

1. Reasons Families Choose Homeschooling

2. Popular Homeschool Program Types

3. Support Groups and Parent Communities

4. Accreditation and Curriculum Choices

5. State-by-State Homeschool Requirements

6. Are Homeschooled Students Tested or Evaluated?

7. The Growth of Homeschooling 

8. Comparing Homeschool Programs at a Glance

9. Key Takeaway

10. Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling

Reasons Families Choose Homeschooling

Homeschooling offers families a chance to tailor education to their child’s learning style and pace. Below are common motivations for families who opt to educate at home:

• Personalized learning: Children learn at different speeds and in different ways; homeschooling allows parents to adapt lessons accordingly.

• Family values and beliefs: Some families prefer to integrate faith-based or value-driven education into their child’s daily learning.

• Academic flexibility: Homeschoolers can spend more time on challenging subjects or accelerate in areas where they excel.

• Safety and emotional wellbeing: For some families, concerns about bullying, mental health, or large classroom environments lead them toward home-based education.

• Special learning needs: Homeschooling allows for individualized education plans tailored to children with disabilities, gifted learners, or neurodivergent students.

• Mobility and flexibility: Families who travel often or live abroad can maintain consistent education anywhere in the world.

• Early academic start: Some families begin homeschooling in preschool to introduce structured early learning and social skills on their own schedule.

According to recent surveys, 78% of homeschooling parents say their main reason is dissatisfaction with public school environments, while 68% cite concerns about curriculum content or academic rigor.

Popular Homeschool Program Types

Parents can choose from a wide range of programs, from structured online schools to flexible, parent-designed programs. Each option differs in structure, content, and level of parent involvement.

Support Groups and Parent Communities

Homeschooling doesn’t mean doing it alone. Across the country, support groups, co-ops, and local parent networks help families share resources and organize enrichment activities. These groups often arrange park days, group lessons, and field trips.

For new homeschooling families, online networks such as The Homeschool Mom, HSLDA’s state organizations, and local Facebook groups offer mentorship, curriculum swaps, and event coordination. Many of these groups also help with standardized test prep, community volunteering, and social development opportunities.

You can also use Winnie to find preschool programs and local early education resources in your area, including listings for homeschool-friendly providers.

Accreditation and Curriculum Choices

While most homeschool programs do not require accreditation, many parents prefer accredited curricula to ensure smooth transitions back to traditional schools or for college admissions. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission offers a searchable directory of recognized programs. Some states also have regional accrediting bodies that recognize specific online schools.

Families may select a pre-designed curriculum, combine multiple sources, or create their own program from scratch. Common homeschool curricula include The Good and the Beautiful, Khan Academy, and BookShark, among many others. Many states require parents to keep records of attendance, lesson plans, and progress reports.

State-by-State Homeschool Requirements

Homeschool laws vary widely by state. Some states have minimal oversight, while others require annual assessments or approval from the local school district.

Families in highly regulated states often partner with umbrella schools or educational consultants to ensure compliance. To check your state’s homeschooling laws, visit the HSLDA Legal Requirements Map.

Are Homeschooled Students Tested or Evaluated?

Testing policies differ from state to state. In states with moderate or high regulation, students may be required to complete:

• Standardized assessments at specific grade intervals.

• Portfolio reviews to demonstrate progress.

• Evaluator assessments performed by certified teachers.

Many families, even in unregulated states, voluntarily assess progress using online diagnostic tools or standardized exams like the Stanford 10 or Iowa Test of Basic Skills to benchmark learning. Some online programs offer built-in progress tracking dashboards for parents.

Testing ensures accountability while giving families the flexibility to tailor pacing. Homeschool students often perform above average on standardized tests—scoring 15–30 percentile points higher than their public school peers, according to the National Home Education Research Institute.

The Growth of Homeschooling

The homeschooling movement continues to evolve rapidly across the United States, shaped by technology, cultural shifts, and changing family priorities. Understanding its growth provides valuable insight into how families are rethinking education. Below, we explore the data that captures this expansion and the demographic changes driving it.

Enrollment Statistics

Recent data highlights how homeschooling enrollment has surged nationwide, reflecting parents’ growing interest in flexible, individualized education. Over the past several years, enrollment has steadily climbed, driven by pandemic-related shifts, improved access to online programs, and increased satisfaction with at-home learning. This section explores those enrollment patterns and the factors fueling homeschooling’s rise.

Demographic Shifts in Homeschooling

Homeschooling is growing across all demographics, but recent data shows notable increases among Black, Hispanic, and working-class families. These changes highlight how homeschooling has expanded beyond its traditional base, reflecting new motivations such as affordability, cultural representation, and flexibility for dual-income households. Families from diverse backgrounds are now using homeschooling to personalize education and better align learning with their lifestyles and values.

• 51% increase in homeschooling households between 2017 and 2023.

• 1 in 10 U.S. families now includes at least one homeschooled child.

• Growth among Black and Hispanic families has doubled since 2020, reflecting a broader demographic shift in who chooses to homeschool.

• 45% of new homeschoolers in 2024 reported that flexible schedules and mental health were key motivations.

• The average homeschooling family spends about $700–$1,800 per child annually, far less than private school tuition.

(Source: National Home Education Research Institute, 2024)

Comparing Homeschool Programs at a Glance

Choosing the right homeschool program can feel overwhelming with so many options available. This section offers a simple way to compare various program types based on cost, flexibility, and accreditation. The table below provides an at-a-glance overview to help families decide which format best aligns with their values, learning goals, and daily routines.

This chart helps families compare the structure, flexibility, and accreditation options of common homeschool program types to find one that fits their educational philosophy and goals.

Key Takeaway

Homeschooling today looks very different from what it did just a decade ago. Families have access to structured online programs, flexible co-ops, and strong parent communities. Whether your child is starting preschool or preparing for high school graduation, homeschool education offers an adaptable, personal, and increasingly supported way to learn.

With consistent growth, diverse participation, and evolving support systems, homeschooling is likely to remain a major part of America’s educational landscape for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling

Do homeschool programs follow the same standards as public schools?

Not necessarily. Each state sets its own requirements, and parents have freedom to choose curricula that best fit their child’s learning style. Some families use state-aligned materials, while others prefer independent or faith-based options.

Can homeschooled children attend college?

Yes. Homeschooled students regularly gain admission to colleges and universities nationwide. Many schools, including Ivy League institutions, actively recruit homeschoolers because of their self-discipline and unique educational backgrounds.

What resources are available for new homeschooling parents?

Parents can join local co-ops, state homeschooling associations, or online communities for curriculum support and social connections. Platforms like Winnie and HSLDA offer guidance and listings for homeschool-friendly programs.

Do homeschooled children participate in standardized testing?

Testing requirements vary by state. Some require annual assessments or portfolio reviews, while others leave evaluation up to the parent. Many families still opt for standardized tests to monitor academic progress.

As reported by the U.S. Career Institute, states like New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia require annual or periodic standardized testing. Other states, such as Colorado, Florida, and Ohio, often allow parents to choose between a portfolio review and a standardized test. Many other states do not require standardized testing.

The most common types of standardized tests include the Stanford Achievement Test (Stanford 10), The Iowa Assessment, and the California Achievement Test (CAT).

Can homeschooled children take part in sports or extracurriculars?

Yes, in many areas. Some public schools and community centers allow homeschoolers to join sports, art, and academic clubs. Others join homeschool leagues or community-based programs for group learning and socialization.

Explore related resources:

• Homeschooling Curriculum for Preschool

• What Is Unschooling?

• Find Preschools on Winnie