Recent data from the Census Bureau indicates that approximately 6 percent of American K-12 students—about 3 million children—were homeschooled during the 2023-24 school year, nearly doubling pre-pandemic levels. Analysis from the Johns Hopkins Homeschool Research Lab shows homeschooling growing at an average rate of 4.9 percent across reporting states in 2024-25, more than twice the growth rate before the pandemic, with several states reaching record enrollment highs.

Contrary to common stereotypes, homeschooling families are racially and ethnically diverse and becoming more so over time. For example, in Delaware, Black students constitute 12 percent of the homeschool population. Additionally, a nationally representative survey conducted by the Johns Hopkins lab with RAND’s American Life Panel found that 88 percent of homeschooling parents use supplemental educational supports such as co-ops, online classes, and tutors, compared to 44 percent of parents overall.

These findings highlight the varied reasons and methods behind homeschooling in America today. The data challenges simplified narratives and underscores the complexity of the homeschooling landscape.

Lily Osgood, a 7-year-old student, was photographed correcting a math problem at her family’s home in Fairfax, Vermont, illustrating the personal nature of homeschooling.

Angela R. Watson, Ph.D., associate research professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Education and director of the Johns Hopkins Homeschool Research Lab, emphasizes the importance of data-driven understanding in discussions about homeschooling.

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