Homeschooling Statistics

Homeschooling statistics indicate that the homeschooling population is continuing to grow. Homeschooling in Australia is growing at a rapid rate. In some regions it is as we have up to a 300% increase in registered homeschool students.

Why Are People Homeschooling?

According to a 2001 U.S. Census survey parents are choosing homeschool for the following reasons:

• 33% of homeschooling households cited religion as a factor in their choice
• 30% felt school had a poor learning environment
• 14% objected to what the school teaches
• 11% felt their children were not being challenged at school
• 9% cited morality.

USA

There were an estimated 1.9 to 2.5 million children (in grades K to 12) home educated during 2008-2009 in the United States. Americans are reporting that this could be the fastest growing education movement in the USA. Statistic estimations indicate a growth of 5% to 12% per annum over the past few years.

National Home Education Research Unit.

Australia

In October 2003, the Queensland government released a report on homeschooling in their state. They found that more people were homeschooling outside the current registration process than within it. 

The following homeschooling statistics is really just estimations of homeschooling numbers in Australia for many families choose not to register.

Homeschooling New South Wales

In NSW 2009 there are 2342 students registered for homeschooling with the Board of Studies.

In 2003 there were 1400 registered with The Board of Studies.The 2003 statistic included ACE distance education homeschooling students who are now classified as distance educators rather than homeschooling and the are no longer appearing on current registration numbers.

Homeschooling Statistics Queensland

In 2003 it is estimated that there are 12 000 to 20 000 homeschooling students (based on surveys and mail outs) in Queensland.

E Sparks, editor Education Choices,estimated 85% of home educatins students in Queensland do not register.

Homeschooling Statistics Victoria

In 2003, 10 000 Victorian students were thought to be homeschooled (based on curriculum suppliers and newsletters).

Australian Bureau of Statistics

Australian Population Statistics of school students attending government and non government schools in 2007 was 3,416,523. This statistic would not have included homeschooling students. 1.7% of this population is 58080.

So using these two statistics I believe the range would be between 29 000 and 57 000 home schooling students in Australia. A huge range I know!

New Zealand and Canada

In New Zealand and Canada, countries with more favourable legislation towards homeschooling, statistics show approximately 1% to 1.7% of the student population is home educated.

Homeschooling Around The World

Home-based education has also growing around the world in many other nations including Hungary, Japan, Kenya, and the United Kingdom.

In some countries homeschooling is illegal and parents who homeschool are at risk of having their children taken from them. Two example countries are Germany and Sweden.