Today’s families are pursuing homeschooling for a broad range of pedagogical and pragmatic reasons that have recently eclipsed religious concerns as the primary motivator. The National Household Education Survey Program found that 25 percent of parents cited concern about the environment of schools and 15 percent cited bad academic quality, with only 13 percent citing a desire to provide religious instruction. Other reasons included health problems, special needs, a desire to provide nontraditional education and an emphasis on family. Parents who were forced to homeschool during the pandemic suddenly realized the feasibility of teaching from home, a choice they previously would never have considered.

A journalist explores the many reasons why more parents than ever are choosing to homeschool.