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Americans are running from the educational system and its indoctrination. During lockdowns, parents could sit beside their children and get a first-hand view of what they were learning about subjects like critical race theory, and gender identity. They were not impressed. It has become obvious why Democrats don’t want parents involved in their children’s education, they want to use schools to turn children against their parents. In response to what they saw, many parents are taking on the responsibility of teaching their children by homeschooling. Steven Whitson explains the growth of homeschooling in America in The American Thinker, writing (abridged):
Homeschooling numbers have increased over 300% in the last two years, according to federal government Census data. This spike does not include Americans engaged in virtual learning through a public or private school program due to COVID protocols. These are full-time homeschoolers.
Homeschool families have been traditionally seen as a small minority and have been largely ignored by elected representatives. In 2020, due to the COVID school closures, Census questions were modified to specifically identify the number of homeschoolers, and the results were shocking for many.
In October 2020, 11.1% of 22–23 million U.S. households reported being full-time homeschoolers, without any enrollment in a public or private school. Besides Alaska, which reported 27.5% of households dedicated to full-time homeschool, Oklahoma led all states at 20.1%. Other notable states included Florida at 18.1%, Vermont at 16.9%, Georgia at 16.0%, and Tennessee and Arizona at 13.0%.
There was little surprise at the exodus from public and private schools due to COVID mask mandates and health concerns in 2020. What has been surprising is that many of these students did not re-enroll for the 2021–2022 school year.
No doubt the push for Critical Race Theory, and the loss of confidence in the traditional institutions’ ability to teach children via virtual technology, played a significant role in a shift toward full-time homeschooling.
The number of homeschool kids grew from 11.1% in 2020 to 16.5% in May 2021. Homeschool numbers are continuing to rise, along with their potential political influence. Homeschooling parents will undoubtedly have a larger impact on their local and state policymakers, and this is a good thing for America.
Communities around the country continue to dispel the popular misconception of a lack of socialization among homeschoolers. Increased opportunities have come with the rising number of students. Homeschoolers can partake in co-ops, organized sports, and any extra-curricular activity imaginable. At least 29 states allow homeschool students to participate in public school interscholastic activities. For example, in Oklahoma City, there are even homeschool junior high and high school football teams.
By Steven Whitson, American Thinker
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