Around 3.4% of K-12 students in the U.S. were homeschooled in the 2022-23 school year, a slight increase from 2.8% before the pandemic, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. An additional 1.8% were in virtual schools but not considered homeschooled.
Parents cite multiple reasons for homeschooling, with the top concerns being school safety, dissatisfaction with academics, and a desire for moral or religious instruction. Many also prioritize family life or seek a nontraditional approach to education.
Health and special needs also play a role, with 21% of parents choosing homeschooling due to unmet educational needs and 15% citing long-term health issues. These trends reflect shifting educational preferences among American families.
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