The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

The
Attribute
Homeschooler
Informed
o
Author Dr. Brian D. Ray

The“Real World”
of College
. . . What does research
say about the long-term
outcomes of homeschooling?

Context

“Okay, it appears that the homeschooled students core well above average on achievement tests in elementary school and high school. And I am willing to concede my experience and research I have read suggest they seem to know how to get along with others—that is, they are not aggressive social isolates wearing camouflage pajamas in the grocery store. But what about the ‘real world’!? Will Suzy even want to vote? Will Tyrone ever succeed once he gets into college?” These are now common statements and concerns from Mr. and Mrs. John Public.

Homeschool graduates hear these things. Novice and veteran homeschool parents have to deal with them. Grandparents of homeschoolers still wonder. And negative critics of homeschooling may never give up. But what does research say about the long-term outcomes of homeschooling?