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New Outschool survey reveals changing homeschooler demographics post Covid-19

New homeschoolers are increasingly less conservative, more diverse, and less religious than those who began homeschooling prior to the pandemic.

San Francisco, CA–November 17, 2022–A survey released today by Outschool highlighted the changing landscape for homeschooling. The survey was conducted in late August 2022, interviewing 622 homeschooling families in the United States (U.S.).

During the pandemic and beyond, the U.S. experienced a rapid increase in the number of families that chose to homeschool, more than doubling pre-pandemic numbers. The survey confirmed the demographics and values of post-pandemic homeschooling families differed from those that began their homeschool journeys prior to Covid-19.

New reasons families are choosing to homeschool

As homeschooling has become more mainstream, the reasons selected by new homeschoolers vary; however, the highest reported reason for new families that homeschool (after fear of Covid) was that they were unhappy with the quality of their child’s education (15%).

Another top reason given by newer homeschooler cohorts was that their child’s neurodiversity was not being supported (12%). A far lower motivation for post-Covid-19 new homeschoolers was flexibility, reported by only 9% of families vs. 19% of families who began homeschooling before the pandemic. Similarly, religious beliefs were a top reason given by homeschoolers pre-Covid 19 vs. only 1% of post-Covid 19 parents.

Concerns around racism at public/private school was given as a reason by 5% of new homeschooling families vs. 2% for pre-Covid families, which tracks with a dramatic increase in families of color beginning homeschooling for the first time in 2020 and beyond.

As homeschooling has become more mainstream in recent years, it's really interesting to see why parents are choosing this path now. The reasons given are extremely personalized but also often much different than the reasons given for homeschooling for those that start homeschooling before 2020.

“Since its inception, Outschool has been a resource for homeschool families looking for social opportunities, unique classes, and a way to make learning more personalized and fun for learners. During the pandemic, we saw an increase in new users who were outside of the traditional homeschooling community. However, as children went back to schools in person, we were excited to welcome an influx of new homeschoolers and more academically focused learners,” said Amir Nathoo, Co-Founder and Head of Outschool.

Outschool is an education platform that aspires to set learning free through an expansive variety of engaging, small-group classes, online. Outschool is an innovative education platform that offers a variety of engaging, small-group classes online.

Unlike traditional courses or passive videos, Outschool gives kids the unique opportunity to explore their interests in-depth with interactive classes taught via live video by experienced, independent teachers and organizations.

New homeschoolers are increasingly less conservative

The survey also found some interesting results when it came to political views and this shifting demographic of homeschoolers.

47% of new homeschoolers skewed left of center self-reporting as either progressive or liberal (vs. 32% pre-Covid homeschoolers).
27% of pre-Covid homeschoolers reported that they had conservative views, vs. only 16% of new homeschoolers.
In a twist though, 4% of new homeschoolers reported that they were fans of the MAGA movement vs. only 1% of pre-Covid homeschoolers.

The full survey results can be found here.

Classes on Outschool range from one-time classes, to ongoing social groups, one-on-one tutoring, week-long camps, and ongoing courses. Classes are offered across all subjects, and for learners ranging from age 3 to 18.

For families with a financial need, their nonprofit arm Outschool.org provides access to unique classes and camps. Outschool.org has donated over $3M to schools, after-school programs, and families in need since its inception in April 2020.

For more information about Outschool or to join the team, visit Outschool.com.

About Outschool

Outschool offers live online education experiences that connect real-life teachers with learners in small-group settings to explore everything from Minecraft, Pokemon, and Cooking to Chemistry, Algebra, and Literature. With over 100,000 online classes offered by teachers to learners around the globe, Outschool helps supplement what is often missing from a more traditional education.

Outschool’s mission is to inspire kids to love learning by making education fun, social and self-directed. Classes on Outschool range from one-time enrichment lessons to semester-long core courses and weekly social clubs. Classes are offered across all subjects, and learners range from ages 3 to 18. More information can be found at Outschool.com.