Meet Homeschool Hannah. She is taught by her mom for most subjects, but Dad teaches others. And she takes some online courses. She scores higher than her public school peers and is more involved in her community. As a typical homeschooler, statistics from various sources declare her education successful. Colleges are even actively recruiting her!
That’s now. But what about when she reaches adulthood? What will be the verdict on her homeschool experience when she is 20? 30? 40?
Well, according to research, Adult Homeschooled Hannah is still outperforming her public schooled peers in areas of academics and community involvement.
First of all, she is more likely to go to and succeed at college at an equal or higher rate than the general population. Likely she had a head start in college. She probably took college credit courses while in high school as many homeschoolers do. Also homeschooling is likely to hone independent learning skills. This gives her a leg-up in college. Colleges and universities seek homeschool students not only because of their strong academic background but because of the qualities their unique educational experience afforded them.
She participates in local community service more frequently than does the general population. Perhaps this is because she learned the value of community service as a homeschool student. Perhaps because her education included many community experiences, she now sees herself as part of the community and participates accordingly.
Along those lines, she votes and attends public meetings more frequently than the general population. Was her social studies curriculum more effective ? Did her smaller learning environment give her a better sense that her voice makes a difference? Or is voting an extension of her sense of community participation? Whatever the reason, homeschooled adults embrace their civic duties.
Besides academic and community involvement, Adult Homeschooled Hannah has significant lifestyle differences compared to the general population. According to data compiled by the Homeschool Legal Defense Association, adults who were homeschooled:
- Read more
- Volunteer more
- Attend more religious services
- Use the public library more frequently
- Report to be happier
- Are more satisfied with their financial situation
- Are more satisfied with their work
- See more of a correlation between hard work and success
The conclusion from such research would be that homeschooling is not only great for kids when they are kids but also sets them up for success as adults.
Sources:
http://www.nheri.org/research/research-facts-on-homeschooling.html
http://www.hslda.org/research/ray2003/HomeschoolingGrowsUp.pdf
Copyright © 2013 J. Hoffman / GSN
“If you liked this post – Great!! Please ask before you re-post. Thanks!”
Email: JHoffman@GlobalStudentNetwork.com