Education Department Releases Home Schooling Data

The US Department of Education has released new data showing an increase in home schooling. The biggest increases are among families that are wealthy, white and well educated.

A summary by USA Today says an estimated 1.5 million—or 2.9%--of all school age children in the USA were home schooled as of spring 2007. The Education Department found that 36% of parents say their most important reason for home schooling is to provide “religious or moral instruction.” 21% of parents cite concerns about school environment. Only 17% cite ‘dissatisfaction with academic instruction.”

The ratio of home schooled boys to girls has shifted significantly. In 1999, it was 49% boys, 51% girls. Now boys account for only 42%. 58% are girls.