While the school year may be in full swing, many military kids won’t be attending the neighborhood school or waiting in line for the school bus. Instead, they’ll be counted among the ranks of thousands of homeschooling families. Regardless of where you ultimately decide to send your children to school, it’s impossible to deny the growing trend of homeschoolers in the military.
Military families often cite flexibility, continuity, and dissatisfaction with local schools as primary reasons for choosing homeschooling, and these factors have become even more pronounced in recent years. A recent survey conducted by EdChoice revealed that 52% of parents reported being more likely to consider homeschooling or virtual schooling after the pandemic, as families became more aware of alternative educational options.
*Let’s take a closer look at these reasons, along with some resources available for military families who opt to educate their children at home.
The Homeschooling Boom
It's estimated there are about 3.1 million homeschoolers nationwide, with the numbers growing 2-8% yearly in recent years. Research from Blue Star Families indicates that approximately 13% of military families homeschool, and data shows that military families are homeschooling at perhaps twice the national average.
While I never set out to be a homeschooling parent, about twenty-five years ago, we found ourselves with a fluently reading pre-K son. We weren’t excited about the school in our neighborhood for various reasons, and our young military family simply couldn’t afford the steep private school tuition in the area. So, we decided to “give this homeschooling thing a try” for a year.
To my surprise, twenty years later, I was still on the homeschooling journey, although now all of my children are adults and graduated. During those years, a typical day might have looked like this: one child practicing her musical instrument with the dog curled up on her lap, another engrossed in his latest library book, the youngest using math manipulatives to solve a division problem, while the oldest readied his baseball gear for practice. Homeschooling for us was not merely "school at home"; it became our lifestyle over the years.
Finding Your Educational Path
As we navigated our family's homeschooling journey, we explored various educational choices depending on where we were stationed and each child’s needs. We tried charter schools, partial enrollment in DoDEA schools, and dual enrollment in public schools, along with involvement in privately led educational co-ops, enrichment classes, and field trip groups. This diversity allowed each child to thrive in a way that suited their learning styles.
For over a decade, I juggled homeschooling with working as a writer and editor. This balance has not always been easy, but it has been rewarding. The skills I’ve developed in time management and organization have proven beneficial not only in our education but also in my professional life.
The Benefits of Homeschooling for Military Families
So why would we go to all this trouble to find a good educational fit for each child? The main reason, simply put, is that with over a dozen military relocations over a couple of decades, along with my husband's multiple TDYs and deployments, education became one of the few constants in our children’s lives. Other military families echo this sentiment, along with the other reasons we mentioned earlier.
1) Flexibility
A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to a remote area or outside the typical summer moving months doesn’t cause panic. School is portable! For instance, during one off-season PCS move, we found ourselves in an area with limited educational options. By homeschooling, we were able to continue our curriculum seamlessly without worrying about transferring to an unfamiliar school mid-year.
The ability to take time off when it’s best for the active-duty member and family is a huge perk, especially during deployments. We could adjust our schedule to accommodate our family’s needs, whether it was for traveling or spending time together during the holidays.
2) Continuity
Continuity is important for all students, but it's particularly crucial during the high school years. Issues with transferring or receiving proper credits for courses can be complicated when moving frequently.
Homeschooling gives you the freedom to determine your curriculum and avoid repeating classes your child has already completed, helping alleviate some disruptions that kids face during PCS or deployment. And there are no redundancies simply because you moved to a different school district, since you design or choose the curriculum.
If you're concerned about choosing a curriculum or not knowing where to start, keep reading for a list of resources at the end of this post.
3) An Alternative to Local Schools
Sometimes, the schools in your area aren’t meeting your expectations, or private schools are beyond your budget. Some families wish to incorporate faith-based materials that wouldn’t be an option otherwise.
In our case, when we began our family's homeschooling journey, the local school was overcrowded and lacked resources for advanced learners. We wanted to ensure our children received an education that challenged them academically while also aligning with our family values. By homeschooling, we could select curricula that fit our educational philosophy and focus on areas we felt were essential for their growth.
Overcoming Challenges in Homeschooling
While homeschooling has many benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges. As military families, we often face the pressure of relocating and adapting to new environments. This can make it difficult to maintain a consistent homeschooling routine.
For example, when my husband was deployed, I needed to manage both the teaching and the day-to-day responsibilities of running our household. It was during this time that I learned the importance of establishing a supportive network. Reaching out to other homeschooling families, particularly those in the military community, provided invaluable support, encouragement, and resources.
Connecting with local co-ops or online groups can be a lifeline. Many military bases have homeschooling support groups that host meetups, educational co-ops and classes, and social events. These gatherings help foster a sense of community, which is especially important for families who often find themselves in new places.
"What about socialization?"
This is a question I was often asked when my children were young, and one I still hear echoed today. Many people assume that homeschooling limits children's social interactions, but in reality, it can provide a wealth of opportunities for socialization in diverse settings. From community classes and sports teams to co-ops and local meetups, homeschooled children engage with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Additionally, homeschooling allows families to foster deep relationships with other families who share similar educational philosophies. In our experience, my children developed strong social skills, cultivated friendships, and engaged in collaborative learning experiences outside of a traditional classroom setting. Homeschooling fosters independence and confidence, as children often participate in group activities and community events where they learn to interact with peers in various social situations.
One added bonus is that this independence also prepares them for the self-directed learning required in college-level work, where they must manage their time effectively, seek out resources, and take initiative in their studies. Overall, the socialization and independence gained through homeschooling can equip children with essential skills for both academic and personal success.
The Efficacy of Home Education
Of course, homeschooling may not be the right fit for every family, and parents should walk into the decision with their eyes wide open regarding legalities and responsibilities, ample evidence exists proving the efficacy of home education. According to a 2019 study, homeschooled students scored 15-25 percentile points higher on standardized tests compared to their traditionally schooled peers. Additionally, research indicates that homeschooled students tend to have higher graduation rates and enrollment rates in post-secondary education.
Moreover, a survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics found that 90% of parents who homeschool believe they can provide a better education than their local schools. This sense of confidence can be particularly empowering for military families who may face uncertainty in other areas of their lives due to the constant changes inherent in military life.
In our family, we’ve seen firsthand the positive impact of homeschooling. All of my children have pursued higher education and have successfully ventured into various fields, including military service. One child gifted in math was allowed the time to explore advanced topics in math and science that sparked his interest and prepared him for college-level coursework. But it goes beyond academics. Each of our four children had the gift of time to pursue hobbies and extracurricular activities which led to one child owning her own business and another thriving as a professional Irish dancer. We believe that homeschooling provided them with the freedom and support to pursue their passions and develop into well-rounded individuals.
Resources for Military Homeschooling Families
For military homeschooling families, there’s plenty of support available! Below are some resources to get you started:
- Time 4 Learning’s Military Homeschool Network: This platform offers valuable resources, lesson plans, and a community of fellow military homeschoolers. You can find tailored curricula that meet the unique needs of military families.
- Military Spouse homeschooling section: This portion of the Military Spouse website features tips, support, and information tailored specifically for military spouses navigating the homeschooling landscape.
- The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA): This organization provides legal assistance and resources for homeschooling families, including state-specific homeschooling laws and regulations.
- National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI): This organization offers research and statistics on homeschooling, showcasing its efficacy and benefits.
- Facebook Groups and Online Communities: Join local or national groups focused on military homeschooling. These platforms can provide support, ideas, and camaraderie as you navigate your homeschooling journey. Many military installations have in-person homeschooling groups as well.
- The Military Homeschool Podcast: Hosted by the former owner and CEO of Army Wife Network, Crystal Niehoff provides homeschooling support specifically tailored to the needs of military families. (Listen to my interview on episode #7 here!)
As we embrace the upcoming school year, let’s celebrate the diverse educational paths we take to ensure our children thrive. Whether you choose to homeschool, enroll your children in traditional schools, or explore a hybrid model, the most important thing is to stay engaged, informed, and supportive of each other as we navigate the journey of education together.
Here's to a great school year filled with learning, growth, and cherished memories!
