More people are homeschooling, likely due to increased safety concerns and desire for more control over education.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on education in the United States. Homeschooling has seen an unprecedented increase in enrollment, with the Urban Institute study indicating a 30% rise in the school year following the onset of the pandemic. This surge in homeschooling has been especially pronounced among Black families, with the Census Bureau revealing that the number of Black families homeschooling increased from 3% at the beginning of 2020 to 16% by October of the same year.

The Washington Post analysis further ascertains that this growth in homeschooling has outpaced the 7% rise in private school enrollment and the 4% decline in public school enrollment. The analysis of data from 32 states and the District of Columbia reveals that homeschooled children increased by 51% since 2017, with Washington D.C. leading the way with a 108% surge.

The rise of Black homeschooling can be seen as a collective effort by Black families to take control of their children's education in the face of educational racial disparities, gun violence in schools, and the scaling back of inclusive education. Black parents have cited a desire to shield their children from racial or other forms of bullying, low expectations from teachers, and failing schools as reasons for homeschooling.

This movement is also being driven by the prevalence of white-washed history lessons and the banning of books. Tralandra Stewart was inspired to create Home Grown Homeschoolers after her children and others in her district in Cypress, Texas, were unable to explain what they learned about Black history. Stewart and other mothers pulled their children from public schools and decided to co-educate their kids together.

Other Black communities that have joined the homeschooling movement include African American Homeschool Moms in New Jersey, Stewart’s Home Grown Homeschoolers Inc. in the Houston area, and the Cultural Roots Co-Op in Virginia. The data indicates that fear of school shootings, bullying, and liberal viewpoints are the main drivers behind the surge in homeschooling. The Center on Reinventing Public Education’s research showed that Blacks are more than twice as likely as whites to report that their children are happier in pods.

Overall, the homeschooling movement among Black families is a response to the racism and inequality that they have experienced in the public education system. Black parents are taking control of their children’s education by creating their own tailored learning environments with the help of their communities.

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