Raising Homeschool Rock Stars 534

Have you considered the possibility that you are raising homeschool rock stars?  The perfect homeschool path for your family, all through a Christian lens. If you’ve caught Parts 1 and 2, you know we’ve covered learning styles, teaching styles, and integrating faith. Today, we’re tackling a topic on the minds of those who consider homeschooling yet are afraid to commit completely. What is that? Maybe you’ve asked this question yourself. How well do homeschoolers actually do academically? Parents want to know: Does homeschooling really work? So we will look at the outcomes, from test scores to real-life preparation, with some key points to consider. Once again, I won’t name specific curriculums, just principles and some homeschool methods. For a good resource to homeschool curriculum based on your teaching style and your child’s learning styles, visit CathyDuffyReviews.com for a tool to search for a curriculum that fits your family’s needs.

Did you know that Homeschoolers excel academically? This is one of the most asked questions by parents who wonder if homeschooling works. I worried that my kids were going to have holes in their education or wondered if they would keep up with their peer group. Well, you’ll be happy to know that if they do the work, the answer’s a resounding yes. Studies—like ones from the National Home Education Research Institute—show homeschoolers consistently score 15 to 30 points higher on standardized tests than public school peers, often landing in the 80th to 90th percentile. That’s not just math or reading; it’s across the board. This is way better than certain state averages that have made the headlines with the news that 4^th graders can’t read.

You may wonder why homeschoolers excel. Some attribute it to methods like the Classical approach that drill deep into logic and reasoning—think Socratic discussions about Scripture or history. Or the Charlotte Mason method, with its rich, living books that spark curiosity. Or unit studies that do a deep dive into a specific topic using an all-senses approach with lots of hands-on learning with a focus on science and history.

The main driving force not often discussed is that the parents are involved in their child’s education. They are right there and engaged in the learning alongside their students. This can not be over-emphasized. Your kids will excel when they see you are interested in what they are doing. As Christians, we see this as stewardship. Proverbs 1:7 says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. When we tailor learning to our kids, they thrive. Parents aren’t just winging it; they’re leaning into God-given potential, and the results speak for themselves.”

What about mastery? Flexibility boosts mastery. Here’s where homeschooling shines. If you’ve searched through the homeschooling stats online, you’ll see that homeschooling comes out on top. Parents love the fact that there is flexibility in their schedule and curriculum choices. It’s not a one-size-fits-all. Public schools often rush through the material, but homeschooling lets kids master a concept before moving on. Is your child struggling with fractions? Take an extra week. Is your child flying through biology? Let them read ahead.

One of my favorite methods that incorporates all learning types and strengths within my children is The Unit Study method. It ties all of this together—maybe you’re exploring Creation through science, art, and the Bible. Or Unschooling, where a kid’s passion for astronomy leads to deep dives you’d never get in a classroom. Colossians 3:17 says to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through Him—flexibility lets us honor that, giving kids time to grasp God’s world fully. I know I cherish this control, and it pays off in understanding, not just grades. It encouraged my children to find their passions, and this has stayed with them through the years.

But, what if I want my children to attend higher education, for example, College?  New to homeschooling? You may wonder if homeschoolers get into college. The answer? Absolutely! The stats show that about two-thirds graduate from college, outpacing the national average. Colleges like Harvard and Stanford often recruit homeschoolers for their self-discipline and unique perspectives. Wherever your child goes to college, hopefully somewhere that will encourage their faith, they will shine among other students.

What about those who are not college-bound? That gives you some flexibility in the home to develop topics to study in areas of interest. If you want a “traditional” high school graduation, there are some prerequisites in certain states. Some students opt out of college and attend work programs that encourage entrepreneurship or vocational training. Homeschooled students are often self-motivated and lack the peer restraints in traditional schools. This allows the child to excel.

What about a traditional method? Workbooks, textbooks, or online learning. Sure, with it’s structured approach—this mimics traditional school and there may be an ease that transitions to college. But even Eclectic homeschoolers, mixing and matching curriculum choices, do well because they’ve learned to learn. As Christian parents, we raise kids for eternity, not just diplomas—Ephesians 2:10 says we’re created for good works (not so we can boast)—but good works prepared by the Lord working through us. Homeschooling builds thinkers who can carry that into adulthood, and the data backs it up. Why do we care? Because most people researching homeschooling want at least some assurance that homeschooling works. And, it does!

But my child won’t be socialized. Friends, that was one of the most asked questions when I spoke on the conference circuit for twelve years. Will my child have social skills? Will my kid be weird? No! Not unless you and your husband and entire family are weird. Okay—calm down I am just kidding! Research shows that homeschoolers often outperform peers in social, emotional, and psychological development. They’re in co-ops, church groups, music lessons, and sports—98% do five or more activities a week.

Methods like Charlotte Mason foster narration and discussion—great for communication. Or there are Unit Studies, where kids collaborate on projects like reenacting a period of history, giving a speech, or memorizing the Gettysburg Address. Again, I’m joking, but you get the point. Many kids thrive on socialization and look to the adults in their lives to discuss things with them.

Hebrews 10:24-25 calls us to encourage one another—homeschooling doesn’t isolate; it builds community on our terms. We can easily join homeschool groups, but as a parent, I was selective. When criticized, I point out that as adults, we select our friends based on preference; why can’t we do that as homeschoolers? The reality? Homeschoolers are equipped to shine for Christ in the world.

I believe the most important aspect is that homeschooling is not just about test scores. It is about capturing your child’s heart. While we as adults place our definition of success on the test scores, we will find that yes—those will come, but the outcome of spending time with your child at home is that homeschoolers become wonderful assets in society. Homeschoolers grow into adults who vote, volunteer, and lead, all at astounding rates. Why? They’ve been disciplined, disciple, and not just educated.

One more point about homeschool success. No matter what curriculum you select or method you chose, we are assured success by the very nature that we are the ones training our children. We make the selections within our home and if done with love and caring, our kids will excel beyond our wildest dreams. Success is earned with small incremental steps, and we are preparing our kids for life. Philippians 1:6 assures us He’ll (God) finish what He starts in them. As parents, we want our kids to be ready for life—academically, socially, and spiritually. And that is what we are doing each and every day.

If you want excellence, flexibility, college/or vocational prep, social skills, and life readiness, all rooted in faith, then homeschooling is for you. It’s not just about keeping up or doing what everyone else expects; it’s about raising kingdom builders.

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