More Than Four Years After COVID Shutdowns, Homeschooling Still Going Strong

More than four years after the COVID-19 pandemic caused many families to begin educating their children at home, homeschooling is still widely popular in America.

Since 2020, homeschooling has seen a significant rise across the U.S. — including right here in Arkansas.

During the pandemic, as many as one in ten families in Arkansas home schooled their children. Private schools in Arkansas also saw an increase in enrollment following the pandemic.

Recent news reports show homeschooling has remained popular in the face of growing concerns about public education.

For 25 years Family Council’s home school division, the Education Alliance, has supported home schooling in Arkansas, because it gives families the flexibility to provide the education that’s right for their children.

Research shows parental involvement generally is tied to better educational outcomes for children. That’s true no matter how families choose to educate their children.

However, home schooling is particularly good for many families, because it lets them choose the education that’s best for them.

For parents in Arkansas, homeschooling offers a way to provide a quality education while passing their values to the next generation.

It’s good to see families taking advantage of everything homeschooling has to offer.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

Arkansas Homeschoolers Recognized as 2025 National Merit Scholar Semifinalists

Last week the National Merit Scholarship Program recognized 135 high school seniors from Arkansas as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports the students will go on to compete for nearly 7,000 scholarships worth approximately $26 million.

Among the semifinalists named this year were two home schoolers: Eli Colton of Bella Vista and Charles D. Raith of Siloam Springs.

Students vying for the National Merit Scholarships apply by taking the PSAT exam in the fall of their junior year.

The Arkansas Department of Education has taken steps to increase home schoolers’ access to the PSAT.

To be named as a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist is a tremendous honor. Please join us in congratulating these two home school students on their achievement!