6 Reasons Why Catholic Families Are Homeschooling

The history of homeschooling in the United States can be traced back to the first European settlers of the 17th century. However, the modern movement began anew in the 1970s and homeschooling was legal in all 50 states by 1993.

In the early 2000s there were about 1.4 million homeschooled students. The last three decades marked a significant increase with approximately 3.1 million K-12 students by 2020-2022.

There are secular programs that focus on literature, hands-on learning, nature, or a holistic curriculum like Waldorf schools. But a greater majority of homeschool programs serve Christian families with some that are denomination-specific, including Mennonite and Catholic.

Why are some Catholic families homeschooling? For many, the principle that guides that decision is that:

“Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children”(CCC, 2223).

The Catholic Church Provides Guidance on Educating Children

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, under “Article 4 The Fourth Commandment”, there is a section titled, III. The Duties of Family Members. It discusses the roles of family members, important nuances of life in the home, education of children in the Catholic faith, and emphasizes the role of the sacraments in accomplishing God’s Will for families.

Note the following:

2229 As those first responsible for the education of their children, parents have the right to choose a school for them which corresponds to their own convictions. This right is fundamental. As far as possible parents have the duty of choosing schools that will best help them in their task as Christian educators. Public authorities have the duty of guaranteeing this parental right and of ensuring the concrete conditions for its exercise.

Many Catholic families take the above charge seriously: they want to choose a school to educate their children for success not only in this world, but for eternity. However, the landscape is changing.

Here are six reasons why some Catholic families choose to homeschool:

1. There Are No Catholic Schools Nearby

What sets apart a public school from Catholic school is mission: Catholic schools historically educated the whole person, mind and soul, through intellectual development and instilling Catholic faith-based values.

Over the last several decades, smaller families coupled with Catholic families choosing to send their children to public schools has led to parish and school mergers and closings. In some cases, the only option for Catholic schooling is at home.

2. Catholic School Tuition Continues to Rise 

Although cost varies by region, some studies cite the average tuition for Catholic elementary schools at $4800+ per year. For families with several children, this may not be an option.

Conversely, the average cost to homeschool a child is about 75% less than Catholic elementary school, and even more cost effective for high school. Depending upon the method and Catholic curriculum purchased, the cost per child may be $600-$1000 per year, or even lower.

3. Some Catholic Schools Are Not Able to Accommodate Students with Special Needs

Although Catholic school staff may welcome all children, all children may not be served well in a Catholic school. Students with developmental and/or learning disabilities oftentimes need a special education teacher. Sometimes there is a lack of funding for specialized teachers and teacher aides.

Parents know their children, their needs, and some even reteach concepts at home. Homeschooling can streamline and integrate school subjects, therapies, and life skills.

4. Catholic Parents Desire Flexibility in Managing Their Families and Homes

Today’s families benefit from options. Not all parents work the same hours each week, or even the same shift. Some families farm or homestead. Others are foster parents or care for a sick relative. Some students find their passion and have opportunities for advanced classes, tutoring, or involvement in other activities.

Parents who choose to homeschool in these situations are better able to balance the needs of family members and maximize productive hours of the day. In addition, families are able to structure their days in ways that help them uniquely build their domestic churches. Prayer, daily Mass, sacraments, and works of mercy can be woven into daily or weekly schedules.

5. Homeschooling Allows Parents to Choose Traditional Curriculum

Children are influenced by books, music, movies, games, social media, peers, and more. It’s not uncommon for some Catholic schools to use the same texts as public schools. Moreover, some schools rely on laptops rather than texts for learning.

Homeschooling and choosing a Catholic curriculum comprised of wholesome books that support a traditional Catholic worldview give many parents peace of mind. Less screen-school and more home-school means that students grow not only in knowledge, but are educated for eternity.

While the aforementioned reasons for homeschooling are somewhat common, there is one more motive for why some parents choose to provide a Catholic education for their children at home:

6. God Led Them To Do So

Sometimes there are good public schools and even solid religious education programs in a community. There may even be affordable, reputable Catholic schools in close proximity to a family’s home. Regardless, the Holy Spirit may lead a family to investigate and begin homeschooling.

The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit. (John 3:8)

 For some families, homeschooling is not just a rational choice, but one that results from promptings of the Holy Spirit, prayer, and discernment. Each family is unique and one family need not compare themselves with another.

The adage that God does choose the qualified, but qualifies the chosen rings true among homeschool families. Families learn together and become examples to others, engaging in evangelization through living their Catholic faith.

You can learn more about Traditional Catholic Homeschooling on the Our Lady of Victory School website. You can also watch a welcome video explaining benefits of their program, read a letter from the Founder, and learn more about the OLVS story.