Why Homeschooling Is Surging in California: What Parents Need to Know

Homeschooling in California is on the rise like never before. According to a recent Washington Post analysis, the number of homeschool students in the state increased by 78% since 2017. What’s behind this dramatic growth, and what does it mean for families exploring educational options?

A Public School System in Crisis

The surge in homeschooling comes at the same time that California’s public schools are facing serious challenges. A report from the California Department of Education in October revealed that most students are not meeting basic standards in math, science, and literacy.

Declining enrollment is another major issue. According to the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), the state’s public school population has been shrinking for six straight years due to:

• Families moving to more affordable states

• Lower birth rates

• A rise in homeschooling and private education

The PPIC warns this enrollment decline could create a fiscal crisis, forcing school districts to make difficult downsizing decisions as federal stimulus money runs out and state revenues decline.

Homeschooling Crosses Every Line

One of the most striking findings from the Washington Post analysis is that homeschooling is no longer viewed as a niche option for wealthy or religious families. Instead, the growth “crosses every measurable line of politics, geography, and demographics.”

In other words, parents from every background are choosing to homeschool whether they live in urban or rural areas, lean conservative or progressive, or fall anywhere on the economic spectrum.

Why Parents Are Turning to Homeschooling

Education leaders and policymakers say the pandemic accelerated a trend that was already underway. When parents saw firsthand what classroom learning looked like during remote instruction, many realized they had options.

Today, parents are leaving traditional schools for reasons that go far beyond academics:

• Academic Concerns: Low test scores, inconsistent instruction, and a focus on teaching to the test instead of fostering real critical thinking.

• Overreliance on Technology: Many classrooms have become Chromebook and ipad heavy, with technology acting as a babysitter instead of a learning tool.

• Parental Freedoms: Families want greater say in their children’s education, including curriculum choice, vaccine requirements, and exposure to sensitive topics. In California, laws have eliminated nearly all vaccine waivers and exemptions that other states still allow leaving parents with few options if they disagree with state mandates. Many families see this as a loss of their right to choose what’s best for their children’s health.

• Political Polarization in Schools: Parents worry about divisive or age-inappropriate content, from Critical Race Theory (CRT) to personal political opinions expressed by teachers.

• Values and Family Priorities: Some subjects such as morality, sexuality, or worldview are seen by parents as best taught at home.

• Social Environment: Concerns about bullying, discipline policies, and school culture “socialization” in large schools lead many to seek healthier alternatives.

• Technology Access: Online resources and affordable tools make homeschooling easier than ever.

• Flexibility: Parents want education tailored to their child’s pace, strengths, and interests.

As Lance Christensen of the California Policy Center explained, “Parents have seen what’s actually being done or not being taught in the classroom and feel like they could do a better job themselves. Technology has made it possible to provide a high-quality education without relying on a brick-and-mortar school.”

The Balance Parents Seek

While homeschooling has traditionally been criticized for limiting “socialization,” today’s parents are flipping that narrative. Many say they prefer building social connections outside the traditional school system through enrichment classes, sports, clubs, and learning centers.

Instead of spending hours in overcrowded classrooms, children are now learning in small, flexible environments where relationships and hands-on experiences are prioritized.

How Homeschool Learning Centers and Programs Make It Easier Than Ever

For families who don’t know where to begin, homeschool learning centers and programs like Creative STEAM Academy make the transition much easier.

Instead of navigating everything alone, parents can rely on:

• Small class sizes where students receive individualized attention.

• Experienced credentialed teachers who provide instruction while parents remain in charge of educational decisions.

• Project-based, hands-on learning that builds both academic knowledge and life skills.

• Supportive communities of like-minded families who value flexibility and freedom in education.

This hybrid model gives parents the confidence to homeschool without sacrificing academic rigor or social interaction for their children.

Final Thoughts: A New Era for Education in California

Homeschooling’s rapid growth is reshaping education in California. With more families looking for flexible, personalized options, programs like Creative STEAM Academy are stepping in to provide support.

By combining small class sizes, project-based learning, and a flexible homeschool model, families can enjoy the best of both worlds: academic rigor without the limitations of traditional schooling.

As the state’s public schools grapple with enrollment declines and systemic challenges, homeschooling and hybrid learning centers are proving to be more than a trend. They are becoming a lasting solution for families who want more from their child’s education.