Homeschoolers outperform peers in other systems

Last week, a study titled Exploring Academic Outcomes of Homeschooled Students was released and showed that homeschooled college students significantly outperformed their peers.

"This is great news for the homeschool community," said Michael Smith, president of the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). "Once again, homeschooling parents have shown they are more than capable of preparing their children for all aspects of life."

The study covered homeschoolers from 2004-2009 at a mid-sized college in the upper Midwest. Among the major findings:

Homeschooled students earned a higher first-year GPA (3.41) when compared to other freshman (3.12).

Homeschooled students earned a higher fourth-year GPA (3.46) when compared to other freshman who completed their fourth year (3.16).

Homeschooled students achieved a higher graduation rate (66.7 percent) when compared to the overall student population (57.5 percent).

Other research has shown that parents spend on average $500 per child, per year to homeschool. In comparison, the average public school spends over $10,000 per child, per year.

Other examples of homeschool success can be found in the college preparatory area. Patrick Henry College Preparatory Academy, which conducts online Advanced Placement classes with a Christian worldview, released its results today for the May 2010 United States Government and Politics AP Exam. Reported scores for homeschooled students who studied with PHC Prep averaged 3.75 on a scale of 1-5 (with 3 being a pass). Last year's national average for the same exam was 2.78. (Advanced Placement and AP are registered trademarks of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.)

The Home School Legal Defense Association is a 27-year-old, 85,000-member non-profit organization and the preeminent association advocating the legal right of parents to homeschool their children.