Michael Strong, a prominent education entrepreneur and advocate for personalized learning, recently asserted that the shift towards homeschooling and microschooling could significantly reduce societal dysfunction, mental illness, and misery among children. In a social media post, Strong stated, > "It is entirely unnecessary for a society to train children to be miserable. As millions move to homeschooling and microschooling with caring adults and greater agency, much dysfunction, mental illness, and misery will gradually vanish." This statement comes as data indicates a sustained increase in alternative education models across the United States.
The trend of homeschooling and microschooling has seen remarkable growth, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey, homeschooling rates surged significantly during the pandemic, and this increase has largely sustained itself. Reports from the Johns Hopkins Homeschool Hub indicate that in the 2023-2024 school year, homeschooling grew across the United States, with 19 out of 21 analyzed states reporting continued increases, defying predictions of a return to pre-pandemic levels. Approximately 3.7 million children are homeschooled in the U.S. as of 2024, representing about 6.73% of the total school-age population, a notable rise from 3.4% in 2019.
Strong, known for creating innovative, high-performance schools, has long championed smaller, more personalized learning environments. His advocacy for homeschooling and microschooling stems from a belief that these models offer a "high-touch environment" where children are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and flourish. He predicts significantly better mental health outcomes for students in these settings.
Research on the mental health outcomes of homeschooling presents a mixed but generally positive picture. Some studies suggest that homeschooled students may exhibit comparable or even better social and emotional health compared to their publicly schooled counterparts. Parental motivations for choosing these alternatives often include concerns about traditional school environments, such as bullying, stress, and safety, as well as a desire for tailored academic instruction and moral guidance.
Microschools, often described as a midpoint between traditional schooling and homeschooling, typically involve small groups of 5 to 15 students and offer flexible, student-focused learning. Both homeschooling and microschooling emphasize personalized curricula and self-paced learning, allowing for greater customization to individual student needs and interests. While these models offer significant advantages in terms of flexibility and individualized attention, ongoing discussions exist regarding their regulation, accountability, and ensuring comprehensive social development.
The continued expansion of homeschooling and microschooling signifies a notable shift in the educational landscape, driven by parents seeking alternatives that they believe better serve their children's academic, social, and emotional well-being. This movement challenges traditional educational norms and highlights a growing demand for diverse learning pathways.