Issue Description

Probably the question most often asked of homeschoolers is, "What about socialization?" One of the greatest stumbling blocks to homeschooling is the public perception that homeschooled students are isolated and unsocialized. In fact, the opposite is often true, as homeschoolers have the opportunity to socialize with many different groups and ages, not just with their own peers in a traditional school setting.

Issue Background

As the homeschooling movement has matured, the public concern over unsocialized homeschoolers has waned, especially as people see homeschoolers excelling in college and career environments. HSLDA has commissioned several studies of homeschoolers that looked at the issue of socialization. These have consistently shown that the average homeschooler is far from isolated.

The Best Kind of Socialization 1/8/2009
	This brochure by HSLDA President J. Michael Smith explores how homeschooling helps prepare students emotionally and socially to function in the adult world. (Or view the original Court Report article.)

Socialization: Home Schoolers Are in the Real World 3/1/2007
	A short memo listing the arguments and research which shows that homeschoolers do not suffer from a lack of socialization.

Socialization? No problem! 2003
	Research on adults who were homeschooled by Dr. Brian Ray of the National Home Education Research Institute.