Why Vermont Should Thank Homeschool Families

Why Vermont Should Thank Homeschool Families

For many families in Vermont, homeschooling represents an opportunity to provide a customized, flexible education aligned with their values and children’s unique needs. These families shoulder significant financial and administrative burdens—covering their own educational expenses while simultaneously contributing to the public school system through taxes. Despite growing evidence of homeschoolers’ success, Vermont offers little support, placing homeschooling families in a double bind: they bear the financial cost of homeschooling while supporting the state system that doesn’t serve them.

Homeschooling is on the rise across the country. Between 2019 and 2021, the number of U.S. homeschooling families increased from 2.5 million to approximately 3.7 million, a trend seen in Vermont as well. As of 2022, Vermont reported around 3,600 homeschooled students, a small but significant portion of the school-age population (National Center for Education Statistics, 2022).

Homeschool Success by the Numbers

The statistics around homeschooling outcomes are encouraging and challenge the idea that traditional schooling is the only path to academic success. National studies show that homeschooled students generally outperform their peers in traditional settings on standardized tests. According to the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), homeschooled students score, on average, 15-30 percentile points higher than public school students in core subjects like reading and math (NHERI Study). Even on college entrance exams, homeschooled students excel: they score an average of 67 points higher on the SAT than their public school counterparts.

Similarly, a 2015 Stanford University study found that homeschooled students performed as well as or better than public school students in critical thinking, reading comprehension, and standardized test scores (Stanford University Study). Notably, the study observed no significant differences in social skills between homeschoolers and public school students, dispelling a common myth about homeschooling.

Cost Savings for the State

For Vermont, homeschooling families represent not just academic success but substantial financial savings. Vermont ranks among the top in the nation for per-pupil spending, investing around $20,000 per student annually in the public school system. For a homeschooled student, who requires no access to public school resources or funding, this translates to an estimated savings of approximately $260,000 from kindergarten through 12th grade. Multiply that by Vermont’s homeschooling population, and the state sees tens of millions in savings each year.

Yet, rather than acknowledging these savings or offering any financial incentives, Vermont imposes strict requirements on homeschooling families. They must submit annual learning plans, keep records, and demonstrate academic progress—all without receiving any of the support or resources available to public school families. This disparity creates a double-taxation effect, where homeschooling families pay into the education system but must cover their own schooling costs on top of that.

Support FYIVT Today – Choose Your Impact! Name Your Own Price to Help Us Keep Fighting for Truth and Transparency. Every Contribution Makes a Difference!

A Scholarship Program as a Fair Compromise

If Vermont’s educational focus is truly about what’s best for the children, the state could establish a scholarship or financial assistance program for homeschooled students, as a gesture of recognition for the savings these families provide. A few models could work well:

  • Annual Scholarship Fund: A scholarship between $5,000 and $10,000 for college-bound homeschooled students would reflect the state’s appreciation and cover a substantial portion of tuition at Vermont’s in-state colleges.
  • Dual Enrollment Funding: Supporting dual-enrollment courses for homeschoolers, which allow them to take college courses during high school, would be a cost-effective way to offer tangible assistance. This would provide high-quality educational experiences without dramatically impacting state budgets.
  • Education Tax Credit: Vermont could implement a tax credit for homeschooling expenses, similar to models in states like Illinois, that helps families offset the cost of education. This would also provide more equitable treatment for homeschoolers, who are already saving the state considerable funds.

Why the State Should Embrace This Change

Beyond the financial logic, offering scholarships or support for homeschoolers would align Vermont with a growing trend toward educational choice. Data from the University of St. Thomas shows that educational diversity promotes higher engagement and achievement, as students in alternative learning environments are more likely to take ownership of their education (University of St. Thomas Study). By acknowledging homeschoolers, Vermont would foster a more inclusive, adaptable education system and encourage other states to recognize homeschooling as a valid and valuable path.

Moreover, a scholarship or support program could encourage more families to stay in Vermont, especially as remote work rises. States like Arizona and Florida, with supportive homeschooling policies, have attracted families seeking educational flexibility. Vermont could bolster its population and retain more engaged, community-minded families by making a similar shift.

Conclusion

Vermont’s approach to education funding should reflect its values of inclusion and equity. Homeschooling families are saving the state substantial resources while achieving impressive academic results, yet they receive no support or acknowledgment in return. A dedicated scholarship fund, tax credit, or access to public resources would be a small yet meaningful way to recognize their contribution to Vermont’s educational landscape.

At the end of the day, if Vermont’s commitment to education is indeed “all about the children,” it’s time to extend that commitment to all students, including those who learn outside traditional classrooms. Supporting homeschoolers is a practical and respectful way for Vermont to thank these families for the value they bring to the state and to ensure that every student, regardless of their educational path, has the resources needed to succeed.

Dave Soulia | FYIVT

You can find FYIVT on YouTube | X(Twitter) | Facebook | Parler (@fyivt) | Gab | Instagram

#fyivt #HomeschoolingAdvocacy #EducationEquality #VermontStudents

Support Us for as Little as $5 – Get In The Fight!!

Make a Big Impact with $25/month—Become a Premium Supporter!

Join the Top Tier of Supporters with $50/month—Become a SUPER Supporter!


Discover more from FYIVT

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

admin Avatar

Leave a Reply

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

By signing up, you agree to the our terms and our Privacy Policy agreement.




Weather Forecast

Burlington

  • Tonight: 19°F – Light Snow
  • Sunday: 29°F – Light Snow
  • Sunday Night: 11°F – Light Snow then Snow Showers
  • Washington’s Birthday: 15°F – Chance Snow Showers
  • Monday Night: 5°F – Mostly Cloudy
  • Tuesday: 13°F – Partly Sunny
  • Tuesday Night: 2°F – Mostly Cloudy
  • Wednesday: 18°F – Partly Sunny
  • Wednesday Night: 5°F – Mostly Cloudy
  • Thursday: 23°F – Mostly Cloudy then Chance Snow Showers
  • Thursday Night: 14°F – Chance Snow Showers
  • Friday: 26°F – Chance Snow Showers then Partly Sunny
  • Friday Night: 8°F – Partly Cloudy
  • Saturday: 27°F – Mostly Sunny