Increase in Homeschooling in Colorado

Recent data from Colorado indicates that a growing number of parents are opting to homeschool their children instead of using public school systems.

On Tuesday, the Colorado Department of Education published its latest figures regarding student enrollment for the fall. It reported a drop of 1.2% in overall enrollment compared to last fall, with around 870,793 students enrolled from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Colorado’s Education Commissioner, Susana Cordova, attributed the enrollment decrease to several factors, notably a decline in the school-age population.

According to Cordova, “Colorado continues to see enrollment trends shaped by a shrinking school-age population, increasing racial and ethnic diversity, and a shift to part-time and online learning. These changes require thoughtful adaptation, and our schools are working diligently to effectively serve students across the state.” Enrollment in public schools is decreasing, while more families are turning to home learning and online education programs.

Specifically, the state saw a 5.5% increase in full-time homeschooled students compared to last year. Additionally, enrollment in online education programs rose by 2.9% over the same period.

This year, Colorado’s student population has decreased by 10,000—a notable drop and the biggest since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Colorado Department of Education released a statement emphasizing its long-standing support for school choice. “We are certainly monitoring the number of families choosing homeschooling or online school for their students,” the spokesperson noted.

The decline in enrollment isn’t unique to Colorado. It mirrors a national trend where families are increasingly opting for alternatives to traditional public schooling, especially in light of the challenges brought by the pandemic. The growth in homeschooling suggests a significant shift in how families view education today.