Jennifer Welch recently sparked controversy by criticizing Christian homeschooling families, labeling it as “trickle-down stupidity” and calling it “a fundamentally deranged Christian problem.” She even referred to parents with traditional values as “the worst, the worst, the worst,” and dismissed homeschooling as a selfish choice.
Interestingly, Welch is not an educational researcher or an expert on homeschooling. Instead, she’s a progressive podcaster known for channeling liberal frustrations towards conservatives into viral commentary. Her latest focus seems to be on Christian homeschooling families. Yet her critique warrants a response to correct the negative image she paints of the many families who choose this route.
Welch’s statements reflect a broader and increasingly common belief that institutions are better suited to educate children than their own parents.
As someone who was homeschooled from kindergarten through high school and who plans to homeschool my own children, I completely disagree. Welch’s disdain for families like mine only reinforces my determination to avoid what has become a tax-funded ideological institution.
The irony isn’t lost on me. At a time when the birth rate is declining, academic performance is dropping, and moral values struggle to be maintained, America desperately needs families committed to nurturing the next generation.
Instead of supporting those families, Welch has opted to belittle them.
1. Homeschoolers consistently outperform their peers.
Numerous studies indicate that homeschooled students excel in various academic fields. In fact, they tend to score higher on standardized tests, including reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies. Research even suggests that homeschooled adults are often more engaged in their communities and successful in their careers.
Notably, at least 16 U.S. presidents received some or all of their education at home. This was a common practice in earlier American society.
In contrast, public schooling is relatively new and increasingly ineffective for American students. If we are to question educational approaches, shouldn’t we start with those where test scores are declining and dissatisfaction is on the rise?
If Welch claims that homeschooling leads to “trickle-down stupidity,” she overlooks significant evidence. Besides presidents, homeschooling has produced numerous successful entrepreneurs, athletes, and academics, including Tim Tebow, Charlie Kirk, Serena Williams, Simone Biles, and Bethany Hamilton. This suggests that home education is not a hindrance to achievement.
2. Homeschooling prioritizes the needs of children.
Welch went as far as to call homeschooling “child abuse” and “selfish,” claiming she couldn’t imagine spending extended time with her kids. It’s puzzling how she can label homeschooling parents as selfish when they make substantial sacrifices for their children’s education.
Homeschooling parents often invest thousands in educational materials and usually forgo one income so that one parent can educate full-time. They make these sacrifices out of a commitment to provide their children with a strong foundation and a Biblical worldview.
Before my husband and I even started dating, we both independently concluded that homeschooling was vital for our future family. If we disagreed on that aspect, it would have been a deal-breaker. We are deeply invested in raising children who appreciate God, their country, think critically, and receive quality education.
It’s about prioritizing our children’s needs over our own.
3. The responsibility of raising children belongs to parents, not the government.
Welch’s comments also hint at a growing belief that educational institutions should take the lead in shaping children rather than their parents. Yet, children don’t belong to the state or cultural elites; their upbringing is chiefly the responsibility of their parents. This principle is fundamental to a free society.
Biblical teachings instruct parents to mentor their children, pass down their faith, and instill wisdom and truth, especially in today’s culture that seems to lack direction. Homeschooling is one avenue for families to achieve this goal. It’s worth recalling the saying by the late preacher Voddy Baucham: “If we continue to send our children to Caesar for education, we must stop being surprised when they return as Romans.”
Whenever someone asks why my husband and I have chosen to homeschool, the conversation usually veers towards socialization. It’s as if people think homeschooled kids are isolated from the world.
In my case, quite the opposite is true. I’ve had the privilege of interacting with a diverse range of people through church, sports, music lessons, co-ops, and various activities outside traditional classroom walls.
During my time in Washington, D.C., I recall the astonishment expressed by others when I revealed my homeschooling background. “But you seem so normal?” they’d say.
Exactly. Homeschooling isn’t about sheltering children from the world. Instead, it’s about preparing them to engage with it—armed with solid convictions, intellectual curiosity, and a clear purpose.
Though Jennifer Welch mocks families like mine, we will persist in raising our children according to our values. Ultimately, the outcomes will speak for themselves.
