Homeschooling

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Howdy, it is me!
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2:29p, 10/13/26
AG
Kind of random but just really curious…

How popular is homeschooling among Catholics and Orthodox? I know Catholic private schools are a big thing, are there Orthodox private schools?

If the answer is "not very", is there any particular reason?
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The Banned
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In reply to Howdy, it is me! • 3:15p, 10/13/26
Howdy, it is me! said:
Kind of random but just really curious…

How popular is homeschooling among Catholics and Orthodox? I know Catholic private schools is a big thing, are there Orthodox private schools?

If the answer is "not very", is there any particular reason?

Very few Catholics "homeschool" but there has also been a rise on "online private schools", "hybrid schools", etc that keep kids at home more often than the average public school kids, but don't exactly count as "homeschooled".

I would guess Catholics homeschool less often than other Christians because they have a higher level of confidence/long standing history with Catholic schools than most other denominations.

Total % of homeschool and private school combined is around 20%, but true "homeschool" is a small part of that.
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Vox Clamantis
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3:24p, 10/13/26
One of my best friends (I'm Godfather to 2/3 children) does the hybrid home-school curriculum where you meet up with a group for field trips and socialization and they absolutely love it. Wonderful Catholic family
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In reply to The Banned • 3:51p, 10/13/26
AG
The Banned said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
Kind of random but just really curious…

How popular is homeschooling among Catholics and Orthodox? I know Catholic private schools is a big thing, are there Orthodox private schools?

If the answer is "not very", is there any particular reason?

Very few Catholics "homeschool" but there has also been a rise on "online private schools", "hybrid schools", etc that keep kids at home more often than the average public school kids, but don't exactly count as "homeschooled".

I would guess Catholics homeschool less often than other Christians because they have a higher level of confidence/long standing history with Catholic schools than most other denominations.

Total % of homeschool and private school combined is around 20%, but true "homeschool" is a small part of that.


Thanks! Your reasoning makes sense to me. It would be interesting to me to learn how Catholic schools have evolved (or not) over time. I think of sisters slapping kids with rulers!

Certainly since Covid, online schooling and homeschooling has jumped in numbers. Wonder if that was part of the rise for Catholics.
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Zobel
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In reply to Howdy, it is me! • 4:26p, 10/13/26
AG
there are at least two Orthodox schools in Houston. One of them (St Constantine) has sister campuses in Dallas, Nashville, Pittsburgh, and I think Denver.
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5:59p, 10/13/26
AG
Orthodox and homeschooling here. Northeast Houston.

Let me know if you have any questions
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CrackerJackAg
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In reply to Howdy, it is me! • 6:18p, 10/13/26
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Howdy, it is me! said:
Kind of random but just really curious…

How popular is homeschooling among Catholics and Orthodox? I know Catholic private schools is a big thing, are there Orthodox private schools?

If the answer is "not very", is there any particular reason?


Lots of homeschooling.

Orthodox are pretty bad at giving to church historically.

In the East the Church paid money out. Not the other way around. Lots of immigrants historically.

Things are finally turning with the flood of Protestant conversions the last decade plus.

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In reply to CrackerJackAg • 6:39p, 10/13/26
AG
CrackerJackAg said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
Kind of random but just really curious…

How popular is homeschooling among Catholics and Orthodox? I know Catholic private schools is a big thing, are there Orthodox private schools?

If the answer is "not very", is there any particular reason?


Lots of homeschooling.

Orthodox are pretty bad at giving to church historically.

In the East the Church paid money out. Not the other way around. Lots of immigrants historically.

Things are finally turning with the flood of Protestant conversions the last decade plus.



Are you saying there is a lot of homeschooling because not enough money is given to the church for schools?
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The Banned
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In reply to Howdy, it is me! • 11:26p, 10/13/26
Howdy, it is me! said:
The Banned said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
Kind of random but just really curious…

How popular is homeschooling among Catholics and Orthodox? I know Catholic private schools is a big thing, are there Orthodox private schools?

If the answer is "not very", is there any particular reason?

Very few Catholics "homeschool" but there has also been a rise on "online private schools", "hybrid schools", etc that keep kids at home more often than the average public school kids, but don't exactly count as "homeschooled".

I would guess Catholics homeschool less often than other Christians because they have a higher level of confidence/long standing history with Catholic schools than most other denominations.

Total % of homeschool and private school combined is around 20%, but true "homeschool" is a small part of that.


Thanks! Your reasoning makes sense to me. It would be interesting to me to learn how Catholic schools have evolved (or not) over time. I think of sisters slapping kids with rulers!

Certainly since Covid, online schooling and homeschooling has jumped in numbers. Wonder if that was part of the rise for Catholics.

The amount of nuns around the world, and especially in the western world, tanked with the rise of feminism. I post that apolitically. The statistics bear out. The priesthood took almost a 44% hit, but we the number of nuns is down 82%

It's mostly lay people teaching for salaries lower than what public or high end, secular private schools can offer. As far as core curriculum goes, it's still far better than the public schools in the surrounding areas. As far as religious formation, it is, unfortunately, only slightly better, at least at many Catholic schools. Formation is first, foremost, and almost completely dependent upon the family. And ideally that family includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.

Since Covid, homeschooling in TX in general is up from ~3% to~13%. Tech is helping a ton. Driving down costs and helping parents realize they don't have to do it all alone has helped more families escape the fear of the two income trap. Co-ops are also a MASSIVE part of the equation. Early homeschoolers wanted to retreat from the world. Most modern homeschoolers want their kids to be a part of the world, but see modern public school as slop education (in many, but not all ISDs). Without Co-ops, or a group of local, like minded families, I think the homeschool "bubble" would collapse.
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In reply to Howdy, it is me! • 4:12a, 10/14/26
AG
Howdy, it is me! said:
The Banned said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
Kind of random but just really curious…

How popular is homeschooling among Catholics and Orthodox? I know Catholic private schools is a big thing, are there Orthodox private schools?

If the answer is "not very", is there any particular reason?

Very few Catholics "homeschool" but there has also been a rise on "online private schools", "hybrid schools", etc that keep kids at home more often than the average public school kids, but don't exactly count as "homeschooled".

I would guess Catholics homeschool less often than other Christians because they have a higher level of confidence/long standing history with Catholic schools than most other denominations.

Total % of homeschool and private school combined is around 20%, but true "homeschool" is a small part of that.


Thanks! Your reasoning makes sense to me. It would be interesting to me to learn how Catholic schools have evolved (or not) over time. I think of sisters slapping kids with rulers!

Certainly since Covid, online schooling and homeschooling has jumped in numbers. Wonder if that was part of the rise for Catholics.


It's location based. The beloved bishop Strickland managed his diocese so poorly, that many Roman Catholics left the local school and its still trying to recover.

I know a lot that hkmeschool.
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In reply to Howdy, it is me! • 5:10a, 10/14/26
AG
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In reply to Howdy, it is me! • 5:12a, 10/14/26
AG
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In reply to The Banned • 5:24a, 10/14/26
AG
The Banned said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
The Banned said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
Kind of random but just really curious…

How popular is homeschooling among Catholics and Orthodox? I know Catholic private schools is a big thing, are there Orthodox private schools?

If the answer is "not very", is there any particular reason?

Very few Catholics "homeschool" but there has also been a rise on "online private schools", "hybrid schools", etc that keep kids at home more often than the average public school kids, but don't exactly count as "homeschooled".

I would guess Catholics homeschool less often than other Christians because they have a higher level of confidence/long standing history with Catholic schools than most other denominations.

Total % of homeschool and private school combined is around 20%, but true "homeschool" is a small part of that.


Thanks! Your reasoning makes sense to me. It would be interesting to me to learn how Catholic schools have evolved (or not) over time. I think of sisters slapping kids with rulers!

Certainly since Covid, online schooling and homeschooling has jumped in numbers. Wonder if that was part of the rise for Catholics.

The amount of nuns around the world, and especially in the western world, tanked with the rise of feminism. I post that apolitically. The statistics bear out. The priesthood took almost a 44% hit, but we the number of nuns is down 82%

It's mostly lay people teaching for salaries lower than what public or high end, secular private schools can offer. As far as core curriculum goes, it's still far better than the public schools in the surrounding areas. As far as religious formation, it is, unfortunately, only slightly better, at least at many Catholic schools. Formation is first, foremost, and almost completely dependent upon the family. And ideally that family includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.

Since Covid, homeschooling in TX in general is up from ~3% to~13%. Tech is helping a ton. Driving down costs and helping parents realize they don't have to do it all alone has helped more families escape the fear of the two income trap. Co-ops are also a MASSIVE part of the equation. Early homeschoolers wanted to retreat from the world. Most modern homeschoolers want their kids to be a part of the world, but see modern public school as slop education (in many, but not all ISDs). Without Co-ops, or a group of local, like minded families, I think the homeschool "bubble" would collapse.


Oh, wow, that's a significant decrease. I'd love to dig into that more but that's not the topic of this post. So, I guess not a lot of ruler slapping going on anymore. I'm also surprised to hear about the salaries. I feel like I remember a prominent Catholic school "organization" speaking quite loudly in support of vouchers, perhaps this was part of why? I guess that's a topic for a different day as well (for the record, I was wildly unsupportive of vouchers).

Core curriculum and learning is important, but learning with a biblical world view is what is most important in my opinion, and you just can't get that at the public school, great ISD or not. Not to mention, being one number amongst too many preventing the ability for a slowed down or sped up approach to certain subjects as the student requires and needs. So many pros to homeschooling…
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SoulSlaveAG2005
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In reply to AGC • 8:02a, 10/14/26
AG
AGC said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
The Banned said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
Kind of random but just really curious…

How popular is homeschooling among Catholics and Orthodox? I know Catholic private schools is a big thing, are there Orthodox private schools?

If the answer is "not very", is there any particular reason?

Very few Catholics "homeschool" but there has also been a rise on "online private schools", "hybrid schools", etc that keep kids at home more often than the average public school kids, but don't exactly count as "homeschooled".

I would guess Catholics homeschool less often than other Christians because they have a higher level of confidence/long standing history with Catholic schools than most other denominations.

Total % of homeschool and private school combined is around 20%, but true "homeschool" is a small part of that.


Thanks! Your reasoning makes sense to me. It would be interesting to me to learn how Catholic schools have evolved (or not) over time. I think of sisters slapping kids with rulers!

Certainly since Covid, online schooling and homeschooling has jumped in numbers. Wonder if that was part of the rise for Catholics.


It's location based. The beloved bishop Strickland managed his diocese so poorly, that many Roman Catholics left the local school and its still trying to recover.

I know a lot that hkmeschool.



I live in the Diocese, and my kids all attend the Catholic schools here. 5 kids, 1 in middle schools and 4 in the elementary.

While the school has challenges, they are not anywhere near the same magnitude as the local public schools, and are actually affordable compared to the other Christian private schools (1 baptist, 1 episcopal).

We know a lot of homeschool families and also lots of great families that have their kids in the Catholic school.

I'm curious what information/details you are referring to in regards to what +Strickland did in mismanagement? I have not heard that locally?
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In reply to SoulSlaveAG2005 • 8:56a, 10/14/26
AG
SoulSlaveAG2005 said:
AGC said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
The Banned said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
Kind of random but just really curious…

How popular is homeschooling among Catholics and Orthodox? I know Catholic private schools is a big thing, are there Orthodox private schools?

If the answer is "not very", is there any particular reason?

Very few Catholics "homeschool" but there has also been a rise on "online private schools", "hybrid schools", etc that keep kids at home more often than the average public school kids, but don't exactly count as "homeschooled".

I would guess Catholics homeschool less often than other Christians because they have a higher level of confidence/long standing history with Catholic schools than most other denominations.

Total % of homeschool and private school combined is around 20%, but true "homeschool" is a small part of that.


Thanks! Your reasoning makes sense to me. It would be interesting to me to learn how Catholic schools have evolved (or not) over time. I think of sisters slapping kids with rulers!

Certainly since Covid, online schooling and homeschooling has jumped in numbers. Wonder if that was part of the rise for Catholics.


It's location based. The beloved bishop Strickland managed his diocese so poorly, that many Roman Catholics left the local school and its still trying to recover.

I know a lot that hkmeschool.



I live in the Diocese, and my kids all attend the Catholic schools here. 5 kids, 1 in middle schools and 4 in the elementary.

While the school has challenges, they are not anywhere near the same magnitude as the local public schools, and are actually affordable compared to the other Christian private schools (1 baptist, 1 episcopal).

We know a lot of homeschool families and also lots of great families that have their kids in the Catholic school.

I'm curious what information/details you are referring to in regards to what +Strickland did in mismanagement? I have not heard that locally?


Fiscal, managerial, etc. We're going back a decade or more with this discussion, so predating your kids at the schools. I have cradle RCC friends there, some that were on the board during his time, some working for the school system, some that left the school and found homes at other private schools. I could keep going, but it's not what it was. It also has the traditional staffing issue all parishes have: priest shortage, RCC teacher shortage (hiring non-RCC people). I'm not saying it's terrible, just that the local school has suffered at the hands of a firebrand, even if I'm sympathetic to his public criticisms of the RCC.

There are plenty of devoted families but many more homeschooling RCC families that I'm aware of now, plus additional competing schools coming online (Chesterton academy).
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SoulSlaveAG2005
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In reply to AGC • 9:22a, 10/14/26
AG
AGC said:
SoulSlaveAG2005 said:
AGC said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
The Banned said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
Kind of random but just really curious…

How popular is homeschooling among Catholics and Orthodox? I know Catholic private schools is a big thing, are there Orthodox private schools?

If the answer is "not very", is there any particular reason?

Very few Catholics "homeschool" but there has also been a rise on "online private schools", "hybrid schools", etc that keep kids at home more often than the average public school kids, but don't exactly count as "homeschooled".

I would guess Catholics homeschool less often than other Christians because they have a higher level of confidence/long standing history with Catholic schools than most other denominations.

Total % of homeschool and private school combined is around 20%, but true "homeschool" is a small part of that.


Thanks! Your reasoning makes sense to me. It would be interesting to me to learn how Catholic schools have evolved (or not) over time. I think of sisters slapping kids with rulers!

Certainly since Covid, online schooling and homeschooling has jumped in numbers. Wonder if that was part of the rise for Catholics.


It's location based. The beloved bishop Strickland managed his diocese so poorly, that many Roman Catholics left the local school and its still trying to recover.

I know a lot that hkmeschool.



I live in the Diocese, and my kids all attend the Catholic schools here. 5 kids, 1 in middle schools and 4 in the elementary.

While the school has challenges, they are not anywhere near the same magnitude as the local public schools, and are actually affordable compared to the other Christian private schools (1 baptist, 1 episcopal).

We know a lot of homeschool families and also lots of great families that have their kids in the Catholic school.

I'm curious what information/details you are referring to in regards to what +Strickland did in mismanagement? I have not heard that locally?


Fiscal, managerial, etc. We're going back a decade or more with this discussion, so predating your kids at the schools. I have cradle RCC friends there, some that were on the board during his time, some working for the school system, some that left the school and found homes at other private schools. I could keep going, but it's not what it was. It also has the traditional staffing issue all parishes have: priest shortage, RCC teacher shortage (hiring non-RCC people). I'm not saying it's terrible, just that the local school has suffered at the hands of a firebrand, even if I'm sympathetic to his public criticisms of the RCC.

There are plenty of devoted families but many more homeschooling RCC families that I'm aware of now, plus additional competing schools coming online (Chesterton academy).


Gotcha. I've heard rumors of what it used to be, and we are on our third principal at the middle school since arriving. I feel like things are improving, and often wonder about the "back in my day" nostalgia we hear about.

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AGC
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In reply to SoulSlaveAG2005 • 9:42a, 10/14/26
AG
SoulSlaveAG2005 said:
AGC said:
SoulSlaveAG2005 said:
AGC said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
The Banned said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
Kind of random but just really curious…

How popular is homeschooling among Catholics and Orthodox? I know Catholic private schools is a big thing, are there Orthodox private schools?

If the answer is "not very", is there any particular reason?

Very few Catholics "homeschool" but there has also been a rise on "online private schools", "hybrid schools", etc that keep kids at home more often than the average public school kids, but don't exactly count as "homeschooled".

I would guess Catholics homeschool less often than other Christians because they have a higher level of confidence/long standing history with Catholic schools than most other denominations.

Total % of homeschool and private school combined is around 20%, but true "homeschool" is a small part of that.


Thanks! Your reasoning makes sense to me. It would be interesting to me to learn how Catholic schools have evolved (or not) over time. I think of sisters slapping kids with rulers!

Certainly since Covid, online schooling and homeschooling has jumped in numbers. Wonder if that was part of the rise for Catholics.


It's location based. The beloved bishop Strickland managed his diocese so poorly, that many Roman Catholics left the local school and its still trying to recover.

I know a lot that hkmeschool.



I live in the Diocese, and my kids all attend the Catholic schools here. 5 kids, 1 in middle schools and 4 in the elementary.

While the school has challenges, they are not anywhere near the same magnitude as the local public schools, and are actually affordable compared to the other Christian private schools (1 baptist, 1 episcopal).

We know a lot of homeschool families and also lots of great families that have their kids in the Catholic school.

I'm curious what information/details you are referring to in regards to what +Strickland did in mismanagement? I have not heard that locally?


Fiscal, managerial, etc. We're going back a decade or more with this discussion, so predating your kids at the schools. I have cradle RCC friends there, some that were on the board during his time, some working for the school system, some that left the school and found homes at other private schools. I could keep going, but it's not what it was. It also has the traditional staffing issue all parishes have: priest shortage, RCC teacher shortage (hiring non-RCC people). I'm not saying it's terrible, just that the local school has suffered at the hands of a firebrand, even if I'm sympathetic to his public criticisms of the RCC.

There are plenty of devoted families but many more homeschooling RCC families that I'm aware of now, plus additional competing schools coming online (Chesterton academy).


Gotcha. I've heard rumors of what it used to be, and we are on our third principal at the middle school since arriving. I feel like things are improving, and often wonder about the "back in my day" nostalgia we hear about.



Sorry to hear, but I'm not surprised. Our own parochial school is undergoing the same thing. Unfortunately biblical fidelity and Christian authority does not make one a good manager or decision maker when it comes to running a school and parish.

I can't imagine a better witness to the community, though. If someone already trusts you with their kids and sees you at school gatherings, it's easy to join the church.

I'm sure yall will rebound, as there are a lot of devoted families. It just takes time to rebuild trust and schools don't get second chances when they blow things up.
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CrackerJackAg
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In reply to Howdy, it is me! • 10:11a, 10/14/26
AG
Howdy, it is me! said:
CrackerJackAg said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
Kind of random but just really curious…

How popular is homeschooling among Catholics and Orthodox? I know Catholic private schools is a big thing, are there Orthodox private schools?

If the answer is "not very", is there any particular reason?


Lots of homeschooling.

Orthodox are pretty bad at giving to church historically.

In the East the Church paid money out. Not the other way around. Lots of immigrants historically.

Things are finally turning with the flood of Protestant conversions the last decade plus.



Are you saying there is a lot of homeschooling because not enough money is given to the church for schools?


Yes.
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Bob Lee
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11:18a, 10/14/26
AG
We started homeschooling after COVID (but this for us was a coincidence). Our family was an anomaly in our circle of friends/families, being one of I think 2 who used the public schools. My wife was a public school teacher. We made the decision to forgo her teacher income and start homeschooling.

There were several reasons, but the main reason was that I could not think of a realistic way to keep our children from assimilating while they were enrolled in the public school at the same time.

"Homeschooling" for us has looked different each year since we started. In our first year, we were almost exclusively doing online schooling through a Catholic school in California. We've slowly transitioned to something that resembles traditional homeschooling.

For us it was an easy transition because we already belonged to the community through our parish to a degree, so nothing felt contrived or forced. If anything, it has just resulted in more and more healthy social interaction for our children because they're with their people now.
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In reply to Howdy, it is me! • 11:39a, 10/14/26
AG
Howdy, it is me! said:
Kind of random but just really curious…

How popular is homeschooling among Catholics and Orthodox? I know Catholic private schools are a big thing, are there Orthodox private schools?

If the answer is "not very", is there any particular reason?


I recommend checking out CiRCE (classical education). They have a national conference in Charleston but a regional one in McKinney with many speakers (was this past weekend). Many of the leaders are orthodox or Catholic, along with several sponsors.
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747Ag
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In reply to Howdy, it is me! • 11:56a, 10/14/26
AG
Howdy, it is me! said:
Kind of random but just really curious…

How popular is homeschooling among Catholics and Orthodox? I know Catholic private schools are a big thing, are there Orthodox private schools?

If the answer is "not very", is there any particular reason?

My answers here might be slanted since our family has been in the homeschooling milieu for roughly 18 years and such families are the bulk of my friendships due to us hanging out in homeschooling support groups. However, there is a sizeable number of Catholics going down the homeschool route. Most of them cite either:
  • an inability to trust the local parochial schools to educate their kids faithfully in the traditions of the Church,
  • an inability to afford Catholic schooling given larger family sizes and increased tuition mentioned above, or
  • some combination of both
The growth of homeschooling has seen some slowing in recent years due to new schools popping up in a Classical tradition (e.g. Chesterton Academy as also mentioned above). There's a local parish priest (pastor) in his mid-30s that wants to convert his parish school to a classical model. He may have some resistance from the diocese. We'll see. I know my previous pastor was hamstrung in that regard due to diocesan policies 8-10 years ago.

Some dioceses buck these Catholic school trends... Lincoln, NE? Arlington, VA? Or perhaps they used to. However, rising costs of education (not just recent inflation either) and lack of fidelity to Church teaching have been rather common across the country.
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SoulSlaveAG2005
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In reply to AGC • 12:11p, 10/14/26
AG
AGC said:
SoulSlaveAG2005 said:
AGC said:
SoulSlaveAG2005 said:
AGC said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
The Banned said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
Kind of random but just really curious…

How popular is homeschooling among Catholics and Orthodox? I know Catholic private schools is a big thing, are there Orthodox private schools?

If the answer is "not very", is there any particular reason?

Very few Catholics "homeschool" but there has also been a rise on "online private schools", "hybrid schools", etc that keep kids at home more often than the average public school kids, but don't exactly count as "homeschooled".

I would guess Catholics homeschool less often than other Christians because they have a higher level of confidence/long standing history with Catholic schools than most other denominations.

Total % of homeschool and private school combined is around 20%, but true "homeschool" is a small part of that.


Thanks! Your reasoning makes sense to me. It would be interesting to me to learn how Catholic schools have evolved (or not) over time. I think of sisters slapping kids with rulers!

Certainly since Covid, online schooling and homeschooling has jumped in numbers. Wonder if that was part of the rise for Catholics.


It's location based. The beloved bishop Strickland managed his diocese so poorly, that many Roman Catholics left the local school and its still trying to recover.

I know a lot that hkmeschool.



I live in the Diocese, and my kids all attend the Catholic schools here. 5 kids, 1 in middle schools and 4 in the elementary.

While the school has challenges, they are not anywhere near the same magnitude as the local public schools, and are actually affordable compared to the other Christian private schools (1 baptist, 1 episcopal).

We know a lot of homeschool families and also lots of great families that have their kids in the Catholic school.

I'm curious what information/details you are referring to in regards to what +Strickland did in mismanagement? I have not heard that locally?


Fiscal, managerial, etc. We're going back a decade or more with this discussion, so predating your kids at the schools. I have cradle RCC friends there, some that were on the board during his time, some working for the school system, some that left the school and found homes at other private schools. I could keep going, but it's not what it was. It also has the traditional staffing issue all parishes have: priest shortage, RCC teacher shortage (hiring non-RCC people). I'm not saying it's terrible, just that the local school has suffered at the hands of a firebrand, even if I'm sympathetic to his public criticisms of the RCC.

There are plenty of devoted families but many more homeschooling RCC families that I'm aware of now, plus additional competing schools coming online (Chesterton academy).


Gotcha. I've heard rumors of what it used to be, and we are on our third principal at the middle school since arriving. I feel like things are improving, and often wonder about the "back in my day" nostalgia we hear about.



Sorry to hear, but I'm not surprised. Our own parochial school is undergoing the same thing. Unfortunately biblical fidelity and Christian authority does not make one a good manager or decision maker when it comes to running a school and parish.

I can't imagine a better witness to the community, though. If someone already trusts you with their kids and sees you at school gatherings, it's easy to join the church.

I'm sure yall will rebound, as there are a lot of devoted families. It just takes time to rebuild trust and schools don't get second chances when they blow things up.


No worries. We are incredibly happy with the schools and love the teachers, the religious formation they receive and accessibility.

Too often I think people have nostalgia that is only a snapshot of the good times and then also focus too much on the challenges and being overly critical of things.
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In reply to AGC • 1:41p, 10/14/26
AG
AGC said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
Kind of random but just really curious…

How popular is homeschooling among Catholics and Orthodox? I know Catholic private schools are a big thing, are there Orthodox private schools?

If the answer is "not very", is there any particular reason?


I recommend checking out CiRCE (classical education). They have a national conference in Charleston but a regional one in McKinney with many speakers (was this past weekend). Many of the leaders are orthodox or Catholic, along with several sponsors.


Thank you for the information and hopefully others find it helpful. I'm not Catholic or Orthodox but was just curious about this topic within those communities.
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In reply to Howdy, it is me! • 2:33p, 10/14/26
Howdy, it is me! said:
The Banned said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
The Banned said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
Kind of random but just really curious…

How popular is homeschooling among Catholics and Orthodox? I know Catholic private schools is a big thing, are there Orthodox private schools?

If the answer is "not very", is there any particular reason?

Very few Catholics "homeschool" but there has also been a rise on "online private schools", "hybrid schools", etc that keep kids at home more often than the average public school kids, but don't exactly count as "homeschooled".

I would guess Catholics homeschool less often than other Christians because they have a higher level of confidence/long standing history with Catholic schools than most other denominations.

Total % of homeschool and private school combined is around 20%, but true "homeschool" is a small part of that.


Thanks! Your reasoning makes sense to me. It would be interesting to me to learn how Catholic schools have evolved (or not) over time. I think of sisters slapping kids with rulers!

Certainly since Covid, online schooling and homeschooling has jumped in numbers. Wonder if that was part of the rise for Catholics.

The amount of nuns around the world, and especially in the western world, tanked with the rise of feminism. I post that apolitically. The statistics bear out. The priesthood took almost a 44% hit, but we the number of nuns is down 82%

It's mostly lay people teaching for salaries lower than what public or high end, secular private schools can offer. As far as core curriculum goes, it's still far better than the public schools in the surrounding areas. As far as religious formation, it is, unfortunately, only slightly better, at least at many Catholic schools. Formation is first, foremost, and almost completely dependent upon the family. And ideally that family includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.

Since Covid, homeschooling in TX in general is up from ~3% to~13%. Tech is helping a ton. Driving down costs and helping parents realize they don't have to do it all alone has helped more families escape the fear of the two income trap. Co-ops are also a MASSIVE part of the equation. Early homeschoolers wanted to retreat from the world. Most modern homeschoolers want their kids to be a part of the world, but see modern public school as slop education (in many, but not all ISDs). Without Co-ops, or a group of local, like minded families, I think the homeschool "bubble" would collapse.


Oh, wow, that's a significant decrease. I'd love to dig into that more but that's not the topic of this post. So, I guess not a lot of ruler slapping going on anymore. I'm also surprised to hear about the salaries. I feel like I remember a prominent Catholic school "organization" speaking quite loudly in support of vouchers, perhaps this was part of why? I guess that's a topic for a different day as well (for the record, I was wildly unsupportive of vouchers).

Core curriculum and learning is important, but learning with a biblical world view is what is most important in my opinion, and you just can't get that at the public school, great ISD or not. Not to mention, being one number amongst too many preventing the ability for a slowed down or sped up approach to certain subjects as the student requires and needs. So many pros to homeschooling…

There are a lot of pros to homeschooling. There are potential drawbacks, depending on a number of factors. We have 6 kids under 10, two of whom came out of the womb ready to pick a fight. We found a mix of online Catholic school and traditional homeschool to be the most effective, both to match individual temperaments, as well as find the hours in the day to get it done. Trying to educate a 3 different elementary grade levels all at once, with 3 other little ones is dang near impossible for one woman.

I teach the confirmation class at our parish, and I will say there are a couple of public school kids in my class that blow away 9th and 10th grade me. The school doesn't seem to be hurting them, but not surprisingly, they come from very devout families who laid down very solid foundations. It is a very, very small town though, so not sure how well that approach would work in a 6A school district.
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In reply to The Banned • 2:45p, 10/14/26
AG
Sounds like your family has found an awesome mix that works for all! I wish more people understood you don't HAVE to necessarily put your kids in public school. Not saying that's the wrong choice for everyone, but some people feel like it's their only option…or won't even consider anything else.
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6:29p, 10/14/26
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I am still working at age 71 to pay for our grandkids to go to private Episcopal then Catholic schools. My daughter home schooled when they were younger but she and I agree they need more socialization than home schooling brings.
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In reply to dermdoc • 10:48p, 10/14/26
AG
dermdoc said:
I am still working at age 71 to pay for our grandkids to go to private Episcopal then Catholic schools. My daughter home schooled when they were younger but she and I agree they need more socialization than home schooling brings.


I'm sure you and her know best and I don't question your decisions for her children, but homeschooled children can have many means of socialization. I say this only so that readers don't take your comment as a blanket statement about homeschooling and believe the false stigmatization regarding socialization.
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dermdoc
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In reply to Howdy, it is me! • 7:54a, 10/15/26
AG
Howdy, it is me! said:
dermdoc said:
I am still working at age 71 to pay for our grandkids to go to private Episcopal then Catholic schools. My daughter home schooled when they were younger but she and I agree they need more socialization than home schooling brings.


I'm sure you and her know best and I don't question your decisions for her children, but homeschooled children can have many means of socialization. I say this only so that readers don't take your comment as a blanket statement about homeschooling and believe the false stigmatization regarding socialization.

Fair enough. I stick by my statement. I have nothing against home schooling. Just don't think the socialization part can be the same without incredible effort. We will agree to disagree.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
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747Ag
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In reply to dermdoc • 9:43a, 10/15/26
AG
dermdoc said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
dermdoc said:
I am still working at age 71 to pay for our grandkids to go to private Episcopal then Catholic schools. My daughter home schooled when they were younger but she and I agree they need more socialization than home schooling brings.

I'm sure you and her know best and I don't question your decisions for her children, but homeschooled children can have many means of socialization. I say this only so that readers don't take your comment as a blanket statement about homeschooling and believe the false stigmatization regarding socialization.

Fair enough. I stick by my statement. I have nothing against home schooling. Just don't think the socialization part can be the same without incredible effort. We will agree to disagree.

I guess it depends on what support groups/structure exist in a given area. My kids are not starved for social outlets. They have American Heritage Girls, Troops of St. George (previously did BSA and Trail Life), drama club, and martial arts. Not to mention all the time to hang out at special events or just after Holy Mass on Sundays. There was a time we participated in weekly or semi-weekly co-ops as well. I wouldn't call this incredible effort on our part, but perhaps this has been our norm for about 18 years, so... If I lived in a small town in Cooke County, TX, I imagine things might be a bit different.

Another thing to consider about socialization is that it cuts both ways. The kids might find great friends from families with similar values as yours. This is almost always excellent. However, there might kids in the classroom that might not be the best influence on your children. I know we ran into this issue with our time in the BSA. Opportunity for good conversations and teaching moments for sure. In our experience, our kids did learn how to interact more regularly with a wide range of age groups. Perhaps that's an oddity... if so, I'll take it.
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BrazosDog02
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In reply to Howdy, it is me! • 10:11a, 10/15/26
AG
Howdy, it is me! said:
dermdoc said:
I am still working at age 71 to pay for our grandkids to go to private Episcopal then Catholic schools. My daughter home schooled when they were younger but she and I agree they need more socialization than home schooling brings.


I'm sure you and her know best and I don't question your decisions for her children, but homeschooled children can have many means of socialization. I say this only so that readers don't take your comment as a blanket statement about homeschooling and believe the false stigmatization regarding socialization.


This. It cannot be overstated. For anyone considering it, the opposite is almost always true in that homeschool kids are far more socially competent than their peers, and most adults for that matter.

The idea that homeschooled kids lack socialization or fall behind is outdated and disproven and has been for some time. They are better prepared than their peers in all metrics.

There are numerous long terms studies showing that they perform better on standardized tests, have much larger college admission rates, are more likely to be volunteers and pillars in their community...and on and on.

They are also more likely to be entrepreneurs and self employed, which was a huge driver for us. I don't want my kids to 'have' to work for someone else.

Homeschooling requires immense effort. It isn't a passive process.

In our family, my wife homeschooled our kids from elementary school through high school. Both kids are hold awards for numerous activities and organizations, were accepted to all universities they applied to, got nearly full ride scholarships for academics and athletics and were named starters for their teams, are active in my business and named fractional owners. There is nothing they can see when they graduate that they are not familiar with.

Remember, no one gives a damn about your kids or their education like you do. No one. If you have the means and ability to do it, it's worth every ounce of effort and frustration to ensure their independence and success as adults.
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747Ag
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In reply to BrazosDog02 • 10:21a, 10/15/26
AG
BrazosDog02 said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
dermdoc said:
I am still working at age 71 to pay for our grandkids to go to private Episcopal then Catholic schools. My daughter home schooled when they were younger but she and I agree they need more socialization than home schooling brings.

I'm sure you and her know best and I don't question your decisions for her children, but homeschooled children can have many means of socialization. I say this only so that readers don't take your comment as a blanket statement about homeschooling and believe the false stigmatization regarding socialization.

This. It cannot be overstated. For anyone considering it, the opposite is almost always true in that homeschool kids are far more socially competent than their peers, and most adults for that matter.

The idea that homeschooled kids lack socialization or fall behind is outdated and disproven and has been for some time. They are better prepared than their peers in all metrics.

There are numerous long terms studies showing that they perform better on standardized tests, have much larger college admission rates, are more likely to be volunteers and pillars in their community...and on and on.

They are also more likely to be entrepreneurs and self employed, which was a huge driver for us. I don't want my kids to 'have' to work for someone else.

Homeschooling requires immense effort. It isn't a passive process.

In our family, my wife homeschooled our kids from elementary school through high school. Both kids are hold awards for numerous activities and organizations, were accepted to all universities they applied to, got nearly full ride scholarships for academics and athletics and were named starters for their teams, are active in my business and named fractional owners. There is nothing they can see when they graduate that they are not familiar with.

Remember, no one gives a damn about your kids or their education like you do. No one. If you have the means and ability to do it, it's worth every ounce of effort and frustration to ensure their independence and success as adults.

Good stuff! Yeah, similar achievement with my eldest. He's a degreed MechEng. Been working for over a year now. Netted roughly a 10% raise. On his current project, he's been advised not to disclose his age (23) to the customer... his receding hairline (poor kid) makes him look older, and his abilities support that too. Proud of him.
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BrazosDog02
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In reply to 747Ag • 10:24a, 10/15/26
AG
That's awesome! It's not surprising and you should be proud. As for religious aspects, we pulled our kids out of Catholic private school because we didn't like the mix of religion and education. They weren't getting the attention to their academics we felt was adequate. But that's the beauty of it. If you do it yourself, you can set that how you like.
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10andBOUNCE
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10:31a, 10/15/26
AG
Church is the primary social structure for our homeschooled son, who interacts routinely with people ages 1 through 85. Sunday service and Sunday school, prayer meetings, Bible studies, outreach events, etc.

Beyond that, he plays rec baseball to get that piece of it and takes golf lessons from an older gentleman. Guitar lessons from a young woman. All the errands he runs throughout the week with his mother provide spontaneous interactions and opportunities to learn how to converse with real life people whom he must respect and communicate clearly with.

Out of all that socialization, the part I worry the most about is with his own peer group in the dugout playing baseball. That was me 30 years ago, and I know how that goes, generally speaking. I would much rather limit the direct peer to peer socialization and emphasize more cross-generational relationships, which is how life is really played out for most people.

It is funny how talks on homeschool always end up flowing into this topic.
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dermdoc
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In reply to 747Ag • 11:13a, 10/15/26
AG
747Ag said:
dermdoc said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
dermdoc said:
I am still working at age 71 to pay for our grandkids to go to private Episcopal then Catholic schools. My daughter home schooled when they were younger but she and I agree they need more socialization than home schooling brings.

I'm sure you and her know best and I don't question your decisions for her children, but homeschooled children can have many means of socialization. I say this only so that readers don't take your comment as a blanket statement about homeschooling and believe the false stigmatization regarding socialization.

Fair enough. I stick by my statement. I have nothing against home schooling. Just don't think the socialization part can be the same without incredible effort. We will agree to disagree.

I guess it depends on what support groups/structure exist in a given area. My kids are not starved for social outlets. They have American Heritage Girls, Troops of St. George (previously did BSA and Trail Life), drama club, and martial arts. Not to mention all the time to hang out at special events or just after Holy Mass on Sundays. There was a time we participated in weekly or semi-weekly co-ops as well. I wouldn't call this incredible effort on our part, but perhaps this has been our norm for about 18 years, so... If I lived in a small town in Cooke County, TX, I imagine things might be a bit different.

Another thing to consider about socialization is that it cuts both ways. The kids might find great friends from families with similar values as yours. This is almost always excellent. However, there might kids in the classroom that might not be the best influence on your children. I know we ran into this issue with our time in the BSA. Opportunity for good conversations and teaching moments for sure. In our experience, our kids did learn how to interact more regularly with a wide range of age groups. Perhaps that's an oddity... if so, I'll take it.

My feeling is that they need to get exposed to bad stuff and recognize it for what it is. Because it is going to be there their entire life.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
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747Ag
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In reply to dermdoc • 1:33p, 10/15/26
AG
dermdoc said:
747Ag said:
dermdoc said:
Howdy, it is me! said:
dermdoc said:
I am still working at age 71 to pay for our grandkids to go to private Episcopal then Catholic schools. My daughter home schooled when they were younger but she and I agree they need more socialization than home schooling brings.

I'm sure you and her know best and I don't question your decisions for her children, but homeschooled children can have many means of socialization. I say this only so that readers don't take your comment as a blanket statement about homeschooling and believe the false stigmatization regarding socialization.

Fair enough. I stick by my statement. I have nothing against home schooling. Just don't think the socialization part can be the same without incredible effort. We will agree to disagree.

I guess it depends on what support groups/structure exist in a given area. My kids are not starved for social outlets. They have American Heritage Girls, Troops of St. George (previously did BSA and Trail Life), drama club, and martial arts. Not to mention all the time to hang out at special events or just after Holy Mass on Sundays. There was a time we participated in weekly or semi-weekly co-ops as well. I wouldn't call this incredible effort on our part, but perhaps this has been our norm for about 18 years, so... If I lived in a small town in Cooke County, TX, I imagine things might be a bit different.

Another thing to consider about socialization is that it cuts both ways. The kids might find great friends from families with similar values as yours. This is almost always excellent. However, there might kids in the classroom that might not be the best influence on your children. I know we ran into this issue with our time in the BSA. Opportunity for good conversations and teaching moments for sure. In our experience, our kids did learn how to interact more regularly with a wide range of age groups. Perhaps that's an oddity... if so, I'll take it.

My feeling is that they need to get exposed to bad stuff and recognize it for what it is. Because it is going to be there their entire life.

Like my mother-in-law says, only when the kids are strong enough to handle it.
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