School safety, drug concerns driving more Colorado families to homeschool

Even after school lockdowns from the COVID-19 pandemic, a substantial number of Colorado parents are choosing to homeschool instead of returning to public education.

“The number of Colorado families homeschooling remains significantly higher than before the pandemic, with more than 3,300 more students learning at home today compared to a decade ago,” reports Nicola Brambila for the Denver Gazette.

When Colorado legalized homeschooling in 1988, many of the families choosing this educational option wanted to provide “a curriculum aligned with their religious beliefs,” according to the Gazette.

“Today, the top reason parents cite is concern over the school environment — including safety, drugs and bullying,” Brambila writes, noting homeschool enrollment has increased by 51% over the last 10 years. 

“More than 80% of parents in the most recent national survey pointed to those concerns. Homeschool advocates say learning at home helps students avoid the violence and peer pressure often linked to traditional public schools.” 

‘You can modify based on the student’ 

Stacie Graver, a homeschool mom in Colorado, praised homeschooling for its ability to tailor learning directly to her children’s learning needs. 

“The beauty of homeschooling is you can modify based on the student,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Cassandra Alvarado’s public-school experience informed her decision to choose a different educational path for her twins. 

“I grew up and was bullied a lot,” she explained. “For us, this was a big reason.” 

The Centennial State has a long history with homeschooling, legalizing the practice in 1988. Parents must notify the government of their intent to homeschool and provide 172 days of instruction each school year. 

“Today, many families join homeschool co-ops, which offer group classes, field trips, and parent-to-parent support — a far cry from the solitary experience of early homeschool pioneers,” Brambila notes. 

As homeschooling became more mainstream, the families choosing it have spanned many demographics and worldviews, according to Brambila. 

“Advocates often cite a study showing that, by 2016, 41% of homeschool students are not White. A U.S. Census survey showed that in households that identify as Black or African American, the portion of homeschooling rose by five times in 2020, the highest among the groups.”  

The rise in homeschooling also varies across geographical areas. For example, Denver has observed a dramatic increase in homeschoolers compared to other Colorado cities. 

“(Denver Public Schools) enrollment has climbed 17% since 2009, while the number of homeschoolers in the district has more than doubled — rising from 188 to 413 students, a 120% increase, state data shows,” Brambila wrote. “That jump puts DPS among the top three Colorado districts for homeschool growth in raw numbers.” 

As previously reported by The Lion, the district has struggled with declining student numbers, estimating an 8% decrease in enrollment by 2029. 

Parents leaving public education often cite concerns over academic performance. 

“I think a big part of it, at least what I’m hearing, is that public school just isn’t cutting it,” said Denver homeschool mom Crystal Haman.