For years, homeschooling was often viewed as an alternative to the traditional education system.
That perception is changing.
Across the United States, more families are taking control of their children’s education and choosing homeschooling, charter homeschools, hybrid learning, microschools, co-ops, and other flexible education models.
And the growth isn’t simply a temporary aftereffect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy, homeschooling increased an average of 4.9% during the 2024–2025 school year—more than twice the approximate 2% pre-pandemic growth rate. Even more striking, 36% of reporting states recorded their highest homeschool enrollment numbers ever. https://education.jhu.edu/edpolicy/policy-research-initiatives/homeschool-hub/homeschool-growth-2024-2025/
The National Home Education Research Institute estimates that approximately 3.408 million K–12 students were homeschooled in the United States during the 2024–2025 school year, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population, which is actually an extremely low number because there is no actual source that provides that true, factual, and actual number of millions of homeschoolers across the United States because it is not required reporting in most states. On top of that, you will find massive amounts of false data and fake articles on homeschool that are underwritten by enormous teachers’ unions, activists, and false source media in order to tamp down the MONUMENTAL boom in parents yanking their kids out of public education and choosing an education model that truly educations children, rather than allowing them to be subjected to indoctrination, bullying, environments that do not represent a family’s values, highly ideological viewpoints, brainwashing, and creating “future activists”, rather than truly educating kids.
It represents millions of families asking a fundamentally different question:
What if education could be designed around the child instead of forcing the child to fit the broken system?
That question is helping drive the modern homeschool movement.
And once parents make that decision, another question quickly follows:
What curriculum should we use?
For English Language Arts, an increasing number of families are discovering the answer:
Essentials in Writing. Hands-down, the #1 fastest growing ELA program in the United States.
Why Are More Families Choosing Homeschooling?
There isn’t one reason every family homeschools, as noted above.
That is one of the most important characteristics of today’s homeschool movement.
Families homeschool for many academic reasons. Others want greater flexibility. Some are looking for a better fit for a struggling learner, gifted student, reluctant writer, or neurodiverse child. Others simply want more control over the pace, structure, and content of their child’s education.
The modern homeschool family is not a stereotype.
It is a diverse group of parents looking for something different.
1. Parents Want More Control Over Their Children’s Education
One of the biggest advantages of homeschooling is control.
Parents can determine:
- What their children study
- How quickly they move through material
- When they take breaks
- How much repetition is necessary
- Which subjects require additional support
- Which areas deserve greater academic challenge
- What curriculum best fits their child’s learning style
Instead of asking a child to adapt to a predetermined classroom structure, homeschooling allows the educational environment to adapt to the child.
That flexibility can be especially valuable in English Language Arts.
A student who understands grammar quickly may need more challenging writing assignments.
A reluctant writer may need shorter lessons and additional modeling.
A student who struggles with organization may need explicit instruction in how to build a paragraph or essay.
And an advanced student may be ready to move ahead.
One curriculum doesn’t have to mean one pace.
2. Homeschooling Allows Parents to Personalize Education
The Johns Hopkins Homeschool Research Lab recently found that 88% of homeschooling parents use supplemental educational resources or support.
That finding challenges an old misconception about homeschooling.
Homeschooling doesn’t mean parents have to create everything themselves.
Today’s homeschool families have access to:
- Online curriculum
- Video instruction
- Co-ops
- Tutors
- Microschools
- Scoring services
- Educational platforms
- Community support
- Specialized curriculum providers
In other words, homeschooling has evolved tremendously.
Parents aren’t necessarily trying to recreate a traditional school inside their homes.
They’re building an education that works for their individual child.
3. Parents Are Looking for Education That Actually Teaches Skills
This is especially important when it comes to writing.
A student can memorize grammar terminology and still struggle to write a paragraph.
A student can identify a thesis statement and still not know how to develop one.
A student can complete dozens of worksheets and still stare at a blank page when asked to write an essay.
That’s because knowing about writing isn’t the same thing as knowing how to write.
Effective writing instruction must teach students:
- How to begin
- How to organize ideas
- How to develop paragraphs
- How to create strong topic sentences
- How to support ideas
- How to transition
- How to revise
- How to edit
- How to communicate with an audience
- And, importantly, why effective writing works
That philosophy is at the heart of Essentials in Writing.
Why Essentials in Writing Is a #1 Choice for Homeschool English Language Arts
Choosing a homeschool curriculum can be overwhelming.
Search for “best homeschool writing curriculum” and you’ll find dozens of options.
Textbooks.
Workbooks.
Online programs.
Classical programs.
Charlotte Mason-inspired programs.
Writing programs.
Complete ELA programs.
And everything in between.
So why are so many families choosing Essentials in Writing?
Because EIW was designed around a simple idea:
Don’t just tell students what to do. Teach them how to do it. The “How” and the “Why”.
Essentials in Writing provides systematic, step-by-step instruction that takes students through the writing process instead of simply assigning writing and expecting them to figure it out.
The program includes instruction, modeling, practice, and application.
And because instruction is delivered directly to the student, parents don’t have to become professional writing teachers.
Explore Essentials in Writing’s homeschool curriculum
What Makes Essentials in Writing Different?
1. Step-by-Step Writing Instruction
Writing can feel overwhelming when students are expected to understand everything at once.
Essentials in Writing breaks complex skills into manageable steps.
Students aren’t simply told:
“Write an essay.”
They learn the individual components that make effective writing possible.
That means students can progressively develop:
Understanding → Practice → Application → Independence
This systematic approach is one of the reasons Essentials in Writing works extremely well for students who need additional structure and works extremely well for every student. It is not one-size-fits-all.
See how the EIW systematic approach works
2. Video-Based Instruction Takes the Pressure Off Parents
Let’s be honest.
Many homeschool parents don’t struggle with homeschooling.
They struggle with teaching writing.
Writing is one of those subjects where parents may understand the material themselves but still find it difficult to explain:
- Why a sentence needs revision
- How to organize an essay
- Why a thesis isn’t strong enough
- How evidence should support an argument
- What makes one paragraph stronger than another
Essentials in Writing puts the instruction directly in front of the student.
Students watch the lesson.
They see the concepts modeled.
They practice.
They write.
And parents become facilitators rather than having to build every lesson themselves.
The result?
Less teaching preparation. Less frustration. More learning.
Learn how Essentials in Writing works
3. Essentials in Writing Works with Different Types of Learners
There is no such thing as a “typical” homeschool student.
Some children are advanced.
Some are struggling.
Some are reluctant.
Some need repetition.
Some need greater independence.
Some need more explicit modeling.
That’s why Essentials in Writing incorporates Alternative Instructional Strategies designed to provide additional support when students encounter obstacles.
This makes the program particularly attractive to families searching for a:
homeschool writing curriculum for struggling students
or
homeschool writing curriculum for reluctant writers.
It can also provide a structured learning environment for advanced students who are ready to move beyond basic writing exercises.
See how EIW supports struggling, reluctant, advanced, and neurodiverse learners
4. Students Learn More Than Grammar
Grammar matters.
But grammar isn’t the ultimate goal.
Communication is.
Students need to understand how grammar, organization, word choice, structure, evidence, and revision work together to communicate an idea effectively.
That’s why Essentials in Writing focuses on writing as a process.
The goal isn’t simply to produce a paper.
The goal is to develop a student who can eventually say:
“I know how to communicate what I’m thinking.”
That skill extends far beyond homeschool.
It matters in:
- College
- Careers
- Scholarships
- Professional communication
- Research
- Public speaking
- Everyday life
5. Essentials in Writing Grows with the Student
Essentials in Writing offers writing curriculum for Levels 1–12, allowing families to maintain continuity as students’ progress through their homeschool years.
That matters.
Parents don’t have to reinvent their writing program every year.
Students become familiar with the instructional model.
The expectations increase.
The writing becomes more sophisticated.
And the skills build upon one another.
For families looking for a long-term homeschool writing curriculum, that continuity can be incredibly valuable.
6. Essentials in Literature Complements the Writing Program
English Language Arts isn’t just writing.
Students also need to understand literature, analyze what they read, identify literary elements, think critically, and communicate their interpretations.
That’s where Essentials in Literature comes in.
The program is designed for Levels 7–12 and provides literature instruction that complements the writing skills students develop through EIW.
Together, Essentials in Writing and Essentials in Literature provide a comprehensive English Language Arts solution for many homeschool families.
Explore Essentials in Literature
7. Parents Don’t Have to Grade Every Essay Alone
One of the most frustrating parts of homeschooling high school English is grading writing.
A parent may know that a paper needs improvement without knowing exactly how to explain why.
That’s where the Essentials in Writing Scoring Service can help.
Students can submit eligible compositions for professional scoring and receive 1:1 feedback from certified and degreed teachers, giving families an additional and exceptional layer of support.
This can be particularly valuable in the upper grades when students are preparing for college-level writing.
But Does Essentials in Writing Actually Work?
That’s the question parents should ask before purchasing any curriculum.
And one of the best places to look for an answer is the experience of other homeschool families.
Here are a few testimonials published by Essentials in Writing.
“My kids actually like writing.”
One Essentials in Writing parent wrote:
“I have kids using level 3 and level 6 writing and both are loving it, which makes me love it too.”
— Michelle B.
That’s a powerful statement because homeschool parents don’t need another curriculum that creates daily battles.
They need curriculum their children can actually use.
From Struggling Writer to Future Author
Julie S., a homeschool mom, shared this experience about her daughter:
“My daughter, who hated to read and write, has built so much confidence in her writing. Her writing skills have improved immensely with Essentials in Writing. She loves it so much now that she wants to become an author!”
— Julie S., Homeschool Mom
That’s the kind of transformation parents are looking for.
Not merely better grades.
Confidence.
Because when a student begins believing, “I can do this,” everything changes.
“It Was Like Pulling Teeth”
Daphne S. described her son’s experience with writing before Essentials in Writing:
“My son hated writing, and it was like pulling teeth to get him to even write a single sentence.”
After using Essentials in Writing, she reported that his writing skills improved tremendously—and that his attitude toward writing changed as well.
She even noted that he enjoyed the major research project at the end of the course.
That’s a remarkable change.
The goal isn’t simply to make students complete assignments.
It’s to help them become capable, confident writers.
“Writing Was a Breeze”—Even in College
Christine Torre shared an especially compelling long-term testimonial.
Her family used Essentials in Writing for four years.
After her son entered college, she reported:
“My son just finished his first year of college and writing was a breeze.”
She said his English professor even asked where he had attended school because his essay was so well written.
That’s exactly what preparation should look like.
Homeschool curriculum shouldn’t merely prepare students for the next grade.
It should prepare them for what’s next in life.
A Curriculum for the Student—and the Parent
One of the biggest advantages of homeschooling is also one of its biggest challenges:
You’re in charge.
That freedom is incredible.
But it can also be exhausting.
Parents have to select curriculum, plan lessons, teach, grade, track progress, manage schedules, and keep their children motivated.
A good homeschool curriculum should make that job easier—not harder.
That’s why Essentials in Writing was built to serve both sides of the homeschool equation.
For students:
- Clear instruction
- Video lessons
- Step-by-step learning
- Modeling
- Practice
- Writing application
- Progressive skill development
For parents:
- Less preparation
- Clear expectations
- Answer keys
- Checklists
- Rubrics
- Sample compositions
- Teacher support
- Optional professional scoring
See everything included with Essentials in Writing
The Homeschool Movement Is Growing. The Need for Better ELA Is Growing with It.
The numbers tell an important story.
Homeschool is BOOMING.
The implication is enormous.
Millions of families need curriculum.
But they don’t necessarily need the curriculum their parents used.
They need curriculum designed for the realities of modern homeschooling.
They need flexibility.
They need clarity.
They need instruction that doesn’t overwhelm students.
They need resources that support different learners.
And they need curriculum that develops skills—not just compliance.
Why Families Put Essentials in Writing at the Top of Their ELA List
There are plenty of homeschool curriculum choices.
But Essentials in Writing stands apart because it brings together several things parents increasingly want:
Teacher-led instruction without requiring the parent to be the teacher.
Structure without unnecessary complexity.
Writing instruction without overwhelming assignments.
Practice without endless busywork.
Support without sacrificing independence.
Academic rigor without losing accessibility.
And most importantly:
It teaches students how to write—not simply what to write.
That’s why Essentials in Writing has become a leading choice for homeschool families searching for effective English Language Arts instruction.
Ready to Find Out If Essentials in Writing Is Right for Your Family?
You don’t have to wonder.
You can try Essentials in Writing before you buy it.
Explore sample lessons, see how the program works, and let your student experience the instruction firsthand.
Don’t spend another year fighting over writing.
Give your child a writing curriculum designed to make learning clearer, more manageable, and more effective.
Start your homeschool ELA journey with Essentials in Writing today.
TRY ESSENTIALS IN WRITING BEFORE YOU BUY
→ Explore Writing Curriculum
→ Explore Literature Curriculum
EXPLORE ESSENTIALS IN LITERATURE
→ Explore Scoring Services
The Future of Education Is Personal.
The growth of homeschooling isn’t simply about parents leaving traditional schools.
It’s about parents moving toward something.
Toward flexibility.
Toward personalization.
Toward educational choice.
Toward greater involvement.
Toward curriculum that fits the student.
And toward an education that develops the skills children will actually need.
English Language Arts sits at the center of that future.
Because no matter what a student eventually becomes—a doctor, engineer, entrepreneur, teacher, scientist, tradesperson, artist, researcher, or business leader—one skill will remain essential:
The ability to communicate a clear idea.
That’s why writing matters.
That’s why ELA matters.
And that’s why choosing the right homeschool writing curriculum matters.
Essentials in Writing is built to help students become confident, capable communicators—one step at a time.
Start today.
Discover Essentials in Writing
Research & Resources
- Johns Hopkins Homeschool Hub — Homeschool Growth 2024–2025
- Johns Hopkins — New Data on U.S. Homeschooling
- Johns Hopkins — Household Pulse Survey Homeschool Data
- National Home Education Research Institute — 2024–2025 Homeschool Enrollment Estimate
- National Home Education Research Institute — Homeschool Research Facts
- Essentials in Writing Reviews & Parent Testimonials
