Debate Over Homeschooling Sparks Controversy
Jennifer Welch, a podcaster, criticized homeschooling by calling it a “Crazy Christian problem” and “Trickle down stupidity.” Her comments led to backlash and a response from the Department of Education. The Department posted on X, “The proven value of homeschooling should never be dismissed as ‘trickle-down stupidity.’ The only thing that is stupid is your ignorance.” Welch hosts the I’ve Had It podcast with Angie Sullivan, where they discuss various frustrations.
The topic of homeschooling was addressed after a listener shared, “I am tired of seeing some of the least smart people I know decide they’re capable of homeschooling their kids.” Welch responded, “This is MAHA, this is trad wife, this is unvaxxed and unjacked. America has a fundamental crazy Christian problem.” She elaborated, “I’m talking about mega church members with schools that indoctrinate. Hate academies. They sometimes turn to homeschooling, which I think is a huge problem.”
Welch has faced criticism before, such as when she called Erika Kirk a grifter. The podcast is noted for its liberal political views and use of informal language. Newsweek reached out to the I’ve Had It podcast for comment.
The Department of Education highlighted a homeschooler who won the Presidential 1776 Award in a post on X. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also commented, “Not true.” He added, “Homeschooled students tend to be noticeably well-behaved.”
Benjamin Domenech, Daily Wire opinion editor, tweeted, “In fairness, my siblings and I were all homeschooled and went on to get full rides to college, write speeches for presidents, and become senior officials and decorated war heroes, while Welch has a podcast.”
Homeschooling has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. Research shows many families continue homeschooling. The Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy found 5.92% of school-aged children homeschooled in the 2023-24 school year, up from 5.82% the previous year. Before the pandemic in 2019, that number was 2.8%.
Studies Show Homeschooling Benefits
Research indicates that homeschooled students perform as well or better than peers on standardized tests and college outcomes. A University of Minnesota study looked at 732 homeschooled students across 140 colleges and universities, comparing them with traditionally educated students based on SAT scores, GPA, socioeconomic status, gender, and ethnicity. Homeschooled students entered college with higher SAT scores and GPAs. When matched with similar traditional students, no significant differences were noted in first-year college GPA.
Brian Ray and the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) found homeschool students score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized tests. Some debate exists about how much of this advantage comes from homeschooling itself versus influences such as parental involvement, income, and education. Critics note that many homeschooling studies involve voluntary participation, suggesting that families who choose to report scores may be more academically engaged.