Citizenship 101

If homeschoolers can't be socialized, they'll just have to settle for being civilized," quips veteran education analyst Robert Morrison in response to the perennial argument that homeschooling socially shortchanges students. A survey released last week bolsters his contention: Homeschool graduates make good citizens.

"Homeschooling Grows Up," a Home School Legal Defense Association survey of 5,000 adults homeschooled seven or more years, portrays a community more civic-minded than the rest of the population. The disparity is most dramatic among young adults: In the 18-24 age group, 76 percent of homeschool graduates have voted in a national or state election during the last five years, compared to only 29 percent of public-school graduates. Homeschool graduates are also far more likely to work for or to contribute financially to a political campaign. (See WORLD, Oct. 18.)

Homeschoolers enjoy life in general, as well. Fifty-nine percent said they were very happy with their lives, compared to 28 percent of the general public. Homeschool graduates are also more likely to be involved in regular community service in their neighborhood or church (71 percent to 37 percent).

The survey also shows that the public is likely to see more of this public good: Eighty-two percent of homeschool graduates said they would homeschool their children, and among those with school-age children, 75 percent were already doing so.