Families in the US Find Curriculum Support in Digital Media
In recent years, homeschooling has rapidly expanded across the United States. Over the past decade, the number of homeschooled students has increased by 61 percent, making it the fastest-growing form of education in the country. Currently, about 6 percent of students are homeschooled—a figure that has nearly doubled in just two years. Along with this growth, parents are increasingly turning to podcasts to support their children’s curriculum and strengthen their learning experience.
According to data from Starglow Media, a podcast company founded in 2023 that produces educational content for children, 20 percent of its listeners come from homeschooling families. The company’s founder, Jed Baker, describes this trend as “a quiet educational revolution.” Data from The Washington Post shows that homeschooling has increased across all demographics, regardless of political views, geography, or socioeconomic background. Many families who began homeschooling during the pandemic have chosen to continue. Parents cite a desire to have more control over their children’s education, provide a safer environment free from violence or discrimination, and offer better learning conditions for children with disabilities.
The popularity of podcasts is not just due to accessibility. Families view these digital programs—often searchable by topic or age group—as reliable educational resources. Moreover, podcasts easily integrate into daily homeschool routines. Families might listen to a news-focused program at breakfast, a science episode during the day, or children’s storytelling at night, turning learning into an all-day experience.Experts say that podcasts are no longer just supplementary materials but have become an essential part of family life in the homeschooling community.