Why More Black Families Are Choosing to Homeschool – And What That Means for Missouri | Children’s Education Alliance of Missouri

Why More Black Families Are Choosing to Homeschool – And What That Means for Missouri

Across Missouri and the nation, more Black families are choosing homeschooling and microschooling—and it’s changing what education can look like. While homeschooling has often been associated with religious or higher-income families, today’s homeschooling movement is far more diverse. Black families are leading a growing push for personalized, culturally relevant, and community-rooted education.

At CEAM, we believe all families should have the power to choose the learning environment that works best for their children. For many Black parents, that choice now means stepping outside of the traditional school system.

Why Are Black Families Making This Shift?

The number of Black families choosing to homeschool jumped from just over 3% to more than 16% during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to U.S. Census data. And that growth hasn’t slowed down. A 2025 report from the National School Choice Awareness Foundation found that 10% of Black parents are currently homeschooling, and 3% have opted for microschools.

What’s driving the change?

Many Black parents say they want more control over their child’s education. Some are frustrated with school materials that ignore or misrepresent Black history. A 2025 article in The Guardian revealed that some schools described slavery as “immigration,” sparking outrage and a renewed focus on culturally honest curriculum.

Others are concerned about safety or unequal discipline. A TIME magazine story featured Black parents who felt their children were being treated unfairly in school and not supported emotionally or academically. In response, these families created home learning environments where their children felt seen, safe, and successful.

Community-Based Learning Is Taking Root

Microschools—small learning environments usually with fewer than 20 students—are also gaining popularity. Educators like Janelle Wood of the Black Mothers Forum have opened microschools across Arizona, with similar models emerging in cities nationwide. These schools are intentionally small, community-centered, and grounded in culturally relevant teaching.

In Parents.com, Tiffany Blassingame, founder of the Burbrella Learning Academy, explained how microschools give families the flexibility and personalized learning they need—especially when traditional systems fall short.

Networks like Black Homeschoolers of Birmingham are also helping families build strong learning communities. As highlighted in Word in Black, these groups provide resources, shared curriculum, and even co-op classes where families support each other.

What Does This Mean for Missouri?

CEAM supports all families who are working to create better futures for their children—whether through public schools, charter schools, virtual learning, or homeschooling. As more Black families in Missouri turn to home- and community-based learning, we believe the state must:

Ensure scholarship programs like MOScholars can support diverse learning models;
Expand access to high-quality, culturally responsive curriculum;
And remove barriers for families who want flexible, student-centered education options.

This isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful movement. Black families are reimagining education, not just for their own children, but for entire communities. CEAM is proud to stand with them.

Want to read more about this topic? Here are the articles and research we referenced:

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