Today, we discuss unlocking homeschool grad success. Imagine this: You’ve poured your heart, late nights, and endless patience into homeschooling your kids. But as they step into adulthood, you wonder—did it really work? Spoiler alert: The data says a resounding yes. Join me and my special guest, Dr. Brian Ray, as we discuss his cutting-edge research.

Unlocking Homeschool Grad Success: What Research Reveals About Thriving Adult Homeschoolers ~ Episode 569

Homeschool Grad Success, host Felice Gerwitz, sits down with homeschool research pioneer Dr. Brian Ray from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI). Together, they dive into decades of studies on adult homeschoolers, uncovering stats that prove homeschooling doesn’t just build bright minds, it forges resilient, faith-filled lives. If you’re a homeschool parent questioning your ability to homeschool or a homeschool grad reflecting on your journey, this is your roadmap to real success. Stick around for eye-opening insights, personal stories, and encouragement that homeschool outcomes are more than test scores. Here you will learn about legacies of love, values, and victory.

Whether you’re searching for “homeschool grad success stories,” “research on adult homeschoolers,” or “homeschooling outcomes statistics,” this episode breakdown has you covered. Let’s explore how homeschooling compares, why relationships are more important than rote learning, and why it’s never too late to strengthen family bonds.

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Meet Dr. Brian Ray: 40+ Years Championing Homeschool Research

Dr. Brian Ray isn’t just a name in homeschool circles, he’s the man behind NHERI.org, a nonprofit. He is dedicated to rigorous, unbiased homeschool research. For over four decades, since the homeschooling revival of the 1980s, Dr. Ray has been examining what makes home education effective. He launched the Homeschool Researcher journal back then (it’s still publishing today!) and co-founded NHERI in 1990. As a former university professor, he’s authored countless studies, media appearances, and resources that cut through the noise.

But Dr. Ray’s not all stats and spreadsheets. Living on a “gentleman’s farm” near Salem, Oregon, with his wife, Betsy. They have eight grown kids and many grandkids! Dr. Ray describes their spot as a slice of pre-Fall Eden (minus the occasional 5-degree chill, as Felice shares about her sunny Southern life). Dr. Ray’s days blend research with real-world joys: writing, hunting, adventuring, and fostering family ties.

Felice, a 32-year homeschool veteran with five thriving adult kids, discusses NHERI’s transparency. “I donate because they use funds responsibly,” she shares. Dr. Ray’s emails detail specific needs, such as peer-review costs, and celebrate milestones, making even a $5 gift meaningful. It’s a model of stewardship that builds trust in the homeschool community. For parents eyeing “homeschool research organizations” or “supporting homeschool studies,” NHERI is a gold standard. Check them out at NHERI.org for free reports, donor updates, and ways to fuel the mission.

From Mission to Milestone: Why Families Choose—and Stick with—Homeschooling

Homeschooling isn’t a hobby; it’s a calling. Felice started homeschooling in 1986 after teaching in the public schools left her disillusioned. As a young teacher dreaming of revolutionizing education, she clashed with bureaucracy. “The principal said, ‘Stop rocking the boat; I’m retiring!'” she laughs. Marriage and motherhood shifted her path, but after a year of preschool for her kids, God nudged her: This was her mission. No looking back until 2018, when her youngest graduated.

Dr. Ray’s story echoes that conviction. With their oldest nearing school age, he and Betsy couldn’t square institutional schooling with their biblical worldview. “We couldn’t find a verse saying, ‘Send them away to be taught,'” he explains. It clicked: Why stop “homeschooling” at age five when parents educate from birth (or even the womb)? He flips the script on skeptics: “Why did you decide to stop homeschooling?” It’s a gut-punch question that exposes societal inertia. On a recent flight, a businessman admitted, “Because everyone else does.” No defensiveness, just revelation.

For both, commitment was non-negotiable. Felice teases her husband about her “gold watch” after 32 years; he surprised her with flowers instead. Ups and downs? Sure, Felice threatened the kids that they’d be on the next school bus to school if they didn’t focus on their schoolwork during tough days. But homeschooling is viewed as a divine mission, like a rock-solid marriage (Felice’s at 46 years!), which made perseverance possible. Dr. Ray agreed. Once the homeschool passion ignited, doubts vanished. Their eight kids? All grown, all homeschooled, all testaments to God’s glory.

This resonates for “long-term homeschooling benefits” seekers: It’s not easy, but when passion fuels the fire, families flourish. Felice’s kids? (Listen for details on air.) Above-and-beyond achievers! Homeschooling gives kids options to explore their own ideas, passions, and wants.

The Data Doesn’t Lie: Quantifying Homeschool Grad Success