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.

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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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.

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.

So, does homeschooling deliver? Dr. Ray’s research says yes—across academics, behaviors, and beliefs. Starting with the basics: Quantitative metrics like SAT/ACT scores, college GPAs, and completion rates? Homeschool grads outperform public and private school peers on average. Publishers once highlighted this; now? We don’t hear much about it in the news, perhaps because it spotlights homeschool wins.)

Suicidal ideation? Lower. Substance abuse? Minimal. These “worldly measures” affirm homeschooling’s edge, but Dr. Ray pushes deeper: What about morals and values, the heart of many families’ “why”?

Enter the Gen 2 Study (free at NHERI.org). This is a landmark look at 18- to 38-year-old adults. Funded for a rare representative sample, it tracked schooling history (homeschool, public, private Christian/non-Christian years), family size, religious attendance, and parent-teen relationships. Outputs? Christian orthodoxy (core beliefs like God’s existence), behaviors (honesty, fidelity), life satisfaction, civic engagement, and belief alignment with parents.

The verdict? Eye-popping correlations:

Church attendance played a pivotal role in achieving good outcomes. Early and teen years correlated positively across metrics. But the powerhouse? Parent-teen relationships. Stronger bonds with mom and dad in adolescence predicted the most positive outcomes—outranking even homeschool duration.

“This isn’t just a homeschool study—it’s a family study,” Dr. Ray marvels. For “homeschool values transmission research” fans, it’s gold: Homeschooling fosters worldview retention like nothing else. Not every grad’s a saint (perfection’s not the goal), but averages show thriving adults who love God, obey laws, build families, and bless communities. Rock stars? Optional. Good neighbors? Guaranteed.

Critics might nitpick, but Dr. Ray spotlights the 25-year-old “Mismeasure of Homeschooling” by Dr. Gregory Slezak, urging focus beyond test scores to philosophical goals. And for balance? The recent Cardus Education Survey (Canada-based think tank) by Dr. Albert Cheng. It notes that homeschool grads might earn less or engage less civically—but long-term homeschoolers (those who have completed most or all of their K-12 years) tend to exhibit robust faith, family values, and a strong work ethic. Short/medium-term? Less so. Household income dips? Often because they’re prioritizing kids (more grandkids per age group!). This is subtle, but profound for “long-term homeschool outcomes.”

Dr. Ray’s hunch (opinion, not data): Homeschoolers skew entrepreneurial, independent, voracious readers—traits tough to quantify but evident in anecdotes as does Gerwitz. (Listen on air)

Feeling the pinch? Dr. Ray and Felice get it—32 and 40+ years don’t lie. Success isn’t a paycheck; it’s a legacy. Brainstorm “homeschool grad success qualities,” and you’d land on Dr. Ray’s list: Amiability, hard work, relationship-savvy, God-honoring, family-valuing, idea-open. Add college prowess if that’s your jam, but thriving = impact.

Relationships are the secret sauce. Felice shares a book she published through her Media Angels, Inc. company, “Secret Code Time.” The book emphasizes the importance of communication between parents and children. The aim is for judgment-free conversations. A time for parents to just listen. She shared how it unlocked her quiet son’s ability to discuss with her what was on his heart. It allows respect to flow both ways—parents first, modeling.

Dr. Ray’s hacks? Radio-off car rides to hardware stores. Felice’s hubby? Late-night room hangs (even if exhausted). Teens spill when you show up.

Not perfect parents? Join the club. Dr. Ray admits to his non-stellar moments, but persistence pays off. If bonds frayed, start now: Apologize, listen, invest. It’s never too late—even post-grad. The enemy targets families; don’t let him win.

Homeschooling’s rise proves doubters wrong. Thirty years ago, outcomes were uncharted. Today? Affirmation galore. Dr. Jay Wile (Apologia science pioneer, Dr. Ray’s pal) spotlights grad feats often on Facebook—phenomenal by worldly metrics. Felice’s circle? Curriculum creators hearing “You changed my life” years later. For “Is homeschooling worth it?” queriers: Yes. A good citizen who loves the Lord? Mission accomplished.

Carry on, mamas. Your “gold watch” is those proud glances from kids who’ve conquered.

Dr. Ray’s message? Homeschooling works—academically, spiritually, relationally. Don’t quit; refine. Tune into the full episode at VintageHomeschoolMoms.com for deep dives, and real information you can use!

Links: NHERI.org (Gen 2 Study, Cardus summary).

Editor’s Note:

What’s your homeschool win? Share in comments. For more on “adult homeschooler success,” “homeschool research stats,” or “faith-based homeschool outcomes,” subscribe to Vintage Homeschool Moms. You’ve got this—because He does.

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