Unschooling is a growing alternative education movement where children learn through life experiences instead of traditional classroom instruction. As more parents seek personalized and flexible learning paths, unschooling is gaining popularity across the U.S. and here’s what you need to know!

So, just what exactly is unschooling? Well, Unschooling is a form of homeschooling that breaks away from the idea of following a set curriculum. Instead, it centers the child’s interests, passions, and pace.

Parents who unschool their children are seen more like facilitators than instructors, creating rich environments, offering resources, and supporting their child’s questions. The belief is that learning doesn’t have to be separate from life because it is life. Unschooling functions on the premise that when kids are given the freedom to explore, they develop deep, authentic understanding and a lifelong love of learning.

“The thing we all have in common in unschooling is that the young person is in charge and has the autonomy of what it looks like and the parent is the support and guide,” Bria Bloom, staff member and organizer at the Alliance for Self-Directed Learning (ASDE), said in a recent interview with USA Today. Bloom was unschooled as a child and is now unschooling her two children, who are aged, 14 and 2.

Why are parents choosing to unschool instead of “regular” school?

There are a lot of reasons, and they vary from family to family. Some are responding to gaps in the traditional school system. Things like overcrowded classrooms, outdated curriculum, or a lack of attention to students’ emotional well-being weigh heavy in their decision. Others simply want a more flexible, personalized approach that honors their child’s learning style and identity to be at the forefront of their education.

And of course, COVID-19 also played an important part in this educational shift. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, homeschooling in general more than doubled between spring and fall 2020, jumping from 5.4% of households to over 11%. Among Black families, the increase was even more dramatic, rising from 3.3% to 16.1% in just a few months. 

Does unschooling actually work? Well, that depends on how the parents define educational success.

Unschooling critics raise concerns about structure, socialization, and college readiness. However, studies suggest that many unschooled kids thrive academically and emotionally. A 2021 study published in the Journal of School Choice found that grown unschoolers were more likely than their peers to report high levels of satisfaction in life and career. Many go on to college, launch businesses, or pursue creative fields with a strong sense of self-direction and purpose.

Unschooling isn’t for everyone. But for families who value freedom, trust, and learning that flows from curiosity, it’s a compelling path. Unschooling invites us to rethink what school has to look like, giving options to parents to take the education of their child into their hands.