Books-Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling

From the bestselling author of Unschooled, Kerry McDonald’s latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling offers an exploration of new, low-cost K–12 learning models that favor individualized, learner-centered education—”the roadmap for anyone tired of the status quo and ready to make a difference in how we teach the next generation” (John Mackey, New York Times–bestselling author of Conscious Capitalism).

Across the United States, parents, teachers, administrators, policymakers, and ordinary citizens are increasingly frustrated by the rigidity and standardization of modern schooling, and they are seeking alternatives. This frustration has manifested in remarkable growth in alternative education models, particularly homeschooling, which has experienced unprecedented expansion in recent years.

The Homeschooling Boom: From Pandemic Acceleration to Sustained Growth

Homeschooling has emerged as the fastest-growing form of education in the United States, with approximately 3.7 million students currently being homeschooled as of 2024-2025. This represents a dramatic increase from just 2.3 million in 2016, demonstrating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1% between 2016 and 2021 (Homeschooling Statistics 2025 in USA).

The COVID-19 pandemic served as a major catalyst, with the number of homeschooling households doubling during the pandemic, jumping from around 3% of households before the pandemic to nearly 11% in 2021 according to the U.S. Census Bureau (Education NextU.S. Census Bureau). However, what’s particularly noteworthy is that homeschooling growth has continued well beyond the pandemic’s immediate impact. Recent data shows that in the 2023-2024 school year, homeschooling grew across the United States, with 90% of reporting states showing increases—and this growth was not driven by the pandemic or sudden disruption to traditional schooling (Homeschool Growth: 2023-2024 – JHU Institute for Education Policy).

Current estimates indicate that nearly 6 percent of all school-aged children nationwide were homeschooled during the 2022–23 school year, compared to 10 percent in private schools and 84 percent in public schools (New U.S. Census Bureau Data Confirm Growth in Homeschooling Amid Pandemic – Education Next). This represents a doubling from pre-pandemic levels of approximately 2.8 percent in 2019.

The Microschool and Learning Pod Revolution

Openness to different learning models reached new heights during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to accelerate through innovative models like microschools and learning pods. These microschools, many now monetized for profit, have grown exponentially, serving over 1.5 million K-12 students, mostly unregulated and taught by noncertified teachers (COMMENTARY: The rise of microschools: A wake-up call for public education). Microschools and learning pods are alternative forms to traditional schooling that can be seen as a “mid-point” between private schools and homeschools, offering personalized learning experiences tailored to individual student needs (Microschools and Learning Pods: A Movement of Education Innovation – America’s Future).

Growing out of the “pandemic pods” that emerged during the rolling school closures of 2020 and 2021, microschools are intentionally small schools, often serving 15 students or fewer (A New Crop of School Models Expands Choice – Education Next). Unlike the frontier one-room schoolhouses of the past, many of today’s microschools leverage computer-adaptive learning-management software to provide a personalized education for each student.

Diverse Demographics and Motivations

The homeschooling population has become increasingly diverse. Among families that reported having homeschooled students, 19 percent of respondents were Hispanic or Latino, 60 percent were white, 12 percent were Black, 2 percent were Asian, and 7 percent were two or more or other races—largely similar to the Census Bureau’s estimates of the general school-age population.

The top reasons for homeschooling include concern about the school environment (such as safety, drugs, and negative peer pressure), dissatisfaction with academic instruction at schools, and a desire to provide religious instruction. When asked about the most important reason for homeschooling, concern about the environment of other schools was cited most often at 28 percent (Press Release – A higher percentage of K–12 students are receiving academic instruction at home – September 17, 2024).

Economic Impact and Academic Performance

The growth in alternative education models has significant economic implications. Homeschooling saves about $56 billion of taxpayer money annually, with families spending an average of $700-$1,800 per student annually compared to much higher public school per-pupil spending (Homeschooling Statistics in 2025 (Latest U.S. Data)). Research consistently shows positive academic outcomes, with 78% of peer-reviewed studies on academic achievements showing that homeschooled students perform statistically significantly better than students in institutional schools.

Entrepreneurial parents and teachers are responding to the growing demand for learning models that challenge the status quo. They are creating micro schools, learning pods, homeschooling collaboratives, online learning networks, and other flexible educational models that provide specialized, individualized education, often at a lower cost than traditional private schools. Many homeschool hybrids, microschools, and other unconventional learning programs charge tuition fees that may range from $175-$650 a month, making them more affordable than traditional private schools (The Ultimate Guide to Microschooling and Mix-and-Match Learning | Navigate School Choice).

Joyful Learning shares the experiences of these everyday entrepreneurs who are reimagining learning in their communities, showing parents what is possible for their children and encouraging aspiring school founders to take their own enterprising leaps. The book comes at a time when families are increasingly interested in options that go beyond standardized testing and the one-size-fits-all model, with micro-schools’ choice and flexibility being a big reason for their growing popularity.

Blending fresh storytelling with straightforward advice, Joyful Learning is an inspiring, relevant, and timely book for parents looking for different education options for their children, as well as would-be education entrepreneurs hoping to launch their own creative learning solutions. As the overall number of U.S. students is declining due in part to declining birth rates, the number of homeschooled students continues to go up, suggesting a fundamental shift in how American families approach education.