Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump has pledged his support for homeschooling families, promising to be their “champion” if he is elected for a second term in 2024. Trump acknowledged the increase in homeschool enrollment since the COVID-19 pandemic began, citing a 30% surge. He also highlighted how his previous administration allowed families to use 529 savings accounts to spend up to $10,000 annually on K-12 education, excluding homeschooling families from this benefit.
In a recently released video, Trump declared that he would fight to extend the same tax-free educational benefit of $10,000 per child to home school parents, stating his commitment to the growing homeschool movement. Furthermore, Trump vowed to work towards allowing homeschooling families access to additional benefits enjoyed by non-homeschool students, such as educational clubs, afterschool activities, and educational trips.
#Agenda47: President Trump's Pledge to Homeschool Families pic.twitter.com/qCvPRSCfRI
— Team Trump (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TeamTrump) September 14, 2023
Showing his continued support for homeschooling families, Trump urged them not to vote Democrat, claiming that they seek to destroy them. Trump’s announcement follows a warning issued by a homeschooling legal advocacy organization, cautioning families to be cautious of legislation supporting education funds that may also include homeschool families. The Home School Legal Defense Association expressed concerns about increased regulation and barriers to homeschooling that could arise if they were to participate in state-funded programs.
Republican lawmakers, including Senator Tim Scott, have been advocating for school choice in recent years to garner support from voters. Scott, who is also running for the presidency in 2024, unveiled his “Empower Parents Plan” to enable parents to take control of their child’s education. The push for school choice aligns with Trump’s promise to support homeschooling families and empower parents in educational decision-making.
