The National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) is a nonprofit organization that conducts and compiles research on home education, publishing statistics, academic studies, and the peer-reviewed journal Home School Researcher.
What is NHERI?
NHERI (National Home Education Research Institute) serves as the primary clearinghouse for academic research on homeschooling in the United States. Founded in 1990 by Dr. Brian D. Ray, the organization conducts original research, maintains a database of over 1,800 homeschool studies, and publishes Home School Researcher, a peer-reviewed academic journal established in 1985. When you see homeschool statistics cited in media or policy discussions, they often originate from NHERI research.
Key Takeaways
- Maintains database of 1,800+ homeschool research references
- Publishes Home School Researcher peer-reviewed journal since 1985
- Founded by Dr. Brian Ray, Ph.D. from Oregon State University
- Estimates 3.1+ million K-12 homeschool students as of 2021-22
- Research shows homeschoolers typically score above average academically
Key Statistics from NHERI Research
Research on Common Concerns
NHERI research addresses questions skeptics often raise about home education. Studies show parent teaching certification is not correlated with student achievement, meaning parents without education degrees teach effectively. State regulation levels don't correlate with academic outcomes, which has implications for homeschool freedom advocacy. Research on socialization shows homeschoolers perform at or above average on measures of social, emotional, and psychological development.
Dr. Brian Ray's Contributions
Dr. Ray has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals including Academic Leadership Journal, Peabody Journal of Education, and Journal of School Choice. His research covers topics from African American homeschool families to state regulation effects on SAT scores. This body of work provides the academic foundation that journalists, policymakers, and researchers reference when discussing home education outcomes.
The Bottom Line
NHERI provides the research foundation supporting homeschool advocacy and informing public understanding of home education. When you need statistics to explain homeschooling to skeptical relatives or school officials, NHERI's fact page offers cited data. The organization's work demonstrates that homeschooling produces positive academic and social outcomes across demographic groups. For families making the homeschool decision, NHERI research provides evidence-based confidence.
