Jennifer Welch’s Comments on Homeschooling

Podcaster Jennifer Welch sparked controversy with her distinct views on homeschooling during her podcast, I’ve Had It. Welch described homeschooling as a “Crazy Christian problem” and referred to it as “trickle-down stupidity” and “MAGA on steroids.” These remarks drew backlash and an official response from the Department of Education.

The proven value of homeschooling should never be dismissed as ‘trickle-down stupidity.’ The only thing that is stupid is your ignorance. The Department of Education stated on X.

As a liberal podcaster, Welch hosts the podcast alongside Angie Sullivan. The format involves both discussing topics they find frustrating. The discussion stemmed from a listener’s call-in, complaining about individuals whom they deemed unqualified to homeschool their children.

Welch further elaborated:This is MAHA, this is trad wife, this is unvaxxed and unjacked and all that s***. America has a crazy Christian problem. We have a fundamental crazy Christian problem. She expressed concern about some mega churches and their schools beingcrazy indoctrination factories and called homeschooling a huge problem.

Response from Public Figures

These comments are part of Welch’s history of controversial statements, having previously criticized Erika Kirk as a grifter. The podcast is known for outspoken left-wing political views and the use of profane language.

Following Welch’s remarks, the Department of Education highlighted achievements of homeschoolers, such as winners of the Presidential 1776 Award, who have succeeded at high levels. Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis responded:Not true, stating his experience showed homeschool students tended to be noticeably well-behaved.

Daily Wire opinion editor Benjamin Domenech added his perspective, mentioning his own successful homeschooling background and questioning Welch’s contributions, highlighting the achievements of his siblings and himself in contrast.

Rise in Homeschooling

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, homeschooling rates have increased. Research indicates many families have maintained homeschooling practices. Census data analyzed by the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy reported 5.92% of school-aged children were homeschooled during the 2023-24 school year. This marks an increase from previous years, doubling from 2.8% in 2019.

Homeschooling Performance Studies

Published research generally shows homeschooling equals or surpasses traditional schooling in standardized tests and college outcomes. A University of Minnesota study looked at 732 homeschooled students across 140 colleges, matching them with traditionally educated peers on SAT scores, GPA, and socioeconomic factors. Results showed homeschoolers had higher average SAT scores and GPAs, with no difference in first-year college GPA compared to similar traditional students.

Analyses by the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) found homeschoolers scored 15 to 25 percentile points higher on standardized tests than public-school students. However, disagreements exist on whether advantages stem directly from homeschooling or parental involvement and socioeconomic factors.

Critics argue many studies depend on voluntary participation, suggesting families opting for testing may be more engaged academically than the overall homeschool demographic.