Socialization is no problem for most homeschoolers, who grow up to be generally happy, involved adults rather than nerdy loners, according to a new study.

A new survey of adults who were educated at home – the largest of its kind – contradicts long-standing complaints of critics by showing that homeschoolers typically go to college, find work, fit into society and become good citizens.

Researcher Brian D. Ray, president of the Oregon-based National Home Education Research Institute, conducted the study, called "Homeschooling Grows Up." Ray surveyed 7,300 adults between the ages of 18 and 24 who were homeschooled, including 5,000 who were educated at home for at least seven years.

The survey found that 74 percent had taken college courses, compared with 46 percent in the same age group among the general population. About 12 percent had received bachelor's degrees, compared with about 8 percent of their peers.

Adults who were taught at home were more involved in their communities and churches, the survey found. Seventy-one percent of former homeschoolers serve their communities in activities such as coaching a sports team, volunteering at school, or working with a church or neighborhood association, compared with 37 percent of U.S. adults of similar age.

Homeschooled adults also are active in politics. Only 4.2 percent of homeschool graduates consider politics and government too difficult to understand, compared to 35 percent of all U.S. adults, the survey found. Former homeschoolers are working for candidates, contributing to campaigns and voting at much higher rates than the general public.

They attend public meetings, contact public officials, sign petitions, participate in protests and boycotts, and vote in elections more often than the general public. Many, but not all, former homeschoolers are politically and socially conservative.

Nearly all homeschooled adults read books and magazines, while they are less likely than the general public to keep track of news on television or in the newspapers, the survey found.

And many more adults who were educated at home said they are enjoying life. Fifty-nine percent are "very happy," compared with 28 percent of the general public, and 73 percent find life exciting, compared with 47 percent of the public, according to the survey. Sixty-one percent are "very satisfied" with their jobs, compared with 40 percent of the general public, and 49 percent are satisfied with their financial situation, compared with 23 percent of the public.

Homeschooled adults also have a better work ethic, the study found. Eighty-five percent agree that hard work is the most important factor in success, compared with 68 percent of the general public.

Homeschoolers "look better than the general public" on most measures, James Carper, a professor of educational psychology at the University of South Carolina, who reviewed Ray's findings, told The Washington Times.

Homeschool organizations said they hoped the study would end stereotypes of homeschoolers as people who lack socialization. Homeschooling has been criticized by, among others, the National Education Association, a union that represents 2.7 million teachers and other school workers. It has declared that homeschooling programs "cannot provide the student with a comprehensive education experience."

The study, commissioned by the Home School Legal Defense Association, contradicts "false criticisms" and seems to show that "homeschooling produces successful adults who are actively involved in their communities and who continue to value education for themselves and their families."

The most recent government figures, from 1999, put the number of children taught at home at 850,000. But Ray contends the federal figure is low because some homeschooled students do not report themselves. He says that 1 million to 2 million children, representing 2 percent to 4 percent of all U.S. schoolchildren, are taught at home. [ http://www.religionjournal.com/showarticle.asp?id=591 ]