SECDEF Hegseth Orders Review of Homeschool Support Efforts

In a memorandum published on May 27, 2025, Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) Pete Hegseth directed the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness to begin a department-wide review of how the U.S. military supports families who homeschool their children.

The review will also look at best practices, including the ability of the Department of Defense (DOD) to provide facilities or access to other resources for military-connected homeschooled students.

"Through these efforts, the department will uphold the directive to improve the education, well-being and future success of military-connected students, supporting parents in choosing the best educational options for their children," Hegseth wrote. "Ensuring that military-connected families receive strong educational support maintains morale and readiness, reinforcing the overall stability and effectiveness of our military communities. This is vital to the department and the quality of life of our service members, who deserve no less."

The new directive lines up with the department's current review of options that support expanding educational choice for military-connected families. That review was initiated in January, with an executive order from President Donald J. Trump, outlining the administration's focus on expanding educational freedom for American families.

In the order, the President ordered the SECDEF to review any available mechanisms under which military families may use funds from the Department of Defense to attend schools of their choice, including private, faith-based or public charter schools. Secretary Hegseth is to submit a plan to the White House describing such mechanisms and the steps that would be necessary to implement them beginning in the 2025-26 school year.

In a statement on May 27, Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs and Senior Advisor Sean Parnell said the effort will strengthen military families and enhance readiness.

"The department recognizes the vital role parents play in the education of their children and remains committed to providing military families with the flexibility and support necessary to choose the educational path that best meets their needs," Parnell said. "Through this effort, the DOD will strengthen support for military-connected students and reinforce the readiness and quality of life of service members and their families."