Introduction
If you’re exploring alternatives to traditional public schools, you’re not alone. The topic of “school choice” is everywhere—in the news, on social media, and in conversations among parents. The idea is simple: families deserve more options when it comes to their children’s education. But does school choice really guarantee the right fit for every child? And where do homeschooling and unschooling fit into this national conversation?
Let’s look at what’s happening, why it matters, and how you can create a truly personalized learning journey at home—no matter what’s happening in the headlines.
School Choice: Good Intentions, Real Limitations
There’s no question that school choice has opened doors for many families. Vouchers, education savings accounts, and charter schools offer alternatives that didn’t exist a generation ago. I fully support the intention behind these programs: every child deserves a high-quality education that fits their needs.
But here’s the reality—there are only so many high-quality schools out there, and many already have waiting lists. Even with a voucher in hand, parents often find that their choices are limited by location, availability, and logistics. Not every school is a good fit for every child, and not every family can access the options they want.
According to recent reports from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Pew Research Center, families across the country are looking for more flexible, meaningful options. And when high-quality schools aren’t available, parents are increasingly turning to homeschooling, microschools, or innovative tech-based solutions.
Why Parents Are Seeking Alternatives
So, why are so many families looking beyond traditional schools—even with school choice programs in place? Here are some of the top reasons:
- Limited Seats in Quality Schools: High demand means long waiting lists and no guarantees.
- Mismatch with Family Values or Needs: Not all schools—public, charter, or private—align with every family’s educational philosophy or unique situation.
- Desire for Flexibility: Families want learning to fit their lives, not the other way around.
- Personalized Learning: One-size-fits-all approaches don’t work for every child, especially those with special needs or unique talents.
- Concerns About Rigid Curriculums: Many parents want something more creative and adaptable than traditional textbooks and testing.
Bridging the Gap: My Approach to Homeschooling
This is where my approach comes in. I’ve seen firsthand—both as a classroom teacher and a homeschooling parent—how families can feel caught between two extremes: rigid, standardized curriculums and the complete freedom of unschooling. Each has its strengths, but also its challenges.
My goal is to bridge that gap.
- I offer a framework that combines the creativity and flexibility of unschooling with the structure and accountability of a standards-aligned curriculum.
- Every lesson in my books is built around real-world, STEAM-integrated experiences for children (and parents!) to explore together.
- Activities are mapped to national standards (Common Core, NGSS, C3), so you can feel confident your child is meeting important benchmarks—without sacrificing joy and curiosity.
- I include portfolio and documentation tools to help you track progress and meet accountability requirements, while still honoring your child’s individuality and interests.
- My approach is designed to nurture a growth mindset, encourage questioning, and support multiple intelligences—so every child feels seen, capable, and inspired.
Why This Matters Now
The truth is, even as school choice expands, the options aren’t limitless—and the best fit for your child might not be available through a traditional school. Homeschooling, especially when it’s flexible, creative, and standards-aligned, remains the most reliable way for many families to ensure a high-quality, personalized education.
You don’t have to choose between structure and freedom. With the right tools and support, you can guide your child’s learning journey in a way that’s intentional, inspiring, and fully aligned with their needs—and with national standards.
Gentle Guidance for Curious Parents
If you’re new to homeschooling or just curious about what’s possible, you’re in the right place. You’ll find free resources—including my free report “5 Homeschooling Myths That Hold Parents Back—And How to Overcome Them” linked at the top of this page. These are designed to answer your biggest questions and help you feel confident as you explore new paths for your child’s education.
Remember, you’re not alone. More families are making this shift every year, and I want to build a whole community out there ready to support you—every step of the way.