Let’s talk about the “Big Beautiful Bill”—because if you’ve been watching the headlines, you’ve probably heard some pretty dramatic claims. Some say it’s a giveaway to the rich. Others say it’s the beginning of the end for public schools.
But I’m here to say: neither is true. At least, not in the way most critics think.
If you’re a homeschooling or unschooling parent—or thinking about becoming one—this bill may actually open doors that were previously slammed shut.
So, What Is the Big Beautiful Bill?
This federal proposal includes a tax-credit scholarship program. Translation? It encourages donations to scholarship organizations that help families cover the cost of private education—including homeschooling resources.
But it’s not for the 1%. In fact, it’s capped at 300% of your area’s median income. That’s about $150,000 to $180,000 a year for a family of 4–5 in many states. If you live in a high-cost-of-living area, you know how far that doesn’t go.
To qualify, families must also be eligible for public school enrollment—so it’s clearly designed to help middle-class families who are stuck in systems that aren’t working.
Who This Really Helps
I have a niece living this story in real time. She and her husband both work long hours just to afford their son’s $1,700/month tuition at a private school that works with his learning style. He’s a kinesthetic learner—bright, curious, and always on the move. The local public school simply didn’t have the flexibility or resources to meet his needs.
Are they rich? Absolutely not. They’re hustling, sacrificing, and doing everything they can to give their child a better shot. That’s who this bill is for.
The Catch? Yes, There Are Some
Look, I won’t pretend this bill is perfect. There are real concerns worth addressing:
No clear prioritization for kids in failing schools
Lack of accountability for private programs receiving public funds
Possible funding declines for public schools without safeguards
But dismissing the entire bill as a “handout to the rich” is shortsighted. The answer isn’t to shut down choice—it’s to get smarter about how we implement it.
What Would Real Educational Equity Look Like?
Equity means meeting families where they are—and that’s different for everyone. Here’s what true fairness could look like:
Aid based not just on income, but on educational need
Transportation help for families without cars or safe routes
Special education services extended to private and home-based learners
Transparency and accountability for every institution that receives public money—public, private, or otherwise
Where My Unschooling Books Come In
Now here’s where you and I have more control than Congress: how we educate our children today, right now.
Whether or not the Big Beautiful Bill passes, families are already choosing alternatives—and they need resources that work.
That’s why I created the Unschooling for Grades K–5 series. Each book is built on the belief that education should be:
Flexible and personalized to your child’s curiosity and learning style
Aligned with national standards like NGSS and Common Core—so you can track progress without worksheets
Grounded in real life, not busywork
Everyday activities become learning opportunities. Watering the garden? That’s biology and systems thinking. Baking bread? That’s chemistry, math, and engineering. A walk through the neighborhood? That’s environmental science, history, and art.
You don’t need a classroom or a credential—you just need a spark. My books help you find it, and build on it with confidence.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Stop Fighting the Wrong Fight
Education isn’t one-size-fits-all. And it never has been.
Public schools play a vital role, but they aren’t serving everyone equally. Rather than force every child into the same mold, let’s support policies that offer meaningful choice and hold every option accountable.
The Big Beautiful Bill isn’t a silver bullet. But it is a step toward recognizing that learning doesn’t have to be confined to a classroom.
And that’s what unschooling has always known.