Beyond The Schoolhouse: Discovering The Best of Public, Private, Homeschool & Alternative Education

Welcome back to Beyond The Schoolhouse!🏫 In today’s thought-provoking episode, Sarah McCubbin sits down with fellow blogger and Pocket Homeschool founder Melissa for an honest, heartfelt conversation about a topic many homeschoolers only discuss in hushed tones: educational homeschool neglect.

Drawing from their personal journeys as homeschool parents and leaders, Sarah McCubbin and Melissa explore the hidden struggles families face when foundational skills like reading and math just aren’t sticking, the subtle ways well-meaning parents can miss red flags, and how popular advice—online and in community groups—can sometimes do more harm than good. You’ll hear inspiring and practical insights on why intentionality matters, how to avoid unintentional gaps, and how the homeschooling community can better support struggling families.

💕If you’re a parent or educator wrestling with whether “waiting it out” is best, feeling overwhelmed by the maze of resources, or wondering how to approach a friend when you see red flags, this episode offers both validation and clear next steps. Join us as we shed light on an important topic and empower you to be the advocate your child needs—whether you’re new to homeschooling or a seasoned veteran.

Melissa, from Pocket Homeschool, is passionate about providing smart, simple resources for homeschooling families. Living in Wisconsin with her two sons, aged 11 and 14, whom she has homeschooled from the start, Melissa focuses on meaningful family experiences and affordable, academically oriented tools that encourage explorative learning. She is enthusiastic about helping others and values important conversations about education.

➡️Connect With Melissa at www.pockethomeschool.com
➡️Connect with Sarah at www.sarahmccubbin.com

00:00 Discussing gaps in homeschooling skills

06:06 Addressing concerns in homeschooling

07:42 Homeschooling and seeking evaluations

10:39 Discussing learning disabilities in homeschooling

16:41 Listening and validating concerns

19:27 Discussing the IEP process

21:36 Challenges in children's education

24:51 Letting kids choose their path

27:09 Social media and empty advice

31:53 Benefits of learning higher math

36:39 Curating educational resources for kids

39:41 Intentional choices in homeschooling

43:10 Finding reliable advice in homeschooling

46:21 Finding homeschool-friendly professionals

48:56 Being open to constructive feedback

Welcome back to Beyond The Schoolhouse! Today, we dive into the nuts and bolts of launching and leading homeschool groups with Darrin Jones from HSLDA—a 30-year veteran advocate, lawyer, and homeschool parent. With the landscape of homeschooling changing rapidly, Darrin brings practical wisdom from decades of supporting groups across the country, from small playdate circles to robust resource centers.

Whether you’re dreaming of starting a local co-op, inheriting a long-running group, or navigating conflicts and policies, this episode is packed with stories, common pitfalls, and actionable advice. We’ll talk vision, legal hurdles, why thoughtful policies matter, and how to set your group up for long-term success—while keeping peace with your neighbors and embracing the creative, independent spirit that defines homeschooling. If you’re ready to support your children’s education and your community even better, this episode is for you!

To Connect with Darren: Visit HSLDA.org
To Connect with Sarah: sarahmccubbin.com

00:00 Supporting new homeschool group leaders

03:42 Vision planning for group growth

06:21 Finding the right space for co-ops

11:07 Setting up a homeschool nonprofit

13:23 Avoiding legal headaches in co-ops

16:49 Creating school conduct policies

19:43 Handling diverse co-op memberships

23:49 Updating group policies and bylaws

28:14 Discussing marketing for educational groups

30:49 Homeschooling laws in different states

35:03 Organizational setup and leadership questions

36:46 Checking bylaws and compliance

40:56 Finding a lawyer for homeschool groups

43:17 Keeping homeschool co-ops out of trouble

Welcome to Beyond The Schoolhouse! In today’s episode, host Sarah McCubbin sits down with Justine Wilson, founder of Curious and Kind, a unique self-directed, nature-immersive learning program in Florida.

Drawing from 17 years spent teaching and leading schools across the U.S. and abroad, Justine Wilson shares the personal journey that led her to break away from traditional education and create a program designed around the needs and passions of children—not the system.

We’ll unpack what self-directed learning really means, how it differs from project-based approaches, and dive into real stories of fostering independence, social-emotional growth, and community among learners from early childhood through the teen years. Sarah McCubbin and Justine Wilson explore what healthy self-directed programs look like, how they support kids with diverse needs—including those struggling with mental health—and how parents can think differently about educational options in a rapidly shifting landscape.

If you’ve ever wondered whether self-directed learning, forest schooling, or innovative hybrid models could be the right fit for your family or your students, this episode will inspire and inform your next steps.

Learn about Justine's program at:

➡️https://curiousandkind.org/
➡️https://www.instagram.com/curiousandkindeducation/
➡️https://www.facebook.com/curiousandkindeducation

To Connect with Sarah:
➡️ https://sarahmccubbin.com

00:00 Starting Curious and Kind

05:58 Child-led learning exploration

07:58 Debunking Lord of the Flies myth

12:55 Documenting student learning with apps

15:16 Overview of forest school programs

17:29 Daily routine and group reflections

22:52 Mental Health Monday program

24:09 Introducing the Flying Squad program

28:39 Fitting unique activities into academics

31:45 Outdoor self-directed learning center

34:16 Waldorf school's no-tech policy

39:04 Kids' different approaches to planning

40:46 Homeschoolers' diverse paths and challenges

46:27 Supporting children's interests in learning

48:31 Parents supporting kids' varied interests

What if education could do more than transfer information—what if it could help children discover who they were created to be?

In this episode of Beyond The Schoolhouse, Lesley Russell introduces Revelate Learning, an approach rooted in seeing every subject through the lens of the Creator. Drawing from more than 20 years of homeschooling, a master’s degree in education, and experience launching microschools and training educators internationally, Lesley shares the five foundational elements of Revelate Learning: perspective, personhood, pillars, biblical principles, and transformational pedagogy.

Together, we explore how this framework can complement existing Christian curricula, renew the way parents and teachers learn, and help children recognize their identity, calling, creativity, and capacity to see God’s wisdom throughout creation. Leslie also explains why she believes learning should be invigorating rather than transactional—and how families, schools, and communities can equip children to bring a God-centered perspective into every sphere of life.

Connect with Lesley
➡️Revelate Learning: https://revelatelearning.com/
➡️Equip 210: https://www.equip210.com/
🎯Read her book! Revelations From God in Education
https://amzn.to/4x5llum

Inside this Podcast:
00:00 Launching new schools with Revelate Learning

05:50 Biblical principles and educational pedagogy

09:23 Reevaluating Christian Faith

12:12 Training teachers in Pakistan and India

13:46 Talking about the word "revelate"

19:51 Teaching Biblical Principles to Kids

23:27 Developing a multilingual curriculum

26:00 Meaning of the term "apostles"

28:28 Educating kids for adulthood

To Find out more about the Beyond the Schoolhouse Podcast or to connect with Sarah, visit www.SarahMcCubbin.com

Welcome back to Beyond The Schoolhouse! In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most pressing questions facing modern parents and educators: How do we truly prepare our teenagers for meaningful, fulfilling careers in a world full of choices and change? Our guest, Corey Kossack from Orchard, joins us to explore the innovative ways families and schools can move beyond the old “falling into a job” narrative. With decades of collective experience launching kids into adulthood, Corey and our host unpack how AI-driven career guidance can give both students and parents the tools to intentionally map out future pathways—whether your teen is lost, laser-focused, or somewhere in between.

We’ll challenge assumptions about college, share real talk about how most of us didn’t get this kind of direction in our own youth, and discover how platforms like Orchard can help families have deeper, curiosity-driven conversations about work, life, and purpose. Get ready for practical insights, honest stories, and a refreshing take on lighting that motivational spark in young people—without pigeonholing or generic advice. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or leader rethinking what career readiness looks like, this episode will leave you inspired and better equipped for the journey.

Check Out Orchard.careers to do your own free trial and start helping your young person look at their future career differently.

Corey Kossack has dedicated significant time to helping people navigate and reset their career paths when they find themselves stuck. Recognizing the challenges individuals face in unwinding from unsuitable choices, Corey co-created Orchie, an AI career counselor. With Orchie, Corey empowers students to explore diverse career possibilities, deeply understand their own motivations, and thoughtfully map out fulfilling futures. By guiding students through self-discovery and step-by-step planning, Corey ensures they pressure-test their goals and make confident strides toward meaningful careers.

To connect with Sarah, visit SarahMcCubbin.com

00:00 AI career counseling tool Orchie

03:35 Filming professionals in their jobs

07:11 Honesty in parenting lessons

11:22 Realizing animation isn't my talent

14:11 Choosing Psychology as a Major

18:16 Exploring careers with AI assistant

22:48 Discussing kids' career aspirations

25:11 Midlife career exploration

27:14 School program integration process

31:47 Motivating kids with personal goals

36:30 Creating a career readiness index

38:57 Old-school career assessments

42:49 Exploring career pivots for parents

46:32 Exploring career paths without degrees

47:24 Guiding conversations with young people

50:38 Vitamin vs painkiller analogy discussion

Learn how Karim Kuperhause creates effective educational resources for schools and ed tech companies. See his approach here. This episode of Beyond the Schoolhouse features an introduction to Kareem Cooperhouse, a professional with extensive experience bridging the gap between classroom needs and educational technology. We examine his specific methods for building tools designed to support teachers and administrators. If you are interested in ed tech development, you will gain insight into how to design better educational resources.

We discuss his history of collaborating with various institutions to improve student learning outcomes and operational efficiency within the school system. Subscribe for weekly educational leadership breakdowns, and comment below on which industry topics you want us to cover next.

Karim is a thought leader in education and runs an education accelerator through HierLearning.com

He is also the author of The Great Unlock: How AI Is Making the Future of Learning More Human
https://amzn.to/4x6cXMf

Join us as we talk about:

• The true definition and scope of edtech inside and outside the classroom
• Why only a small fraction of edtech solutions directly improve student outcomes
• How parents can set clear expectations and use metrics to evaluate learning tools
• The challenge of student motivation and the potential of AI-powered personalized learning
• The importance of co-design, open communication, and adaptability in education decisions

To connect with Sarah, visit SarahMcCubbin.com

Thinking about homeschooling your child through high school? In this episode, Kym Kent shares practical advice and addresses common concerns for parents navigating the high school years at home.

Why homeschooling through high school is not as daunting as it seems

How to tap into resources, dual enrollment, and affordable learning opportunities

The critical role of community and how to find or create your support network

Strategies for motivating teens and aligning academics with real-world goals

Addressing the “failure to launch” concern and setting your child up for post-graduation success

Connect With Kym!

website:  https://extendhomeschool.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ExtendHomeschool

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/extendhomeschool/

Connect with Sarah: [email protected]

In this episode, Britton LaTulippe shares his innovative approach to education through Blue Manor Academy, emphasizing character, leadership, and the subjects of greatness. Discover how his model integrates traditional elite prep school principles into an online platform to cultivate future leaders.

Learn More About Blue Manor:
https://www.bluemanoracademy.com/?via=sarah

Keywords: education, leadership, character, prep school, online schooling, Blue Manor Academy, raising children, greatness, homeschooling, character development

Key Topics

• The concept of raising children for greatness
• The difference between traditional prep schools and Blue Manor
• The role of character and leadership in education
• The monitorial system and student-led authority
• The importance of teaching wisdom and virtue
• The integration of body, mind, and spirit in schooling
• The history of elite families and their educational principles
• The practical application of leadership training for children
• The online platform and curriculum of Blue Manor
• The importance of family and community in education

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Britton LaTulippe and Blue Manor Academy

06:58Defining Elite Prep Schools and Their Purpose

13:11The Importance of Character and Leadership in Education

18:16Subjects of Greatness: Family, Wealth, and Leadership

23:33The Monitorial System: Student-Led Leadership in Education

28:33Leadership in Action: Student-Led Initiatives

30:59The Importance of Experience in Leadership

36:24Foundations of Leadership Education

38:43Evolving Educational Philosophy

44:57Connecting with Blue Manor Academy

In this episode, Sarah sits down with her oldest son, Ian, who completed all 13 years of K–12 as a homeschooler. As a recent college graduate and now a software developer, Ian brings an honest perspective on the strengths, challenges, and surprises of homeschooling.

• Welcome and Introductions
  Meet Ian, a 23-year-old homeschool graduate, and get a brief overview of his educational path 00:00.
• Educational Journey Breakdown
  Details about micro schools, co-ops, and early charter school experiences 01:09.
• How Homeschooling Compares
  Ian reflects on the diversity of his path versus traditional and public schooling 02:36.
• Early Memories of Homeschooling
  Learning to read and the challenges and victories along the way 03:01.
• Socialization in Homeschooling
  Honest talk about making friends, social growth, and the unique homeschool “culture” 09:21 12:01.
• A Typical Homeschool Day
  Ian shares his daily structure—and why he loved finishing early 06:11.
• Role of Co-ops & Micro Schools
  How these enriched his studies, especially in high school 07:35.
• Exploring Interests and Career Skills
  The flexibility of homeschooling allowed Ian to pursue computers, video games, and eventually software development 15:10 16:00.
• Transitioning to College
  Early college credits, academic prep, and the importance of learning independence 18:10.
• Homeschool Weaknesses
  Challenges with advanced math and how a great college teacher made the difference 20:13.
• Imposter Syndrome in College
  Navigating feelings of inadequacy and switching majors 24:29.
• What Parents Get Right—and Worry Too Much About
  The vital importance of writing, advice for parents, and tips for teens feeling behind 28:12 29:27.
• Would He Homeschool His Own Kids?
  Ian offers practical perspective on why he’d choose homeschooling for his future family, with caveats about outsourcing advanced classes 33:24.

• Homeschooling brings unique freedoms and challenges—embracing both is key.
• Socialization happens, but entering new environments can bring new learning curves.
• Writing is a critical skill that pays dividends in every subject and career field.
• Parents don’t have to be “experts”—they are uniquely equipped to guide their children.
• Don’t be afraid to fail and try new things, especially in high school—this builds resilience for adulthood.
• Outsourcing upper-level subjects or utilizing co-ops/micro schools can round out a homeschool education.

Listen to Beyond The Schoolhouse on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

In this episode, Join Sarah McCubbin as she talks with Christy Serra-Gandara, a former teacher turned homeschool parent, about the realities, challenges, and rewards of homeschooling after leaving classroom teaching. In this candid discussion, they dive into what really changes when a teacher chooses to educate her own children at home.

• Why Christy decided to leave classroom teaching and homeschool her kids
• How being a teacher both helped and complicated her transition to homeschooling
• The biggest differences between school learning and homeschooling—motivation, structure, and flexibility
• Dealing with misconceptions teachers and others have about homeschool families
• What has changed in homeschooling since the early 2000s, and advice for parents considering the switch
  
  Connect with Christy at HappyHiveHomeschool.com
  
  Timestamps:
  00:00 Leaving school to homeschool

  05:15 Transitioning from school to homeschool

  06:39 Teaching kids to read at home

  10:54 Motivation in Education

  15:07 Finding a family routine

  18:22 Homeschooling flexibility vs. classroom rigidity

  22:13 Funny homeschool misunderstanding

  23:49 Homeschooling and self-paced learning

  28:11 Being foster parents and homeschoolers

  29:31 Judgment on homeschooling in public

  35:04 Kids' Career Paths and Interests

  36:14 Kids' Educational and Career Paths

  42:02 Homeschooling becoming more accepted

  44:22 Changing views on education value

  46:46 Homeschooling with family involvement

  49:35 Life with a young child