In this episode of It's Not That Hard to Homeschool, veteran homeschool educator Lisa Nehring (of True North Academy) discusses living in a world overflowing with options—and for today's teens, that can be paralyzing. What should I study? Should I go to college or start a business? What if I make the wrong choice?

In a culture that glorifies hustle, comparison, and constant choice, gratitude is the grounding force our kids need. It quiets the noise. It helps them see that having choices is a gift—and that gift comes with responsibility, confidence, and peace.

• True North Academy – Live online classes, advising, and resources for homeschool families.

👉 Check out our Gratitude Journal: a FREE resource for high schoolers during this Thanksgiving Season.

Episode Sponsors: CTC Math

In this episode of It's Not That Hard to Homeschool, veteran homeschool educator Lisa Nehring (of True North Academy) discusses how to develop your student's stand-out factor using the 5 Pillars of Readiness.

• True North Academy – Live online classes, advising, and resources for homeschool families.
• The Typical Course of Study for Highschool

• How to make colleges, internships and careers interested in you.
• How to develop professional skills and independence.

👉 Download the Future Jobs Made Simple Guide. A guide to the 150+ careers your homeschool teen could have in the future.

👉 Sign up for the Typical Course of Study for Highschool.

👉 Does your hugh school student stand out?

👉 What is the "Stand-Out Factor?"

Episode Sponsors: CTC Math

In this episode of It's Not That Hard to Homeschool, veteran homeschool educator Lisa Nehring (of True North Academy) reviews tips and tricks of picking the best curriculum!

Every new homeschooler—and even those who've been at it a while—can struggle with choosing curriculum. With literally tens of thousands of options out there, it's no wonder it feels overwhelming!

But here's the good news: it doesn't have to be. Homeschooling is about cultivating a lifestyle of learning, and curriculum should enhance that—never overshadow it.

Join Lisa as she reveals how to choose curriculum like a pro and have a great time doing it!

• True North Academy – Live online classes, advising, and resources for homeschool families.
• True North Academy's Dual Degree program - Earn a degree in highschool!
• Not That Hard To Homeschool: we have the highschool homeschooling resources you need!

Episode Sponsors: CTC Math and Great Homeschool Conventions

In this episode of It's Not That Hard to Homeschool, veteran homeschool educator Lisa Nehring (of True North Academy) breaks down one of the most confusing parts of homeschooling high school: credits and transcripts.

If you've ever wondered:

• How do I calculate a high school credit?
• What goes on a transcript (and what doesn't)?
• How do I make my teen's homeschool transcript look "official"? —then you're in the right place.

Lisa shares her 20+ years of experience helping homeschool families around the world prepare transcripts that open doors — to college, military service, conservatories, and scholarships. She covers how to: ✅ Track and calculate credits using Carnegie units ✅ Weigh courses like Honors, AP, and Dual Enrollment ✅ Organize your transcript by year or subject ✅ Include extracurriculars, service hours, and awards ✅ Use addendum pages strategically for standout accomplishments

She also gives insider tips from her years reviewing transcripts in higher education and explains how to create a transcript that tells the story of your student's achievements — the kind that admissions officers love to read.

🎯 Spoiler: It's not rocket science — but you do need to dot your i's and cross your t's!

• True North Academy – Live online classes, advising, and resources for homeschool families.
• Homeschool Transcript Template (Fillable PDF) – Easy-to-use transcript form for homeschoolers.
• Book: Survive Homeschool High School by Lisa Nehring – Includes printable forms and transcript tools.

• A credit = 120 hours of work (Carnegie unit). Half credit = 60 hours.
• Include classwork, reading, projects, tests, and competitions in your time log.
• It's legal (and normal!) for homeschool parents to issue transcripts.
• There are three main transcript types: Academic (21 credits), College Prep (24), and Honors (28).
• Don't forget the addendum sheet to highlight community service, awards, and special achievements.

👉 Download the Homeschool High School Transcript Template — a fillable, professional PDF that helps you track credits and calculate GPA correctly. Get it here: Homeschool Transcript Template PDF

Ready to feel confident about record keeping?

🎓 Download your Homeschool Transcript Template and join the It's Not That Hard to Homeschool groups for support and free workshops. Be sure to check out the ebook: For The Record

👉 Get the Template Now

Show: Not That Hard to Homeschool Host: Lisa Nehring Sponsor: CTC Math Guest: Lisa Nehring from True North Academy

What if your high schooler could graduate with both a high school diploma and a bachelor's degree—without student debt? In this episode, Lisa shares how True North Academy's innovative Dual Degree Program helps homeschool families do just that.

Learn how your teen can earn an accredited high school diploma and an accredited college degree by age 18 or 19, saving time, money, and stress. Lisa answers one of the biggest parent questions:

"When can my child start the dual degree program?"

From eighth graders getting a head start to seniors finishing strong, this episode breaks down how the program works, how credits transfer, and how families can start mid-year or part-time. Most importantly, you'll discover how this program equips students with future-ready skills for a changing world—without the crushing burden of college debt.

• ✅ What makes True North Academy's dual degree program unique

• 🧑‍🎓 How students can start earning college credit as early as 8th grade

• 📅 How flexible scheduling allows mid-year or part-time starts

• 💰 Why debt-free degrees give teens long-term freedom

• 💡 The life skills and "future-ready" competencies every student needs for success

• 🎓 Learn more: True North Academy Dual Degree Program

• 🧾 Download: Homeschool Transcript Template

• 🧠 Sponsor: CTC Math — Save 50% Off Family Memberships

"We're not a college-ready program. We're a college-done program." – Lisa Nehring

If you've been praying for a program that helps your student launch with confidence and no debt, this might be the answer you've been waiting for. Reach out to True North Academy to schedule your Dual Degree Advising Appointment today.

• Website: NotThatHardtoHomeschool.com

• Instagram: @NotThatHardtoHomeschool

• Facebook: It's Not That Hard to Homeschool

Episode Title: When You Don't Know What's Next: Preparing Your High Schooler for the Next Season

Host: Lisa Nehring Brought to you by: CTC Math — the stress-free, self-paced homeschool math program for every learner.

What happens when your high schooler doesn't know what's next—and honestly, neither do you? In this episode, Lisa Nehring shares heartfelt wisdom drawn from her own experience of transition: selling her family home after 22 years and entering a new season of life. Just as a home must be prepared before it's ready for new owners, our teens can prepare for their future—even when the destination isn't clear yet.

Lisa helps parents shift from being "taskmasters" to "project managers," guiding the big picture of high school with intention and peace. She breaks down four key skill areas every teen needs before graduation—academic foundations, digital fluency, financial and career readiness, and social-emotional intelligence—along with four types of transcripts that align with their goals: trades and tech, college prep, honors/dual degree, and entrepreneurship.

This episode will help you stop stressing about predicting the future and start preparing your teen to be ready when opportunity comes.

• You don't need to know what's next to start preparing for it.

• Shift from being a taskmaster (focused on daily assignments) to a project manager (focused on the big picture).

• The four categories of preparation:

  1. Core Academic Foundations — communication, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration.

  2. Tech & Digital Skills — AI tools, coding, digital literacy, and research.

  3. Financial & Career Readiness — budgeting, entrepreneurship, professionalism.

  4. Social & Emotional Intelligence — leadership, resilience, and cultural literacy.

• Three main pathways (plus one bonus!): trades and tech, college prep, dual degree, and entrepreneurship.

• Preparation over prediction is the key to confident homeschooling through high school.

• 🧮 CTC Math – Try it Free

• 📄 Taming the Transcript — a parent-friendly guide to building a professional homeschool transcript.

• 🏫 Homeschool High School Transcript Template — fillable, professional, and easy to use.

Even if your teen doesn't have all the answers about their future, you can still prepare them for success. Take one small step at a time. High school doesn't have to feel overwhelming—it's truly not that hard.

What if finding a few like-minded families near you were as easy as dropping a pin on a map? In this episode, Lisa chats with Morgan Bergstrom—former corporate recruiter, mom of three (soon four!), and creator of BaseCampEd, a free app that helps homeschool and alt-ed families connect locally. Morgan shares her family's journey from full-time daycare to kindergarten at home, the moment the "mini co-op" idea clicked, and why connection—not perfection—keeps families thriving. We talk hybrid options, micro-schools, nature schools, and why you don't have to go "all in" on day one. If you're homeschool-curious (or already homeschooling and craving real-life community), this one's for you.

• Morgan's pivot from 12 years in corporate recruiting to entrepreneurship

• The origin story of BaseCampEd (and why it'll always be free for parents)

• Moving every 2–3 years: building community fast in a new city

• Hybrid/alt-ed options: co-ops, micro-schools, nature & farm schools, STEM programs

• How to "test drive" homeschooling without going all-in

• Socialization myths vs. real connection

• Why homeschooling pairs naturally with entrepreneurship

• You don't need 100 people—just a few good families you connect with.

• Try before you leap: add a small reading/math kit after dinner or on weekends.

• Use tools (like BaseCampEd) to find local groups, events, and alt-ed resources.

• Give your kids the gift of time: true literacy & critical thinking don't require 6 hours at a table.

• "I wanted a Zillow for homeschoolers: pull up a map, click the dots, read profiles, and connect." —Morgan

• "You don't have to be 'all in' on day one. Start small and see how your child resonates." —Morgan

• "Homeschooling opens doors to alternative work and entrepreneurship." —Lisa

• BaseCampEd – Free app to connect with local homeschool & alt-ed families

• True North Academy – Live and self-paced classes for K–12

• It's Not That Hard to Homeschool Podcast – More episodes with Lisa

Episode Summary: Is traditional school no longer the right fit for your family? In this episode of It's Not That Hard to Homeschool, Lisa Nehring breaks down the ever-expanding list of educational alternatives—homeschooling, microschools, university-model schools, co-ops, online academies, dual enrollment, and dual degree programs. With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming, but Lisa gives you a step-by-step framework to clarify your goals, assess your child's needs, and confidently select the best path forward.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The pros and cons of microschools, hybrid schools, and co-ops

• What dual enrollment really means (and why it varies by state)

• How online academies differ in quality and approach

• Why dual degree programs may be the most cost-effective option for motivated teens

• Four practical steps to evaluate and choose the right educational path for your family

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• CTC Math – Free Trial (sponsor)

• True North Academy – Online classes, dual enrollment, and dual degree options

• Browse curriculum reviews and homeschool resources at NotThatHardtoHomeschool.com

Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | [RSS Feed]

Homeschool language arts… but make it magical.

In this episode, Lisa chats with Joshua Davidson, creator of Night Zookeeper—a story-driven, gamified ELA program where kids invent creatures, build worlds, and level up writing, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and more. With real tutors, smart scaffolding, and a gentle, visually stunning interface, Night Zookeeper helps reluctant writers become confident storytellers—and gives fluent writers a global community to share their work.

• How creativity fuels literacy: kids design characters, then naturally want to write, revise, and share.

• Built-in scaffolding: age-appropriate prompts and supports progress from picture-choice sentences to full paragraphs and essays.

• Immediate feedback (from a penguin!): friendly, low-friction corrections keep momentum high.

• Safe, moderated community: every post is reviewed by humans; parent controls let you dial features up or down.

• Comprehensive ELA: reading, writing, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, poetry, persuasive and report writing—guided by quests or sandbox play.

• Tutor feedback: real people encourage, coach, and celebrate wins.

• Grows with your learner: ages ~5–11 with pathways for beginners and advanced storytellers.

• Cross-platform access: computers and tablets; iPhone available now, Android app coming.

1. Create a character (unicorn-rainbow besties with a crisp packet named Bill? yes.).

2. Tell the story with prompts that match skill level.

3. Get feedback—from tutors, peers, and the professorial penguin.

4. Build skills via gamified lessons and the new Quests mode (a structured route through the curriculum).

5. Share & celebrate inside a fully moderated, kid-safe community.

• All student work is reviewed by human tutors before it's public.

• Feature controls for families (e.g., limit community features for younger children).

• Optional "bubble mode" if you want a solo experience.

• Create the first animal together. That one shared moment super-charges buy-in.

• Try the 7-day free trial, then (if you love it) consider the companion Night Zookeeper books for easy independent reading.

• Parents of reluctant writers who need a joyful on-ramp.

• Word-loving kids who want a bigger audience for their stories.

• Families seeking a complete, kid-safe ELA solution that actually gets used.

• Night Zookeeper (7-day free trial + discount):

• Night Zookeeper books (by Joshua Davidson): [book link]

• True North Academy (online grades 6–12): truenorthhomeschool.academy

• It's Not That Hard to Homeschool blog: notthathardtohomeschool.com

"The best forms of learning are play. We just give kids the tools to create until their hearts are content."

Ready to turn "I don't like writing" into "Can I write one more chapter?" 👉 Start the free trial here: https://www.nightzookeeper.com/ *Links to Night Zookeeper are sponsored affiliate links. A comissioned may be earned by Lisa Nehring.

The Drumbeat of Disruption: Why Homeschooling Matters More Than Ever

Sponsored by CTCMath.com

The world feels heavy right now. The headlines are filled with tragedy, confusion, and cultural chaos. From heartbreaking school shootings to online radicalization, parents are left wondering: How do I raise my kids in a world like this?

In this episode of It's Not That Hard to Homeschool, Lisa Nehring tackles these difficult questions head-on. She calls today's environment what it is—a drumbeat of disruption—and explains why homeschooling is one of the most powerful ways to reclaim influence in our children's lives.

Homeschooling isn't about hiding our kids away. It's about:

• Slowing down the noise

• Creating room for thoughtful conversations

• Building resilience, empathy, and character

• Teaching academic skills and critical thinking

• Preparing teens to face the world with strength and clarity

Lisa reminds us that homeschooling doesn't have to be perfect—it just has to be intentional. With countless resources and communities available, parents can feel equipped, not overwhelmed.

If you've ever wondered whether homeschooling is possible in times like these, this episode will give you both perspective and encouragement. In a culture filled with instability, homeschooling is a way to protect your kids' minds and hearts while still preparing them for the real world.

You are not powerless. As a parent, you can reclaim your child's education, their future, and their ability to navigate an uncertain world with confidence.