In this heartfelt episode of SCAIHS Stories, we sit down with Emily Hoornstra—a second-generation homeschooler, mom of five, and SCAIHS member—who shares her family’s journey with honesty, humor, and deep encouragement. Emily opens up about her early homeschooling years, her husband’s initial hesitations, the challenges of teaching multiple ages, and the surprising ways their homeschool rhythm evolved over time.

She also reflects on how SCAIHS has supported her family through curriculum decisions, state requirements, and seasons of doubt. With warmth and wisdom, Emily offers practical advice for new homeschoolers, including the importance of knowing your “why,” giving yourself grace, and trusting that the Lord truly equips us for what He calls us to do.

Whether you're just beginning or well along in your homeschool adventure, Emily’s story will leave you inspired, reassured, and reminded that you're not walking this path alone.

Questions or remarks can be sent to schomeschooling.com or [email protected].

Podcast Production: Bob Slone Audio Productions
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bobslone

In this inspiring conversation, Rainey shares her journey from a lifetime of homeschooling in South Carolina to thriving as a psychology major at Anderson University. Rainey reflects on the three words that define her homeschool experience—fun, family, and independence—and how each shaped her education, faith, and personal growth. She opens up about the flexibility that suited her introverted personality, the deep connections she built with her family, and the way homeschooling prepared her for the independence of college life. Whether you’re a current homeschooler, a parent considering the path, or simply curious about what homeschooling can offer, Rainey’s story will encourage and inspire you.

Questions or remarks can be sent to schomeschooling.com or [email protected].

Podcast Production: Bob Slone Audio Productions
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bobslone

Carlotta Jackson, a homeschool mom having graduated all nine of her children, discusses learning about homeschooling for the first time, her experience with SCAIHS, homeschooling children with special needs, learning how to “suffer well”, and imparting the Word of God to her children along with imparting a strong sense of family.  

https://www.jacksonfamilyministry.com/

Questions or remarks can be sent to schomeschooling.com or [email protected].

Podcast Production: Bob Slone Audio Productions
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bobslone

Cris, a homeschool mom having homeschooled for 15 years after teaching in a classroom for 10 years, discusses the encouragement she received from her SCAIHS counselors, what a great resource the SCAIHS bookstore is, and helping her boys develop their world view

Questions or remarks can be sent to schomeschooling.com or [email protected].

Podcast Production: Bob Slone Audio Productions
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bobslone

Katie, a homeschool mom of two with 1 year of experience under her belt, discusses how the Lord “moved her” to homeschool, the excitement she has in seeing the light bulb moments in her children, and the breath of fresh air she experienced from the support of her seasoned SCAIHS counselor.  

Questions or remarks can be sent to schomeschooling.com or [email protected].

Podcast Production: Bob Slone Audio Productions
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bobslone

Shana, a homeschool mom of four girls, discusses the difference between her 3rd option group and SCAIHS, teaching her daughters to be independent learners, and says homeschooling has paid dividends.  

Questions or remarks can be sent to schomeschooling.com or [email protected].

Podcast Production: Bob Slone Audio Productions
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bobslone

Tracy, a homeschool missionary mom of two boys, discusses the joy of being a SCAIHS member, the benefits of having a SCAIHS counselor, and the feeling she had when SCAIHS helped her keep her promises to her children. 

Questions or remarks can be sent to schomeschooling.com or [email protected].

Podcast Production: Bob Slone Audio Productions
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bobslone

Mary Kaye, a mom of four, having used public school, private school, and homeschool for her children, discusses the pros and cons of homeschooling, how she’d do things differently if she could, and learning to “unschool” herself as a former classroom teacher.

Questions or remarks can be sent to schomeschooling.com or [email protected].

Podcast Production: Bob Slone Audio Productions
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bobslone

Michelle, a homeschool mom having graduated all four of her children through SCAIHS, talks about her experiences with the history of homeschooling in South Carolina and SCAIHS, what to do when the bad days come, and how to be committed to homeschooling.

Questions or remarks can be sent to schomeschooling.com or [email protected].

Podcast Production: Bob Slone Audio Productions
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bobslone

Geoffrey, currently homeschooling his 4 daughters, talks about the freedom and flexibility that homeschooling provides; allowing for him to better protect his girls.  He discusses his thankfulness for SCAIHS and his counselor, and urges anyone considering homeschooling to “Do It”.  

Questions or remarks can be sent to schomeschooling.com or [email protected].

Podcast Production: Bob Slone Audio Productions
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bobslone