Melanie talks with Aaron Klemm from Summit Ministries, a featured Teen Track speaker at Thrive!, about helping teenagers wrestle with big worldview questions such as whether God exists and what He is like. Aaron explains how growing in confidence that the Christian worldview is big enough to engage all of life can shape the way students approach college, relationships, work, and everyday decisions.

Amanda then addresses a question many families are asking: What counts as homeschool attendance? She clarifies how North Carolina’s homeschool law applies to the operation of your school rather than counting a set number of days, how to think about attendance and annual testing within a calendar year, and what to do when filing a Notice of Intent midyear. She also explains how to handle situations where one child is homeschooled while another is enrolled in public school.

News and Upcoming Events

• 2026 Midwinter Chess Tournament winners

• England Planetarium and Museum of the Coastal Carolinas field trip

• Thrive! Conference early registration pricing  

In this episode, Amanda sits down with Kathy Lee Eggers, longtime homeschool mom, child development specialist, and author of The Homegrown Preschooler. Kathy shares her journey through decades of homeschooling and explains why play, connection, and relationship matter so deeply in the early years. She also discusses learning from birth through preschool and how play-based approaches can continue as children grow.

The conversation then turns to specific North Carolina homeschool law questions, including when compulsory attendance begins, whether children must be registered for kindergarten, and how families can open a homeschool or include children from another family under state law. Amanda and Melanie walk through these scenarios with practical clarification drawn from NC law and NCHE guidance.

The episode closes with homeschool news, upcoming activities, and reflections on how shared experiences and encouragement can shape both parents’ perspectives and students’ experiences.

News and Upcoming Events

• NCHE graduation and scholarship opportunities  

• NCHE scholarship fund giving   https://nche.com/scholarship-donations 

• Ingram Planetarium and Museum of Coastal Carolina field trip 

• Durham Bulls Education Day   nche.com/2026-durham-bulls/

• Thrive! Conference

Amanda and Melanie share additional planning details for the upcoming Thrive! conference, including hotel options connected to the Benton Convention Center and how NCHE’s homeschool graduation fits into the conference weekend. The episode features an interview with Amber O’Neal Johnston, a Thrive! speaker, who discusses cultivating curiosity, balancing academics with a full life, and encouraging parents to trust their role in homeschooling. The episode also includes a simple, accessible art project families can do together at home.

• Thrive! Conference early registration   

• Thrive! speakers and workshops    

• NCHE Homeschool Graduation  

• Sullenberger Aviation field trip  

• Museum of Coastal Carolina / Ingram Planetarium field trip    

• Durham Bulls Education Day   

This episode centers on Thrive! 2026 and what families can expect when attending the conference in Winston-Salem. Amanda and Melanie explain registration options alongside how the weekend is organized, including workshops, speakers, gatherings, mentoring support, and the vendor hall.

Homeschool news and upcoming events:

• Sullenberger Aviation Field Trip

• Diploma ordering for graduates

• Graduation ceremony and Graduate Central

• Graduate recognition in GREENHOUSE Magazine

notes

In this episode of The Homeschool Show, Amanda and Melanie discuss homeschool graduation options, including ceremonies, diplomas, and transcripts. They also explain NCHE’s scholarship program, application categories, and timelines. The episode introduces a new Real World Readiness series focused on practical skills students need, and concludes with NCHE news, upcoming events, and scholarship reminders.

Many homeschool parents face difficult conversations with family members who question their decision to homeschool. In this episode of The Homeschool Show, Amanda and Melanie talk through practical ways to navigate those conversations, including when to explain your choices, when to step in for your children, and when it’s appropriate to disengage.

The episode also includes a conversation with NCHE Executive Director Matthew McDill addressing abuse claims and homeschool regulation. He explains what research shows about abuse across educational settings and why increased oversight of homeschool families does not lead to greater child safety. The episode concludes with NCHE news, upcoming events, and scholarship reminders.

Protecting Children Without Undermining Freedom: The Truth About Homeschooling and Abuse

NCHE news and resources

• Midwinter Chess Tournament  

• Faith & Family Day with the Charlotte Hornets

• Sullenberger Aviation Museum Field Trip

• NCHE Scholarship Application Season

Welcome to the first episode of 2026 of The Home School Show from North Carolinians for Home Education! Hosts Amanda Wares and Melanie Willis kick off the new year with encouragement, practical guidance, and timely updates for homeschool families.

Amanda and Melanie discuss how the new year is a natural time to reflect, reset, and refocus in your homeschool. Whether your fall semester was a success or a struggle, this is a great moment to:

• Evaluate what worked and what didn’t

• Let go of curriculum or routines that aren’t serving your family

• Implement new habits like family read-aloud or Bible time

• Give yourself grace—especially if this is your first year homeschooling

The hosts remind parents that pivoting is not failure, and sometimes a simple reset can make a big difference.

The episode highlights the importance of preparing now for the ESA Plus Program, which has been a game changer for many special needs homeschool families.

• Applications open February 1 and typically close in early March

• Required documentation takes time to gather

• Listeners are encouraged to revisit Episode 190 for a full breakdown of the program

Even if you’re not ready to apply this year, learning the process now can help you prepare for the future.

k12.ncseaa.edu/the-education-student-accounts/how-to-apply/ 

Amanda answers real questions from homeschooling parents, including:

• How to respond when a teacher discourages a child from homeschooling

• Encouragement for first-year homeschool parents experiencing “mid-year panic”

Key takeaways include reinforcing your why, offering reassurance to your child, extending grace, and seeking support from fellow homeschoolers. The hosts also highlight NCHE’s mentor program as a valuable resource for struggling families.

The episode wraps up with exciting opportunities for North Carolina homeschoolers:

• ♟️ Free Online Chess Workshop – January 8  nche.com/chessworkshop/ 

• 🏀 NCHE Day at the Charlotte Hornets (Faith & Family Day) – Tickets on sale now  nche.com/hornets-2026/ 

• ♟️ Mid-Winter Chess Tournament – February 7 in Kernersville  nche.com/2026-mid-winter-chess-tournament/ 

• ✈️ Sullenberger Aviation Museum Field Trip – Registration open  nche.com/sullenberger-aviation-2026/ 

• 🎓 NCHE Scholarships – Apply now (deadline March 31)  nche.com/helps/high-school/scholarship/ 

Amanda and Melanie invite listeners to:

• Email questions or topic ideas to [email protected]

• Like, subscribe, and leave comments

• Share the show with other homeschool families

✨ From NCHE, Happy New Year—and keep homeschooling with confidence and joy!

🎄 Special Christmas Episode! 🎄

Matthew and Melanie share joyful videos from homeschool families as they highlight favorite Christmas traditions from homeschoolers across the state. They also talk about their own family traditions and what makes the season meaningful in their homes.

🎨 Easy Art for All Ages - Melanie demonstrates a simple snowman painting project that kids of all ages can enjoy. It’s an easy, low-pressure art activity perfect for the holiday season. 👉 Watch the art tutorial here: https://youtu.be/44Ys_EZ6FtM?si=iV9mW8psCwzNtBhs

🤝 How You Can Help NCHE - Rick Madl joins Matthew to talk about NCHE’s end-of-year giving campaign and how your support helps strengthen and encourage homeschool families across North Carolina.

📰 Homeschool News & Updates

• NCHE end-of-year giving campaign is now open: https://nche.com/give/

• NCHE Scholarship applications are now available: https://nche.com/helps/high-school/scholarship/

• January 8 – Online Chess Workshop: https://nche.com/chess-network/

• February 7 – Midwinter Chess Tournament: https://nche.com/chess-network/

✨ Episode 190 — Meet Nikki Cooper: NCHE’s Special Needs Support Coordinator + Applying for the ESA+ Scholarship

In this episode, we bring you two helpful conversations for North Carolina homeschool families—especially those navigating special needs services and scholarship opportunities.

🎙 Homeschool Interviews Amanda sits down with Nikki Cooper, NCHE’s Special Needs Support Coordinator, to answer real questions from parents about homeschooling children with special needs. Nikki shares encouragement, practical strategies, and resources to help families feel confident in their homeschool journey.

💡 Applying for the ESA+ Scholarship Melanie talks with Kathryn Marker from the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA). Kathryn explains:

• Who qualifies for the ESA+ scholarship

• What documentation you need

• How to complete the application

• What parents of students with disabilities should know before applying

Helpful links: ECAC Parent Center: https://www.ecac-parentcenter.org/ ESA+ Overview: https://k12.ncseaa.edu/the-education-student-accounts Documentation Requirements: https://k12.ncseaa.edu/the-education-student-accounts/documentation-of-a-disability/

NCHE’s End-of-Year Giving Campaign is now underway. Your support helps us equip homeschool families across North Carolina with confidence and joy. Give here: https://nche.com/give/

December 1 – NCHE Scholarship Applications Open https://nche.com/helps/high-school/scholarship/

January 8 – Online Chess Workshop https://nche.com/chess-network/

January 24 – Faith & Family Day with the Charlotte Hornets https://nche.com/hornets-2026/

February 7 – Midwinter Chess Tournament https://nche.com/chess-network/

📰 Homeschool News📅 Upcoming NCHE Events

• Homeschool Interviews: Amanda talks with Paul Bunke who operates Surry Runnin' Patriots.  They have basketball and cross country teams for homeschoolers. She also talks with Killian Wares who gives us a student perspective on sports in homeschooling. www.runninpatriots.com 

• What We’ve Seen on the Internet: We answer a question about having children tested for disabilities, and look at questions about high school credits and diploma requirements.

• Homeschool News:   NCHE membership benefits offer reduced rates on Cabin Rentals at Haven at Greenwood Glen.  Be sure to check out this and other benefits at nche.com/join/ 

Mark your calendars for these exciting upcoming events: 

• December 1st - NCHE Scholarship applications are now open.  nche.com/helps/high-school/scholarship/ 

• January 24th - Faith & Family Day at the Charlotte Hornets nche.com/hornets-2026/