Danielle C.: “The state never followed up on my education”
“Enforcing the current requirements that Indiana has in place could help to prevent children like me from slipping through the cracks.” As Gloria Steinem said, “The final stage of healing is using what happens to you to help other people.” In 2019, I was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and PTSD stemming from the years of…
Amy W.: “Supporting homeschool oversight is the least we can do”
“I lived in a continuous state of fear and learned helplessness. I was afraid to make even the smallest decisions for myself.” My family began homeschooling in 1991, the year my older sister was set to enter kindergarten. Our local public school had a terrible reputation, and my mother believed she could provide us with…
Reanna G.: “Homeschooling was not in MY best interest.”
“My goal one day is to help give children a voice about whether or not they wish to be homeschooled or go to public school.” I was homeschooled. It has to be the worst aspect of my childhood. I was raised by a relative, whom I called mother, and who ended up homeschooling me because…
Kelley Richey: “My mom let her mental health issues seep into every aspect of our lives”
“Mom would tell me that I was refusing to learn how to read because I didn’t love her. That really triggered so much anxiety in me as a youngster trying my very best to understand new concepts that weren’t easy.” The following story is my own experiences as a product of homeschooling. I have taken…
Elizabeth B.: “I begged my mother to help me come up with a transcript and diploma”
“When I was 18, I begged my mother to help me come up with a transcript and diploma, so that I could attempt to pursue a higher education. She would refuse each time and tell me that she didn’t want to ‘limit me’ by defining what my education was.” I was homeschooled by my parents…
Catherine S.: “Everyone needs a checks and balance system”
“The horror film that was my life growing up in an isolated homeschool household is what will keep me a forever supporter of this organization.” I was educated using a curriculum that was self teaching — read and follow directions — and later, my education was outsourced to homeschool coop groups for college prep high…
Bea M.: “Unchecked power is perilous”
“In my profession, I understand that teaching is a skill. Parents may love their kids, and even be educated themselves, but that doesn’t make them teachers.” I was homeschooled from kindergarten through 12th grade. I am the oldest of five children. We were a very traditional, religious family. My mother and father both hold bachelor’s…
Elle S.: “Some years I had science, most years I didn’t”
“There was a direct correlation between the minimum legal requirements for homeschooling in the state where I was home-educated, Ohio, and the content of the education that I received.” I went to a private school from grades 1-4. During fourth grade I was pulled out of school during an unexpected move and homeschooled through high…
Erika S.: “Verbal and physical abuse was a norm”
“My ‘education’ was in spite of my homeschool education.” My experience homeschooling was a fight to survive and every day a focus to cultivate skills for after I left. I went to public school through 6th grade and my mother decided to give homeschooling a trial period through the summer. I insisted on daily work…
Linda P.: “I wish I could paint a happy ending to this story”
“I want families who choose this route to have a tremendous homeschool experience. After hearing about the Turpin case, like many others with homeschool experience, I believe changes needed to be made in the laws.” My name is Linda. I have raised seven children and am currently an artist and community volunteer. My decision to…