Category Archives: Homeschooling

Colorado Homeschool Enrichment entered a new phase after the dissolution of Education reEnvisioned BOCES, known as ERBOCES, before the 2026-27 school year. For families, the change is not only a policy story. It affects where children gather for part-time learning, whether programs can be funded, and how parents plan reading, arts, science, language, and community experiences around a home education plan.

As a literacy coach, I look at these changes … Read the rest

The latest federal data on teen reading scores gives homeschool families a clear signal: older students need steady, specific support in both literacy and math. The 2025 NAEP Long-Term Trend assessments, published on June 10, 2026, found that 13-year-olds had no statistically significant change in average reading or mathematics scores compared with 2023. Their average scores in both subjects also remained below 2020 and 2012 levels, except among the very … Read the rest

NASA STEM funding matters to homeschool families because it connects space science, engineering habits, research experiences, educator support, and career awareness in ways that can fit many learning settings. The key is reading each opportunity carefully. Some NASA programs welcome homeschool students directly, while others require affiliation with a school, umbrella program, charter program, museum, or community education partner.

For families planning high school science, career exploration, or dual-enrollment preparation, … Read the rest

The Bilingual Teacher Shortage in California is not only a public school staffing issue. For homeschool families, it is a clear social studies lesson about language access, workforce planning, local partnerships, and how teenagers can be invited into public service before they finish high school.

California’s plan is especially useful for parents who want civics, geography, economics, and literacy to connect in one unit study. The state is trying to … Read the rest

Back-to-school books can do more than decorate a classroom shelf in August. Used well, they help children move from loose summer reading habits into the routines, emotions, friendships, expectations, and stamina of a new school year. For parents, teachers, librarians, and homeschool families, the strongest fall reading choices are not just “school-themed.” They give children language for first-day worries, model classroom belonging, refresh read-aloud routines, and turn summer reading momentum … Read the rest

Let’s talk about the elephant in the homeschool room. When people ask, “But what about socialization?” they often imagine a certain scene. It’s filled with crowded hallways, cafeteria chatter, and the school playground.

Studies show that the home learning environment is key for a child’s social skills. But here’s the catch: real connections aren’t about being in a big crowd. It’s about curated, meaningful interaction.

Think of it like … Read the rest

Imagine trying to run the latest software on a twenty-year-old operating system. It’s a recipe for crashes, frustration, and wasted talent.

For many brilliant, neurodiverse kids, the traditional classroom is that outdated OS. It’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Their spark fades under the pressure of standardized expectations.

But what if the problem isn’t the peg, but the workshop itself? Choosing a personalized path … Read the rest

Let’s talk about something different. Standardized tests are like judging a chef by a microwave dinner. They’re quick, uniform, but miss the real point of learning.

The portfolio & assessment is like a five-course tasting menu. It’s not just old homework. It’s a story of your growth and learning. Imagine it as your academic director’s cut, with extra commentary tracks.

Teachers are asking big questions. What’s the real purpose of … Read the rest

Legal Requirements for Homeschooling in California

When it comes to homeschooling in California, there are specific legal requirements that parents must adhere to. These requirements ensure that homeschooling is conducted in a way that aligns with the state’s educational standards and provides a well-rounded education for children.

One of the key legal requirements for homeschooling in California is the submission of a Notice of Intent to Homeschool. This notice … Read the rest

Do you remember that school project that felt like trying to put together IKEA furniture without instructions? We’ve all been there. My worst nightmare was the California Mission kit—a box that taught me more about glue fumes than history.

True PBL isn’t about the final product. It’s about the messy, glorious process. It’s the unit where eighth graders become record producers for Shakespeare or third graders pitch dream homes … Read the rest