Podcasts about Alternative education

Melanie Smith's path to education entrepreneurship was anything but typical. A U.S. Army veteran who once worked in a European command war room, Melanie found her true calling in peace education through the Montessori method. After years teaching in both public and private schools, she launched Freedom Montessori Academy, an eco-school in Florida that blends individualized Montessori learning with nature-based education. In this episode, Melanie shares how her military background shaped her vision for peaceful, child-centered learning, why she took the leap to start her own school, and how she rebuilt her program after the challenges of the pandemic. Melanie's story is an inspiring look at resilience, innovation, and the entrepreneurial spirit driving today's microschool movement. ***   Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald talks with Katie Saiz, founder of Greengate Children's School in Wichita, Kansas. Katie shares her inspiring journey from running a home-based daycare while homeschooling her children to leading a thriving private school serving nearly 100 students across preschool through middle school, with future plans for high school expansion. Katie explains how Greengate blends Montessori materials with project-based learning, attracts families seeking alternatives to traditional schooling, and shows how microschools can be both impactful and financially sustainable. She also discusses Greengate's growth, alongside her vision for partnerships, apprenticeships, and continued innovation in Kansas's vibrant alternative education landscape. You will hear candid insights into what it takes to run and expand a microschool, why financial sustainability matters, and how parent demand is shaping the future of education in Wichita and beyond. ***   Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.

In this episode of the LiberatED Podcast, Kerry McDonald talks with Jennifer Palmer, former special education teacher and now founder of Mobile Classroom Solutions in Polk County, Florida. Jennifer shares her journey from the conventional public school classroom to building a thriving microschool and learning pod that serve diverse learners, including many with special needs. We discuss how COVID sparked her entrepreneurial leap, why families are embracing flexible and personalized education, and how Florida's school choice programs are empowering parents to find the right fit for their children. Jennifer also highlights her role as co-founder and president of the Polk Microschool Collective, a growing network that connects and supports education entrepreneurs. Her story is an inspiring look at the creativity, courage, and community-building that are fueling the microschool movement in Florida and beyond. ***   Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.

Today is the official launch date of host Kerry McDonald's new book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling! Check out this special interview—and get your copy of Joyful Learning wherever books are sold!          

Sulaya Williams has been a teacher and administrator in the Florida public schools for 15 years. She left the school system in June to pursue entrepreneurship full-time as the founder of Link Up & Build Global Academy. ***   Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.

Send us a textHow can we recover the essential human connections that make life meaningful and sustainable? How can we create a world where neighbors know each other's names, children play freely outdoors, and no parent faces the overwhelming challenges of raising children alone? Sarah van Gelder, founder of YES Magazine and author of "The Revolution Where You Live," joins us to explore the troubling fragmentation of our social structures and the promising alternatives emerging in response. A growing number of Danish households are single-person dwellings, and approximately 95% of Danish children attend daycare. There is a global trend toward smaller household units and increasing isolation that contributes to what the U.S. Surgeon General has called a mental health crisis of loneliness.Drawing from her experience raising children in a co-housing community and her 12,000-mile journey exploring grassroots solutions across America, Sarah van Gelder shares examples of how intentional communities create joy, support, and meaning. From worker-owned cooperatives transforming economic power dynamics to neighbourhood initiatives that rebuild social connections, these stories challenge the dominant narrative that privacy and independence should be our highest priorities.The conversation delves into the cultural forces driving our disconnection—media that emphasizes danger over cooperation, economic pressures that separate families, and the glorification of individualism that leaves people feeling they must solve all problems alone. The path toward more connected living doesn't necessarily require radical lifestyle changes—simple actions like organizing neighborhood gatherings or creating mutual aid networks can begin to rebuild our social fabric. 

Think of Alexa Achille as an "Alexa" for innovative education in South Florida. A former special education teacher in the New York City public schools, Alexa finds great fulfillment in helping families discover the benefits of unconventional education. She is the founder of The Collabo in West Palm Beach, Florida, which empowers homeschooling families by providing enriching learning experiences for students, strategic resources for parents, and expert guidance on educational and post-secondary opportunities as a Choice Navigator.  ***   Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.  

Today on LiberatED, Kerry McDonald sits down with Bonnie Benjamin-Phariss, the Executive Director of Mosaic at WeAreBornToLearn.org—a vibrant online hub where families can reimagine education in meaningful ways. Founded by philanthropist Jeff Westphal and supported by the Jeff & Jenifer Westphal Foundation, Mosaic blends community with curated resources and practical tools to help young people flourish as curious, confident, self-directed learners outside the bounds of conventional schooling. One of Mosaic's key goals is to support more research around self-directed education. A study they conducted during the pandemic with over 1,000 participants revealed that parents were widely interested in holistic approaches to education. Now, Mosaic is collaborating with the Institute for Self Directed Learning to launch a new survey to understand the perspectives of teachers and educators.  Read more about Mosaic's mission and research in this recent article by Nasiyah Isra-Ul at the Education Entrepreneurship Lab. ***   Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.

Kerry's new book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, will be on bookstore shelves two weeks from today—Tuesday, August 19th.  Preorder your copy today at this link and use code JOYFUL20 at checkout for 20% off. Or visit your favorite local bookstore or online retailer to get your copy. ***   Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.

Send us a textWe sit down with Andrew and Heidi Schrum, just three weeks away from starting their life as a full-time nomadic worldschooling family. They ask us direct questions about our seven years of unschooling and worldschooling.We discuss how the biggest changes happened in us as parents—not our children. We describe letting go of academic pressure, seeing teenagers choose their own academic interests, and how travel creates natural learning opportunities. We also talk about why we stepped away from curriculum-based education and what we've learned about trust, autonomy, and family life on the road.Topics include:Trusting children's natural learningMoving beyond academic schedulesTeens choosing study for themselvesHow travel shapes social and cultural learningCritiques of conventional schoolingWhat changes most for parents in unschooling

What happens when a passionate public school teacher realizes the system she's devoted her life to is built on control, coercion, and outdated standards?In this powerful episode of The Homeschool How To Podcast, former K–12 teacher Angela Harders shares her eye-opening journey from traditional education to homeschooling and ultimately unschooling her own children. After over a decade in the classroom, Angela came to a painful conclusion: she was part of a system that often relied on fear, compliance, and force—not freedom or curiosity.Her story begins with a desk thrown across the room on her very first day of teaching—and ends with her daughter launching a popsicle business by age 7, all without ever using a formal curriculum.Angela opens up about:Her shift from teacher to unschooling parentWhy she believes children can learn 13 years of math in just 6 monthsHow her daughter learned to read without being taughtWhy the education system is designed for obedience, not understandingThe power of real-world learning and self-directionHow she now helps families legally unschool through PAX Academy and Peaceful World SchoolersWhether you're a curious parent, frustrated teacher, or seasoned homeschooler, Angela's story will challenge everything you think you know about education—and inspire you to rethink what learning really looks like.

Today's guest, Tiffany Blassingame, is reimagining Christian education. As the founder and lead teacher at The Ferguson School—a progressive, faith-based K-5 microschool in Decatur, Georgia—she blends over 20 years of experience in public and private education with a heart for helping students thrive. A fourth-generation educator, Tiffany primarily serves Black and brown gifted and neurodiverse learners. Her passion for nurturing both students and teachers sparked the creation of the Microschool Teacher Academy, where she mentors microschool educators with real-world tools and insights. Read more about Tiffany in Kerry's recent Forbes.com article. ***   Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.

Today's guest is Ryan Delk, cofounder and CEO of Primer, a fast-growing platform helping top teachers to launch microschools in their communities. He's spent the last decade building tech companies (like Square, Gumroad, and Omni), and was homeschooled from kindergarten through 8th grade. Ryan lives in San Francisco with his wife and three kids. ***   Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.

The Meke Academy in Napier provides an alternative education to rangatahi who have stopped attending school. Levi Armstrong, the man running the Academy, says students who used to attend traditional school once or twice a term are turning up to Meke daily. He talks to Jesse.

Send us a textWe sit down with Heidi and Andrew Schrum, who are about to leave home and begin travelling full-time with their two young children. They ask us what we wish we'd known at the beginning, and we talk through everything from reluctant kids and screen time to preparation that doesn't help and the emotional crash that often comes six months into travel. We also get into how to parent while unschooling—without stepping back too far—and how public perception shifts when you reframe unschooling as world-schooling. This is a direct, unscripted conversation about what it actually takes to live nomadically as a family. Support the showPODCAST INFOPodcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss SUPPORT & CONNECTSupport on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.familyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamilyTwitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

Today's guest is Sana Khan, a Board-certified Family Medicine Physician and founder of Ihsan Academy of Texas Microschool, a full-time, in-person program serving Grades 1-8 in Katy, Texas. The word Ihsan is Arabic for "Excellence", highlighting the vision of the school to provide Excellence in both the knowledge and application of the Islamic faith, and Academic Scholarship. ***   Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.  

For families considering life in El Salvador, this episode dives into what educational freedom really looks like on the ground. Mike talks with Ana Larios, co-founder of Escuela Libre and Skate, Paint & More, about building a community education program rooted in trust, creativity, and local connection.Ana shares how Escuela Libre grew from three families into a small but thriving homeschool community. It's a space where kids learn without uniforms or testing, and where volunteers from around the world teach everything from math and English to aerial silks and robotics. The school is part of a growing movement toward non-traditional schooling that centers kids instead of systems.We also get into Skate, Paint & More, an after-school program that offers experiential education through painting, skateboarding, music, and group projects. Most of the local kids had never painted before. Now they're learning to create, explore, and build confidence in a safe, supportive environment. It's all free for them, made possible by donations and visiting volunteers.This conversation is for anyone rethinking how learning should work, especially if you care about creative education or are considering a move to El Salvador. It's also a real look at how grassroots efforts can grow into something lasting without losing their soul.Hit subscribe, drop a comment, or send it to someone who's ready to ditch the system and do school differently.-Bitcoin Beach TeamConnect and Learn more about Ana Larios Pohlhttps://x.com/analariospohl https://www.instagram.com/analariospohl_arte/ https://www.instagram.com/acroyoga_elsalvador/ https://www.facebook.com/acroyogaelsalvador/ https://www.instagram.com/elzonteartsandlearning/?hl=en Support and follow Bitcoin Beach:X: @BitcoinBeachIG: @bitcoinbeach_svTikTok: @livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: bitcoinbeach.comBrowse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:00:00 What is Skate, Paint & More and how does it help kids in El Zonte?01:30 Why did Ana and other families start a non-traditional school in El Salvador?03:43 Is homeschooling legal in El Salvador and how does it work?06:43 How do volunteers help build this homeschool community?10:12 What makes this community education program work for both locals and expats?14:16 What is grip tape art and how are kids using it creatively?16:52 How does art and skateboarding boost kids' confidence?21:06 What advice does Ana have for parents moving to El Salvador?29:44 When does the Skate, Paint & More program run and how can others join?34:00 What kind of donations support creative and experiential education in El Zonte?Live From Bitcoin Beach

Jackie Bonath was a public school teacher for 14 years before quitting her job earlier this year to launch Creekside Cottage School, a full-time, multi-age microschool located in Gahanna, Ohio, a close suburb of Columbus, that is focused on nature-based learning. With 20 students already enrolled for this fall, and daily inquiries from interested parents, Jackie sees growing demand for innovative education options in her area. ***  Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.

Looking for homeschool and alternative education options?Kimberly Gawne joins me in the special summer re-release to discuss homeschool and alternative schooling options, because every child's needs are different. We discuss the importance of parents being the primary educator of their children and that parents should be empowered to make the best and most appropriate educational decisions for their child.Kimberly Gawne is the visionary founder of Star Students, a trailblazing educational organization dedicated to nurturing the brilliant minds of tomorrow. See all the work she does here: https://www.starstudents.co/July 17, 2025Episode 264RE-RELEASE Homeschooling & Alternative Education Options for Whole Child Learning with Kimberly GawneAbout Your Host:Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed is mom to three girls, a Vermont based Early Childhood Educator and the founder of Core4Parenting. She is the passionate mastermind behind the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™, a birth-to-five, soul and science based framework that empowers toddler parents and educators  to turn tantrums into teachable moments. Through keynotes, teacher training, and her top-ranking podcast, Transforming the Toddler Years, she's teaching the 5 Executive Functioning Skills kids need to navigate our ever-changing world.Ready to raise world-ready kids who change the world? Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.caratyrrell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠to begin your Collaborative Parenting journey!Interested in being a guest on the podcast? We'd love to hear from you! Complete the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Guest Application form here⁠⁠.⁠

Send us a textCharles Eisenstein is an author and speaker whose books and essays explore themes of community, human connection, economics, and social change. He is known for works such as The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know Is Possible.Charles joins us to explore how modern family structures have evolved and what's been lost in our transition from community-based living to isolated nuclear families. What gets lost when we accept today's idea of “normal” life? Together with Charles we discuss the shift from community to isolated nuclear families, the fading of shared caregiving, and why so many people feel something essential is missing. Charles shares his view that grief and discomfort about modern life are important signals, not problems to fix. Together, we question how community skills have eroded and what it might take to rebuild real connection. If you find yourself questioning “normal” and longing for deeper connection, this conversation offers perspective and encouragement to trust that feeling—and to look for ways, big or small, to rebuild genuine community in your own life.

Is traditional school no longer working for your child? In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Matt Bowman, former teacher and co-founder of OpenEd (formerly MyTechHigh), to explore how personalized, project-based education can give families real freedom. We dive into how Matt and his wife Amy built a learning model that honors kids' creativity, family values, and faith — all while breaking free from the one-size-fits-all system. Whether you're exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or just need a better option, this episode will inspire you to take the lead.

Jennie Jones is an Entrepreneur-In-Residence at FEE's Education Entrepreneurship Lab. She is a former professional ballerina, turned homeschooling mom of four, turned education entrepreneur who launched her home-based microschool, Treehouse Agile Learning Community, in St. George, Utah last fall and is expanding into a second location this fall. Jennie was an earlier guest on the podcast talking about her founder journey and returns today to share some of the challenges of growth and regulatory ambiguity. Check out Jennie's latest article on this topic at the Education Entrepreneurship Lab. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.

Send us a textWhat if our traditional education system is fundamentally misaligned with how humans naturally learn? Jesper and Cecilie Conrad continue their conversation with Jamie Rumble, exploring the philosophy and practice of unschooling within a nomadic lifestyle.Jamie shares how his background, including influences from Paulo Freire and the concept of eco-pedagogy, shapes his approach to teaching and learning.The discussion challenges the traditional structure of schooling, contrasting prescribed curricula with the emergent, curiosity-driven learning that happens in real life. Cecilie and Jesper explain why their family chooses not to worry about global crises like climate change and instead focus on adaptability, freedom, and the ability to hold discomfort and uncertainty.They describe how living on the road exposes their children to different cultures and environments, building emotional intelligence and cultural humility. The episode examines the pitfalls of seeking “teachable moments” and questions the idea that adults should determine what children need to learn.Reflection, dialogue, and presence are highlighted as essential elements of education. The conversation closes with a discussion of planetary citizenship, beauty, and the importance of navigating both challenges and joys with intention and love.

More than a decade ago, Matt Bowman cofounded My Tech High as a platform that enabled personalized, customized learning through tuition-free partnerships with innovative public and charter schools and in collaboration with individual education providers. With a bold vision to expand personalized learning options to more families, Matt recently rebranded the company to OpenEd.co. To date, his company has served over 12,000 families. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.  

Teachers at last-chance education programmes for troubled teens say allowing them to keep students beyond the age of 16 would change lives. RNZ's education correspondent John Gerritsen reports.

What happens when life throws you a devastating curveball? For Kody and her family, her husband's end-stage liver disease diagnosis with just one year to live became the catalyst for a complete lifestyle transformation. They sold everything, bought a farm, and began growing their own food—a decision that ultimately led to his liver fully healing eight years later.This conversation takes us deep into the intersection of homesteading and homeschooling, revealing how one family found purpose, health, and a thriving business by reconnecting with traditional skills. Kody shares candidly about their journey from thinking "we don't want to spend all day with our children" to creating an integrated life where education happens naturally through meaningful work. Her story of watching her once-struggling son thrive outside traditional education—eventually becoming a $50/hour foreman at age 20—challenges conventional thinking about learning and success.As founder of Homestead Education, Kody created curriculum that's now used in five countries after discovering a surprising gap in agricultural education resources. "Food is literally humanity's most driving force, and yet nobody knows how to do it," she explains, describing how her materials blend agriculture, science, and home economics for all ages. From raising heritage pigs to managing a micro-dairy, her family demonstrates how developing self-sufficiency skills creates resilience and purpose beyond what conventional systems offer.Whether you're curious about homesteading, considering homeschooling, or simply interested in more sustainable living, this episode offers practical wisdom and inspiration. Visit thehomesteadeducation.com to explore Kody's curriculum and resources for starting your own journey toward greater self-sufficiency and purposeful living.Check out Kody's work at: Homestead EducationWhat is the most important thing we can teach our kids?HOW TO HANDLE AN EMERGENCY!This could mean life or death in some cases!Help a child you know navigate how to handle an emergency situation with ease: Let's Talk, Emergencies! -

Send us a textWe got an email from Jamie Rumble... "I'm a Master of Education student at Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia, Canada. For my thesis, I'm researching how digital nomads are adapting their lifestyles in response to climate change, and what insights their experiences might offer for future education and planetary citizenship." We thought it could be an interesting talk and said yes, given that we could use the recording for our podcast.In this episode, we, Cecilie and Jesper Conrad, sit down with researcher Jamie Rumble to discuss our seven years as a nomadic family. We explain why we sold our house and chose to travel full-time with our three kids and two dogs, sharing what freedom really means to us.We delve into the details of world schooling, explaining why we prioritise values, ethics, and adaptability over traditional school subjects. We talk about building and maintaining community while always on the move, and why we often say that “the adventure is the people.” We challenge the Instagram version of digital nomadism and share the practical realities of this life, from constant planning to the sacrifices involved. We also discuss privilege and the reasons we chose not to follow the conventional school system.This episode offers a glimpse into what it's like to live as a nomadic family and the deliberate choices we make about engaging with the world.

Deja Hillis is the founder of Faithscape Learning Pod, a faith-based K-5 microschool in Casa Grande, Arizona, near Phoenix, which she launched in August 2024. An early elementary school teacher for nearly a decade, Deja has a passion for literacy education and is the author of four children's books. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. 

Today's guest is Joanna Cervantez, founder of A Fuller Education Microschool just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which she launched in the fall 2024. Joanna has both a bachelor's and master's degree in education and began her career as a middle school math teacher in inner-city Los Angeles, later teaching in a school for an orphanage in El Salvador. Since 2013, she has been coaching K-12 teachers and administrators to help them transform their classrooms into joyful learning communities. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.

Send us a textWhat happens when a single mom chooses to reject conventional norms, embraces van life, and takes her daughter out of traditional education? Vanessa Woozley joins us to share her inspiring story of courage, resilience, and transformation.Vanessa's adventure began with short trips, gradually evolving into full-time worldschooling in a van. She dispels myths about needing significant resources or a traditional two-parent household to pursue a life of travel and alternative education. Vanessa reveals how her daughter thrived after leaving conventional schooling, becoming self-motivated and deeply engaged in learning through genuine interests.We explore the practicalities of single-parent van life, covering everything from managing online education and co-parenting arrangements to handling van troubles and finding community through worldschooling hubs. Vanessa's insights on facing fears, handling uncertainty, and embracing resilience offer powerful encouragement to anyone considering a similar journey.Vanessa also shares her holistic approach to health and well-being on the road, highlighting the simplicity and importance of maintaining healthy routines and nutrition despite the nomadic lifestyle.

Today's guest is Kate Lundquist, founder and principal of Northshore Prep Academy. A former public high school math and physics teacher, Kate opened her secular K-8 hybrid school in Mandeville, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans, in 2015. Today, Northshore Prep Academy has 75 students enrolled.  *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.

Today's guest is Barbara Jauregui Wurst, a medical doctor and adjunct professor at George Washington University who cofounded Acton Academy Falls Church in Northern Virginia in 2021.  Read Courage To Grow by Acton Academy cofounder, Laura Sandefer. Check out this new article at our Education Entrepreneurship Lab by a recent graduate of an Acton Academy in Kansas.  *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.

Send us a textWhen Jack Stewart turned off the internet, he discovered that digital connection often acts as a “social appetite suppressant”—satisfying on the surface, but not deeply nourishing. In this conversation, Jack explains how removing online distractions led him to seek out in-person connection, from literally knocking on neighbors' doors to organizing his own book and writing salons.We discuss the qualitative difference between digital admirers and real friends, and why meaningful conversations rarely happen through casual online chat. Jack outlines how he created formal spaces—book clubs, writing groups, salons—to foster intellectual depth and genuine community.The discussion moves to Jack's research on “common pool resources,” and the practical lessons from Nobel Prize winner Eleanor Ostrom's work on how communities can successfully govern shared spaces. We explore what makes a community sustainable, including trust, collective rule-making, and how conflict is resolved without defaulting to authority or privatization.Cecilie and Jesper share their own experiences with offline community-building and the Scandinavian tradition of “hygge” as an egalitarian way of sharing space. The episode finishes with a reflection on what it really takes to build trust, give comfort, and create belonging in a world shaped by digital isolation.

Stepping away from traditional education wasn't originally in Jessica's plans. When her mother-in-law, a retired kindergarten teacher, began casually teaching her daughter at home "just for fun," Jessica discovered unexpected benefits that eventually led her family down the homeschooling path.As the owner of Well-Rooted, a holistic wellness practice with multiple locations across several states, Jessica brings a unique perspective to homeschooling. The flexibility allows her family to integrate education with their entrepreneurial lifestyle - traveling when needed, adjusting schedules around sports commitments, and fostering stronger family bonds. "We wanted to maximize our time with our children to its fullest potential," she explains, noting that after struggling with infertility, every moment with her children feels precious.This conversation dives deep into practical homeschooling approaches, from curriculum choices to incorporating outside teachers. Jessica shares how her family moved from boxed curriculum to more personalized learning methods that respect each child's unique learning style. Rather than assuming all children learn the same way, their approach incorporates games, movement, and real-world application. The parallels between Jessica's holistic health practice and homeschooling philosophy become evident as she discusses toxins in food, preventative healthcare, and teaching children to understand the "why" behind health choices. This isn't just about academics - it's about raising children who can think critically, advocate for themselves, and navigate life's complexities with confidence.Whether you're currently homeschooling, considering it as an option, or simply curious about alternative educational approaches, this episode offers valuable insights into how one family balances business ownership, health advocacy, and personalized education. Follow Jessica and Well-Rooted Pediatrics on Instagram to learn more about their integrated approach to family wellness and education.https://mywellrooted.com/Follow: Well Rooted Pediatrics Yuka appWhat is the most important thing we can teach our kids?HOW TO HANDLE AN EMERGENCY!This could mean life or death in some cases!Help a child you know navigate how to handle an emergency situation with ease:Let's Talk, Emergencies! -and don't forgetTuttle Twins- use code Cheryl15 for 15% off!Support the showInstagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

In this episode, MacKenzie sits down with three Alpha dads to hear why they chose a different path for their kids' education. They reflect on their own school experiences, what stood out about Alpha's model, and how their children have grown since making the switch. From academics to confidence and independence, these dads open up about what really matters when choosing a school—and why alternative education is gaining traction.

Send us a textSociologist Jennie Germann Molz joins the podcast to discuss her book The World Is Our Classroom: Extreme Parenting and the Rise of Worldschooling. Jennie is a professor at the College of the Holy Cross whose research explores mobility, technology, and alternative forms of family life. Drawing on both academic insight and her own experience traveling the world with her ten-year-old son, she examines what happens when families move beyond traditional education models and choose to learn through travel.We talk about how worldschooling challenges conventional ideas of parenting, risk, and education. The term itself includes a wide range of practices, from part-time educational travel to fully nomadic living. What connects them is a shared belief that learning happens outside institutional classrooms. Jennie also describes how both worldschooling and more conventional approaches like helicopter parenting can respond to the same concerns about preparing children for the future.The conversation looks at worldschooling through the lens of a sociologist, covering how travel shapes emotional adaptability in children, how standardized testing limits our understanding of learning, and how digital tools and post-COVID shifts have expanded possibilities for mobile education. For listeners interested in alternative education, digital nomad families, or learning outside school systems, this episode offers a grounded academic view of the worldschooling movement.

Today's guest is Sara James, a former public school teacher who founded Spark Christian Academy, an Acton Academy affiliate in Harrison, Ohio, near Cincinnati, in 2022. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.

Today's guest is Sarah Pevehouse, founder of Apogee Dripping Springs Micro High School in Dripping Springs, Texas, west of Austin, which she launched in 2024. With a background in Waldorf and alternative education, Sarah has served as a teacher, administrator, and enrollment director, shaping real-world learning experiences for students. She has taught in overseas military schools, led summer camps, and held leadership roles in private K-8 and preschool programs.  Sarah is a mom of two daughters, ages 13 and 15, and is an active member of both the Apogee Strong network of education centers, as well as the KaiPod Catalyst microschool accelerator program. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.

Today's guest is Ali Kaufman, a longtime education entrepreneur who began offering tutoring services more than two decades ago and has since built a thriving hybrid homeschool program, Space of Mind, in Delray Beach, Florida that today serves dozens of K-12 students with both full-time and part-time enrollment options. ***  Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly e-newsletter on education entrepreneurship and innovation at edentrepreneur.org.    

Today's guest is George Philhower, Superintendent of the Eastern Hancock Public Schools in rural Charlottesville, Indiana, who is launching and leading the new Indiana Microschool Collaborative, a non-profit network designed to bring the microschooling model into the public education system. Read more about public microschooling in Kerry's latest Forbes.com article. ***  Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly e-newsletter on education entrepreneurship and innovation at edentrepreneur.org.  

Nefertiti Harris is a former public school teacher, mom of five, and founder of Empowered Prep Academy, a microschool located in Jackson, Mississippi for students in grades 3-12 who desire a flexible and more individualized learning environment. As a certified special education teacher, Nefertiti focuses specifically on helping dyslexic students and those with similar learning needs. If you are looking to launch a microschool or similar learning environment in Mississippi, check out Embark.MS to help you on your journey. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly e-newsletter on education entrepreneurship and innovation at edentrepreneur.org.

We're bringing back an episode that we believe deserves a second listen.

Send us a textIn this episode, we explore how modern culture has stripped childhood of the freedom it needs to thrive—and what can be done to bring it back. Our guest is Lenore Skenazy, author of Free-Range Kids and co-founder of the nonprofit Let Grow, launched with Jonathan Haidt, Peter Gray, and Daniel Shuchman to champion independence, resilience, and real-world learning.Together, we unpack how fear, measurement, and control have come to dominate parenting and education. From the rise of isolated family units to the spread of enrichment culture, today's children are surrounded by adults who often confuse supervision with support. The result is a generation of kids with less room to explore, solve problems, and grow on their own.We talk about how Let Grow is working to change this—by making it normal again for kids to walk to the store, play unsupervised, and take age-appropriate risks. Lenore shares the story of a high school that gave students one week of unstructured play, and the surprising transformation that followed. The spark of self-direction wasn't lost—it was just waiting for space to reappear.Visit letgrow.org to explore free programs, school initiatives, and policy work that supports childhood independence.

Today's guest is Jody Underwood, the founder and president of EdOpt, a platform offering information, support, and connections to New Hampshire families who want to explore their education options. Jody has spent most of her professional life involved in education, including getting a Ph.D. in science and technology education to complement her Master's in computer science. She worked for many years in the research division of Educational Testing Services (ETS), the nonprofit that administers tests such as the SAT exam. Jody has helped to support the launch of new microschools in her state, and is working to expand education entrepreneurship and innovation.  *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly e-newsletter on education entrepreneurship and innovation at edentrepreneur.org.

Today's guest is Crystal Goins, a mom of 5 and founder of Heartwise Scholars Microschool in Chesapeake, Virginia. A public school teacher for over 13 years, Crystal joined the Kaipod Catalyst microschool accelerator program to help get her microschool off the ground, and opened her microschool last August. She shares insights and information for parents and teachers at her website theresilientteachermom.com.  *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly e-newsletter on education entrepreneurship and innovation at edentrepreneur.org.

My guest today is Tomis Parker, cofounder of the Agile Learning Centers (ALC) network that launched more than a decade ago. Since 2014, Tomis has led business operations at ALC Mosaic in Charlotte, North Carolina, and he recently founded a new project called Prism, which is a web application designed to make it easier to document and communicate the value of emergent, self-directed learning in microschools, homeschool programs, and for homeschooling/unschooling families.  *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly e-newsletter on education entrepreneurship and innovation at edentrepreneur.org.  

In this episode, we chat with Jacqui O'Connell, founder of Spiritus, an alternative education community born from one mother's need to find better options for her child.Tune in to learn how her approach provides a different path forward for both children and parents.RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:www.facebook.com/spiritusalternativeeducationInstagram: @spiritushomeeducationWant to open your dream school with the freedom you deserve and the support you need?Visit https://openmyschool.my.canva.site/rebelkaipod to learn more about our partnership with KaiPod Learning and get help opening your dream school!Learn more about the Rebel Project Literacy Curriculum, a fully integrated literacy and project based learning curriculum, at  projectup.us or inkwire.co/rplc Get your copy of Rebel Educator: Create Classrooms Where Impact and Imagination MeetLearn more about Rebel Educator, explore our professional development opportunities for educators and students, and check out our project library.Visit us at UP Academy to learn more about our personalized and inclusive learning environment.Connect with Tanya and UP Academy on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram and learn more about her journey here.GUEST BIO:Jacqui O'Connell, founder of Spiritus, is a self starter who believes that if you want something that isn't available you need to create it. That is why Spiritus is alive. Jacqui has a vision for learning and is always feeling confused how our young people are taught the way they are and bound to exams to determine their next step.Enjoying the show? Leave us a rating and review and help more people find us!bit.ly/RebelEducatorApplePodcastsWe'd love it if you could take a few minutes to fill out this survey to let us know how we can bring you the best possible content: forms.gle/JcKHf9DHTZnYUmQr6 Interested in being on the Rebel Educator podcast? Fill out this form and we'll reach out to you if we think you'd be a great fit for an upcoming episode. https://forms.gle/CZJXLQDdevPh22ZN7Want to learn more about opening your own UP Academy? Check out the Rebel Educator Accelerator: www.rebeleducator.com/courses/the-acceleratorMORE ABOUT THE REBEL EDUCATOR PODCAST:In each episode of the Rebel Educator podcast, I deconstruct world-class educators, students, and thought leaders in education to extract the tactics, tools, and routines that you can use as teachers and parents. Join me as we discuss how to shift the classroom, the learning environment, the mindset, and the pedagogy, to resist tradition, reignite wonder, and re-imagine the future of education.This podcast is dedicated to all of the educators who work thankless hours to make our next generation the best it can be.  It was designed to begin conversations on how we can redesign education for the future of work and the success of our students.  It is meant for teachers, students, administrators, homeschoolers and anyone who interacts with and teaches youth. We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Today's guests are Laura Greene and Angela Ruth, cofounders of Harmony Homeschool Academy, a secular homeschool hybrid solution for middle and high school students in the greater Raleigh-Durham-Cary, North Carolina area.  Laura is a licensed psychologist with a background in school psychology. She is also a homeschool parent. Angela is also a homeschooling parent who spent her early career working in the US Government and transitioned to being a public school teacher about a decade ago.  Check out this weekend's "Jumpstarting Microschools" event in North Carolina, sponsored by the John Locke Foundation. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends and entrepreneurial stories at fee.org/liberated.

Today's guest is Michael Bonifacio, the founder of Acton Academy Estero in Fort Myers, Florida. Part of the global Acton Academy network of learner-driven schools, Acton Academy Estero operates on a 32-acre working farm. It opened in January 2024 with 9 learners, and today has over 40—with more than 60 students projected for this fall.  *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends and entrepreneurial stories at fee.org/liberated.  

In the final episode of our 4-part series on Homeschooling To College, Kym Kent and I are joined by our two homeschooled high school seniors as they reflect on their homeschooling experience, what the college admissions process has been like, and how they are narrowing down their many college acceptances to choose the one that is right for them by the May 1st college decision deadline. Check out Homeschooling To College Part 1: High School Prep and the Pre-Application Process Check out Homeschooling To College Part 2: Common Myths Around Admission & Affordability Check out Homeschooling To College Part 3: Insights from a College Admissions Counselor *** Subscribe to Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.