308. Julie’s Brief History of Homeschooling

Oct 8, 2025

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Julie takes us on a sweeping journey through the history of homeschooling, weaving together her own story with the larger movement that reshaped education in America. From the experimental classrooms of 1970s California to the early legal battles of the 1980s and the faith-driven conventions of the 1990s, Julie shows how homeschooling evolved from a fringe experiment into a mainstream educational choice.

Along the way, she shares the moment she first heard the word "homeschool," how early influences shaped her teaching philosophy, and why the movement looks so different today---with growing diversity, secular options, and new opportunities for connection.

This episode dives into:

Landmark cases like Wisconsin v. Yoder and their impact
The rise of Christian homeschooling and its cultural influence
How COVID-19 sparked a new wave of homeschoolers
Brave Writer's unique role as a non-sectarian home for all families

Julie's personal history is a reminder that homeschooling has never been static---it has always been about reimagining education for the times we're in.

Resources & Mentions

Visit the Brave Writer Book Shop
Fall class registration is open!
Visit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!)
Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing
Brave Learner Home: https://bravewriter.com/brave-learner-home
Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention
Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa’s Catalog of Enthusiasms
Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

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Produced by NOVA