#188 Leigh & Robert Bortins - Why Parents Are Ditching Public Schools for Homeschooling
Apr 3, 2025
auto_awesome
In this engaging discussion, Leigh Bortins, founder of Classical Conversations and aerospace engineer, alongside her son Robert Bortins, CEO of the same organization, delve into the surge of homeschooling. They critique current public education, tackling concerns about declining skills and controversial subjects. Highlighting how their classical education model fosters critical thinking and community engagement, they reveal how homeschooling empowers families and challenges societal norms. The conversation also dispels myths about socialization, showcasing the unique benefits of homeschooled children.
Leigh Bortins emphasizes the shift towards homeschooling as parents regain confidence in their ability to educate their children effectively.
The rise of homeschooling during the COVID-19 pandemic reflects a significant change in parental attitudes towards educational options.
Concerns about public school curricula have driven many parents to seek alternative educational pathways that align with their traditional values.
Homeschooling communities foster strong support networks that provide academic and social benefits while promoting lifelong friendships among families.
A classical education framework in homeschooling encourages foundational skill mastery, preparing children for advanced concepts and instilling a love of learning.
Deep dives
Horace Mann and the Public School System
Horace Mann's vision for the public school system aimed to eliminate individualism and capitalism, replacing them with a uniform education model. This model, particularly during the last century, has contributed to a decline in parenting confidence, as parents feel less capable of teaching their children essential skills. Mann recognized the challenge of introducing a secular education in a predominantly Christian society and adopted a gradual approach to implement his ideas. Over the decades, public education has evolved to reflect these foundational changes, aligning educational practices with a philosophical agenda that favors collectivism over personal liberties.
The Rising Popularity of Homeschooling
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a dramatic increase in homeschooling, with millions choosing to educate their children at home rather than in traditional schools. Prior to COVID, an estimated 2 million children were homeschooled, while this number surged to about 6 to 8 million during. This trend has since stabilized around 4 million, indicating a significant shift in parental attitudes toward education options. Families have come to appreciate the flexibility that homeschooling offers, often tailored to individual children's needs, which has led to a reinforcement of the homeschooling movement.
Reassessing the Role of Parents in Education
In the past century, many parents have lost confidence in their ability to effectively educate their children, relying heavily on professional educators instead. However, the discussion underscores the reality that parents have historically been the primary teachers, equipping their children with foundational skills from a very young age. The cultural belief that expertise is required to teach subjects like reading and writing contributes to a systemic undervaluation of parental involvement in education. This regained belief in parental capability is central to the shifting landscape of education where parents are encouraging a more hands-on approach.
Challenges within Public School Curriculum
Concerns have arisen regarding the content taught in public schools, particularly around controversial topics such as 'woke' ideologies. Conversations among parents reveal a strong preference for educational environments that promote traditional values rather than progressive agendas. Many parents fear that exposure to certain curricula may negatively shape their children's understanding of identity and morality. As a result, numerous families are increasingly seeking alternative educational pathways, such as homeschooling or private schooling, that align more closely with their personal beliefs.
The Importance of Personal Development through Homeschooling
Homeschooling not only provides academic benefits but also emphasizes personal development, helping children grow into confident, capable individuals. This individualized approach fosters critical thinking skills and equips children to engage in meaningful conversations, leading to improved social skills. In contrast to their peers in traditional schooling environments, homeschooled children tend to exhibit greater confidence and a willingness to ask thought-provoking questions. This environment of engagement promotes a deep-seated natural curiosity, enabling children to navigate both social situations and academic challenges effectively.
The Benefits of Community Involvement
Homeschooling communities provide critical support networks where families can share resources, experiences, and social interactions. Parents collaborate to ensure their children gain exposure to diverse activities, such as sports, arts, and community service. These interactions foster lifelong friendships, providing both academic and social benefits to homeschooled children. Unlike traditional school settings, the close-knit nature of these communities contributes to a strong sense of belonging and mutual support among families.
Teaching Life Skills Alongside Academics
Incorporating practical life skills into the homeschooling curriculum is fundamental, enabling children to learn essential facets of living, such as budgeting, negotiation, and problem-solving. The experiential learning approach emphasizes real-world applications of knowledge gained in more traditional academic subjects, such as math and history. By engaging in hands-on projects and responsibilities around the house, homeschooled children develop a practical skill set that prepares them for future challenges. This holistic education model encourages independence and growth in conjunction with intellectual advancement.
Mastering the Fundamentals for Success
A classical education framework emphasizes mastering fundamental skills before advancing to higher-level concepts. This principle underscores the crucial developmental stages of a child's learning, where foundational skills in grammar, logic, and rhetoric are cultivated. By establishing a firm grounding in these areas, children gain the tools needed for success in more advanced academic pursuits, setting them up for greater achievements. Ultimately, this approach fosters a love of learning and equips students with the confidence and capacity to excel in diverse fields.
Tracking Educational Progress and Assessments
Many homeschooling families face varying requirements regarding assessments based on their state's educational guidelines, with some states necessitating standardized testing or evaluations. Families can tailor how they assess their children's progress and adapt plans as they see fit, promoting a personalized learning experience. This flexibility often allows significant opportunities to focus directly on areas of struggle or interest without the rigidity of traditional educational assessments. Parents reap the rewards of a guided partnership that fosters both their children's academic and personal growth.
Cultivating Leadership through Educational Experiences
Key milestones in the homeschooling journey focus on developing leadership skills among students through various capstone projects and presentations. Experiences such as mock trials, debates, and artistic showcases encourage students to express themselves confidently and thoughtfully in front of audiences. These formative activities help instill a sense of responsibility, reinforce accountability, and provide practice in navigating different perspectives. By engaging in these endeavors, children learn how to become persuasive communicators, analytical thinkers, and ethical leaders, nurturing a generation prepared to tackle tomorrow's challenges.
Leigh Bortins is the founder of Classical Conversations, a global homeschooling program rooted in classical, Christian education. With degrees in aerospace engineering and ministry, she blends analytical rigor with deep educational vision. A mother of four and grandmother of three, Leigh’s passion for home education began with homeschooling her own children. She’s authored several books—including The Core, The Question, and The Conversation—that guide parents through the classical trivium.
Robert Bortins, CEO of Classical Conversations, was homeschooled by Leigh and now leads the organization with a bold vision for educational reform. A mechanical engineering graduate and entrepreneur, Robert champions faith-based, family-led learning, helping over 125,000 students across 50 states and 30 countries thrive through critical thinking and community.
Go to https://hometitlelock.com/srs and use promo code SRS to get a FREE title history report so you can find out if you’re already a victim AND 14 days of protection for FREE! And make sure to check out the Million Dollar TripleLock protection details when you get there! Exclusions apply. For details visit https://hometitlelock.com/warranty
