LiberatED Podcast

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.

Tomis Parker, a cofounder of the Agile Learning Centers network and leader at ALC Mosaic, discusses the transformative power of self-directed education. He contrasts conventional schooling with the freedom offered by Agile Learning Centers and microschools, especially post-pandemic. Tomis also introduces PRISM, a web app designed to document self-directed learning, emphasizing family involvement. He shares insights for aspiring educational entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of community and intuition in building sustainable educational models.

Angela Ruth and Laura Greene, cofounders of Harmony Homeschool Academy, share their inspiring journey of creating a thriving microschool in North Carolina. Formerly in the US Government and public school teaching, Angela brings a unique perspective to education, while Laura's background as a licensed psychologist enriches their approach. They discuss the rising anxiety among students and how their microschool provides a tailored, hands-on learning environment. The duo emphasizes community feedback and highlights the importance of support for neurodivergent children in education.

Natalie Mack, a homeschooling mom of five and founder of the Military Homeschoolers Association, dives into the unique world of homeschooling for military families. She reveals that nearly twice as many military families choose this path compared to the general population, driven by safety concerns and the benefits of family bonding. Natalie discusses the diverse educational approaches available and the challenges new homeschooling parents may face. She also highlights resources available for military homeschoolers, making the journey easier and more fulfilling.

David Jackson is an entrepreneur and longtime executive director and president and CEO of Fairmont Schools, a large, secular private school located in Orange County, California serving students in preschool through 12th grade. Fairmont was founded in 1953 by Kenneth Holt, David’s stepfather, and then David joined the school in a leadership role in 1979 where he remained at the helm of the institution for more than 40 years. Now retired, David is the author of a new memoir detailing his life and educational leadership experiences, entitled Landing at the Top: How Embracing Adventure Leads to Extraordinary Success. *** 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.

Today’s guest is Jania Otey, a homeschooling mom and founder of Kids and Culture Camp, an educational enrichment program for homeschoolers and conventionally-schooled children located in Washington, DC.  *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends and entrepreneurial stories at fee.org/liberated.

Today's guest is Terry Travers, the founder and director of Astrolabe Academy, a unique high school experience and teen community that supports self-directed learners on their individual learning journeys. Terry has a background in communication design, ocean science, and sustainable farming. Passionate about alternative education, she began homeschooling her children in 2008 and transitioned to unschooling by 2011. Terry has hosted numerous homeschool classes and summer camps on her farm, specializing in experiences for teens. Responding to parent demand, she opened a farm-based high school, which evolved into an online unschooling support platform in 2021 due to the pandemic.  *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends and entrepreneurial stories at fee.org/liberated.

In this discussion with Colleen Hroncich, a policy analyst at the Cato Institute and homeschooling mom of four, listeners dive into the world of school choice. She outlines the evolution of educational options, from vouchers to education savings accounts, advocating for autonomy in homeschooling. Colleen shares insights on innovative educational models like micro schools and learning pods, sparked by the pandemic's shift in family needs. The conversation highlights the importance of diverse educational environments catering to all types of learners.