I was not the new kid on the block. A seasoned homeschool mother and teacher, I had heard of Classical Conversations and had been intrigued. Having already purchased my own private library worth of books and classical curriculum, I was drawn to CC's comprehensive experience and resources. But I tucked all that in my back pocket because there were no Classical Conversations programs near me.
Several years ago, about 2500 churches that support and host Classical Conversations communities received anonymous letters demanding they disband their CC communities or else fear losing their non-profit status. In an article for The Federalist—an online magazine reporting on politics, religion, and culture—writer Jenni White argues against the claims of the anonymous letters, defending the thousands of churches who graciously support their local communities by providing homeschool families with a place to meet and educate their children. Below is a brief excerpt from the article:
It was a beautiful, sunny day at Clemson University. I was in my sophomore year and had just dropped off my tuition check at the registrar’s office when I got a phone call from my mom, Leigh Bortins. We all have those moments in life that we remember so vividly. Typically, it’s something really life changing. My mom said, “Robert, your dad is thinking about getting you a car for college. He changed his mind, though, and quit his job. He is going to homeschool your younger brothers, and I am going to try to make Classical Conversations a real business. You’ll have to pay for the rest of college, yourself.” So, I went to the co-op office and asked what jobs they had available for the next semester.
I am part of a couple of Facebook groups for Classical Conversations families where we share many good ideas, but there are also frustrations vented by those beginning their homeschool journey. I have seen everything from parents saying they were giving it x-number of weeks and then putting their children in public school, to moms of 4-year-olds frustrated that their children won’t sit still for three hours to do memory work for Foundations. Take a deep breath, parents. It will not always go according to plan, but I can assure you, it is all worth it…if you keep pressing on!
Here is some advice from me, a mom who has been there. Please take it cum grano salis—with a grain of salt—and remember that every child and family is a little different. What worked for us can be tweaked to fit your family’s unique needs.
I was homeschooled until college. As some of my friends reached high school, their parents put them into the State establishment but not mine. My high-school years were everything I needed, and I even took the luxury of an extra year before leaving for college.
Many parents feel a pressure to place children in State schools when they approach high-school age. I think it has something to do with the accessibility of sports, programs, or even socialization. I can’t speak to this decision or to the pressures that drive it because I’m not a parent of high-school age children. I can say that I turned out fine.
Here are some of the homeschooling benefits that twelve years provided me with.
What do our Directors love about their jobs? Most of all, they enjoy watching their students grow into successful, Christian adults who are capable of handling mature responsibilities and defending what they believe. In her time directing, Michelle experienced many such moments of her students going above and beyond her expectations. One of her best memories is of taking her students to defend homeschooling in a forum hosted by the Washington, D.C. government. Check out her incredible story in this video:
Teaching kindergarten? Fine. Teaching elementary and middle school? Not easy, but doable. But teaching high school? Let's be real. You probably think you've basically forgotten everything from your own high school years, right? How could you ever teach this level to your own children?
If these questions are swirling around in your head, this homeschool mom has good news for you—the job of a homeschool parent is not so much about providing your high-school students with information; it’s about teaching them how to learn.
Homeschooling scares a lot of newcomers, and understandably so. There is a lot to be concerned about, from wondering how your children will fare in social activities to how they will get their PE credits to whether they will stir up too much trouble from being home all the time.
When they first started homeschooling, this homeschool dad and his wife worried about whether or not their children would develop the ability to thinking critically.
"Am I'm doing enough to homeschool my children?" This is a common question, no doubt. Despite the effort invested in their child’s home education, parents often still feel anxious and inadequate. To alleviate the anxiety, this homeschooling mom recommends asking yourself a simple question: does my child love learning for the sake of learning?
If you have been familiar with Classical Conversations for even a short while, you’ve likely heard a phrase something along the lines of “equipping students with the tools to learn.” Throughout their education, CC students develop perhaps the most valuable skill anyone can learn—that of learning how to learn. Hear this homeschool dad describe CC preparing his children to undertake seemingly impossible challenges with this acquired skill.
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