Why I Chose to Homeschool — and What We’re Using

When I tell people we homeschool, I often get a mixed reaction—curiosity, concern, and sometimes even admiration. The truth is, homeschooling wasn’t always part of the plan. But after last school year, it became clear that something needed to change. We live in what I lovingly call the Wild West, and while the open skies and desert views have their charm, the public schools out here? Not so much.

I say that from personal experience. I grew up in this same school district, and I remember how little support there was, how overcrowded and underfunded the classrooms felt, and how often I left school feeling discouraged instead of inspired. I always told myself that I wanted better for my kids someday—and now that “someday” is here, I’m doing something about it.

Last year was the tipping point. My daughter started coming home from school asking questions no 8-year-old should have to ask. She was repeating things other kids said that were clearly inappropriate, wondering why they were “bad” if her friends talked about them all the time. And that broke my heart. There are just so many things—language, behavior, peer pressure, exposure to adult topics—that parents simply can’t control in a traditional school setting. I realized I could either keep sending her into that environment every day and hope for the best, or I could step in and make a different choice.

For us, that different choice was homeschooling.

But I knew I couldn’t do it all on my own. I’m a mostly remote working mom with a newborn in the house. As much as I’d love to handcraft lesson plans and do elaborate science experiments at the kitchen table, that’s just not realistic right now. I needed something structured, accredited, and easy to follow—something that gave my daughter a solid education while still allowing me to be present and involved.

Enter: Acellus Academy.

Acellus is an online curriculum that offers everything we need in one place. It’s self-paced, which gives us flexibility, and it’s fully accredited, which means I don’t have to worry about whether she’s “falling behind.” The lessons are video-based and interactive, which keeps her engaged, and I can step in to help or clarify when needed. But I’m not the primary teacher—and that’s a relief. I get to support her learning without shouldering the entire burden.

We’re also incredibly grateful to receive the ESA grant (Empowerment Scholarship Account). It’s been a game-changer for our family. The grant covers her Acellus tuition, school supplies, and even extracurriculars.

Homeschooling isn’t easy, and it’s definitely not for everyone. But for our family, it feels right. I know what she’s learning. I know who she’s around. I know she’s safe. And most importantly, I know she’s thriving. There’s a lot of peace that comes with that.

If you’re considering homeschooling but feel overwhelmed, I get it. You don’t have to do it the old-fashioned way with stacks of textbooks and hours of planning. There are resources, support systems, and programs out there designed to help modern families make it work. You just have to find the right fit—and for us, this is it.

Homeschooling has given us the freedom to protect our daughter’s innocence, nurture her strengths, and build a life that puts family first. And for that, I’m beyond grateful.