Government Funding | Kept and Keeping

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Christian Homeschool, Education Freedom, Education Freedom Accounts, Education Savings Accounts, EFA, ESA, Government Funding, Home Education, Homeschool Arkansas, Homeschool Freedom, homeschooling, podcast, Scholé Sisters, School Choice

Hello dear readers,

I wanted to hop on here today to let you know that I recently had the privilege of being a guest on Scholé Sisters, a podcast for classical Christian homeschool moms who want to “learn and grow as they help their children learn and grow.” I’ve been listening to Scholé Sisters since show one (or rather episode SS#00) dropped NINE years ago. To say I’ve been blessed by these ladies over the years would be an understatement. So you can imagine my delight at the opportunity to chat with Brandy and Mystie on their most recent episode, SS#152: School Choice–Freedom isn’t Free.

State funding for private education–including homeschooling–is a hot topic these days. If it isn’t in your state yet, it’s likely on its way. The rhetoric and intentions may sound noble, and in the short-term it may seem like a great deal: free homeschooling! And given the amount of money some states are handing out, you may be able to quadruple (or more) your current purchasing power.

But is it all it’s cracked up to be? Is there a catch?

The simple answer is: No, it’s not. And yes, there is. You’ll find there’s far more than one catch. There’s a whole slew of strings attached and unintended (or intended?) consequences. “Free” homeschooling does not equal homeschool freedom.

The thorough answer is: listen to the podcast. 🙂 It’s a long one, but well worth it, I promise!

If you are wondering why I would dedicate space on this blog to such an issue, why I would light up my social media accounts with it, then I think you’ll appreciate hearing my story–how I got involved in researching this issue last May, and how it became personal very, very quickly.

The podcast covers my experience with a “school choice” program rolling out in my home state of Arkansas, as well as Brandy’s experience in California and now in Texas. We also discuss key principles that you can use to evaluate any “school choice” legislation or programs in your own state (or country).

The details may differ from state to state, but the basic principles remain the same.

I strongly encourage you to give this episode a listen. The future of homeschooling and private Christian education in America may very well depend upon our understanding of these principles–and our courage to act upon them…or not.