The Ultimate Homeschool Community Podcast

What if kids didn’t have to be forced to learn—but actually wanted to?
In this episode, Tiffany interviews Hanna, founder of Canopy School, about her innovative microschool model that blends neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and play-based learning. With a 5:1 student-teacher ratio and a focus on readiness over pressure, this approach is challenging everything we think we know about education.
 
Summary:
Hanna shares her journey from struggling student to founder of an innovative microschool designed around how children actually learn. Her school focuses on trauma-informed, play-based, and individualized education instead of traditional academic pressure. With a 5:1 ratio and multi-age classrooms, students are given space to develop naturally while still building strong foundational skills. This episode challenges conventional education models and offers a glimpse into what the future of learning could look like.
Highlights
A 5:1 student-teacher ratio and why it changes everything
Why Canopy School does not force early reading or academics
The role of neuroscience and trauma-informed education
How play-based learning builds stronger brain development and retention
The impact of traditional schooling pressure on children
Blending Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf approaches
Multi-age learning and its benefits for social and academic growth
Using Step Up funding to make microschooling accessible
Why following a child’s readiness leads to better long-term outcomes
Hanna’s book: “The Canopy Method” and its 7 principles of education
About Hanna Marks:
 
Hanna Marks is the founder of The Canopy School, an innovative microschool in West Palm Beach, Florida, rooted in a neuroscience-informed and trauma-aware approach to early childhood education. With a background in education, mental health, and design/construction, she brings a unique systems-level perspective to how environments impact learning and development. She is also the author of The Canopy Method, a framework that integrates emotional healing, identity development, and brain-based learning.
Hanna believes children thrive when they feel seen, supported, and free to explore their natural interests. At The Canopy School, she has created a personalized, nature-rich learning environment where academic skills are taught individually, and progress is measured through emotional and neurological growth—not standardized benchmarks. Her mission is to redefine education by prioritizing self-awareness, purpose, and long-term well-being.
 
About The Ultimate Homeschool Community:
https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool
 

In this episode, Tiffany is joined by Co-Host Kimberly Bennet from The Homeschooling Counseling Network and Leslie Hiner from EdChoice to break down the upcoming 2027 Federal Education Tax Credit. Learn how this new funding opportunity could impact homeschool families, microschools, and providers—and what you need to do now to prepare. This major shift in education funding is coming in 2027, giving families new ways to access financial support for their children’s education. This episode unpacks how the federal tax credit works, who qualifies, and how families and providers can position themselves ahead of time.
Show Notes Highlights
What the 2027 Federal Education Tax Credit is and how it works
How individuals can receive up to $1,700 in tax credits for donations
The role of Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) in distributing funds
Who qualifies and how eligibility is determined
What educational expenses can be covered (tuition, curriculum, services, etc.)
How this differs from ESAs and traditional funding programs
Why this is not a direct federal program—but a tax-based benefit
How providers can partner with SGOs to serve families
The importance of documentation, systems, and readiness for providers
How families can use funding for customized education paths
Concerns around potential regulations and compliance requirements
The timeline for implementation (starting January 1, 2027)
Why advocacy and staying informed will be critical as rules develop
Real examples of families creating solutions when systems fall short
The importance of focusing on student needs over funding structures
 
About the Panelist:
Leslie Davis Hiner, Attorney at Law
Vice President of Legal Policy Director,
Legal Policy & Education Center
EdChoice.org

In this episode, Tiffany and Kimberly sits down with Don Soifer and Ben DeGrow to unpack the future of education. From ESAs to evolving policies, they share how families and microschool founders can navigate change while protecting educational freedom. Education is changing rapidly, and families have more options than ever—but those options come with new challenges. This episode breaks down how to navigate school choice programs while staying grounded in the core mission of educational freedom.
Highlights:
What organizations like National Microschooling Center and ExcelinEd are doing to support families
The growth of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) across the U.S.
How ESAs can expand opportunities for homeschoolers and microschools
Concerns around testing requirements and accountability measures
Balancing flexibility vs. compliance when using funding programs
Why parent creativity and involvement are key to protecting education freedom
How policies and regulations vary state-by-state
Challenges microschool founders face with licensing and local regulations
Alternative funding sources beyond government programs
The role of advocacy and storytelling in shaping education policy
Why families should stay informed and actively engage in policy conversations
How school choice programs can both support and limit innovation depending on implementation.
About Our Guests:
Don Soifer:
Don Soifer is Chief Executive Officer of the National Microschooling Center, America’s leading nonprofit movement-builder, resource center, and authority for the most exciting new education movement in a generation. He co-created and co-directed the Southern Nevada Urban Micro Academy, the nation’s first public–private partnership microschool with the City of North Las Vegas, delivering unprecedented academic growth with a previously underserved population of families under pandemic operating conditions. Prior to opening the Center, Soifer has a school choice champion and researcher for many years. Organizations he has led include Nevada Action for School Options, an award-winning nonpartisan “action tank” he founded in 2017, and the Lexington Institute, a nonpartisan think tank in Arlington, VA that he cofounded in 1998. Soifer's research has been published and discussed in many of the nation’s most influential news publications and policy journals, and cited by policy decisionmakers at all levels of government, including the U.S. Supreme Court. He lives in Southern Nevada with his wife, Center Co-Founder Ashley Soifer, and family.
Links for Don: 
The National Microschooling Center https://microschoolingcenter.org/
Dons LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-soifer-012125a1?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios
Microschool analysis: https://microschoolingcenter.org/hubfs/American%20Microschools%202025.pdf?hsLang=en
Ben DeGrow:
Ben DeGrow is Senior Policy Director for Education Choice at ExcelinEd, where he leads a team focused on empowering more students across the United States with educational opportunity through improved policy development and implementation. He worked for nearly two decades providing expert analysis and strategic leadership in state-based public policy. A former charter school board member whose classroom experiences range from public schools to homeschool co-ops, he holds a B.A. from Hillsdale College, an M.A. from Penn State University, and a Certificate in Education Finance from Georgetown University. Ben and his wife live in Michigan and are proud parents of three daughters.
Links for Ben:
Ben’s LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bendegrow?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios
Ben’s X
https://x.com/bendegrow
 

In this episode, Tiffany sits down with Hannah Bruada to share the heart behind Hadassah House. After seeing her son’s needs unmet in public school, Hannah created a learning environment that blends structure with hands-on, life-skill-based education—designed to engage different types of learners. She also shares how she became a Step Up provider and what families can expect as enrollment opens this fall.
Episode Highlights
* Hannah’s decision to pull her son from public school and homeschool* The vision behind creating a home-like, engaging learning environment* What makes Hadassah House a hybrid homeschool co-op model* A focus on life skills, hands-on learning, and interactive education* Balancing structure and flexibility for different types of learners* Creating a space where children feel seen, supported, and capable* How Hannah became a Step Up provider and what that means for families* What parents can look forward to with fall enrollment and upcoming registration.
About Hannah Bruada: 
Hi! I'm Hannah and I’m a mom and stepmom of 13 years, and for over twenty years I’ve worked with kids in daycares, churches, schools, and mentoring programs. After stepping away for a season, I realized how much I missed it. There’s something about working with children that just gives me deep purpose and joy. My own 10-year-old son’s experience really lit a fire in me. I saw how some really wonderful kids simply don’t fit the traditional school system, and I felt called to create something gentler and more family-centered. That’s why I started The Hadassah House — a small, multi-age learning community right here in Baker, Florida. We learn together in a cozy, home-like setting where the older kids grow by mentoring and the younger ones pick up so much just by being around them. It feels more like family than a traditional classroom. My faith in Jesus and what He has placed in my heart for the next generation, and my own desire for more meaningful family time are at the heart of why I’m doing this. I wanted to create a season of quiet preparation, just like the biblical Hadassah before she became Queen Esther. My hope is that these years will give each child the knowledge, confidence, and character they need to step boldly into their futures and become who they were truly made to be.

Join us for a conversation about how kids can learn Spanish with Ninos and Nature

In this episode, we’re chatting with Kami from The Freedom Scholar about what it really looks like to create a homeschool space that supports your family—without the pressure of making everything look Pinterest perfect.
We talk about how real learning happens in the everyday moments, how to use what you already have in your home, and why functionality matters more than aesthetics. If you’ve ever felt like your space isn’t “good enough,” this conversation will free you from that pressure and help you focus on what truly matters—connection, creativity, and meaningful learning.

Curio - Melissa Muir
Curio is a learning community offering live 1:1 and small group classes. Our focus is on instilling critical thinking and strategic skills in upper elementary and middle school students through our Show & Share (ages 6-10) and Newbery Book Club (ages 9-13) classes, as well as 1:1 classes for ages 8+ (adults, too!) as they learn languages (Spanish, French, English) with native speakers, polish their writing, or work on debate & public speaking skills.
You can find out more at thinkcurio.com or head to our YouTube channel (@thinkcuriolearning).
Looking to collaborate? Send an email to info@thinkcurio.com. Would love to discuss recording a conversation for our YouTube channel or being a guest on your blog, podcast, or channel!

In this episode, Tiffany sits down with Meagan to explore how connection—not correction—is the key to transforming behavior in children. Through simple, practical strategies (especially in the kitchen), they share how parents can build stronger relationships, reduce resistance, and empower kids in everyday moments.
 
Main Topics Covered
Why connection before correction changes behavior outcomes
Using the kitchen as a tool for relationship-building and learning
Simple ways to involve kids in daily tasks to build confidence
The power of small wins and micro-moments of connection
How to use backwards chaining to reduce overwhelm
Giving children choices to increase cooperation and independence
Managing attention between multiple age groups
Handling resistance and creating positive associations with tasks
The difference between true motivation vs. manipulation
Encouraging independence while maintaining connection
about Meagan Duncan: Connect with Meagan
about The Ultimate Homeschool Community: 
https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool

 Episode Description
In this second episode of the ESA series, Tiffany is joined by Kimberly Bennett, Heather, and Becky to break down school choice funding options. From ESAs and vouchers to compliance and business strategy, this conversation gives families and providers the clarity they need to navigate funding without costly mistakes.
 
 Episode Summary
School choice funding is expanding rapidly—but many families and providers don’t fully understand how these programs actually work.
 
In this episode, the panel dives into the real differences between ESAs, vouchers, and scholarship programs, while unpacking the compliance requirements, state-by-state variations, and hidden challenges that can impact both families and educational providers.
 
From microschool regulations and testing requirements to funding strategies and business sustainability, this conversation goes beyond surface-level explanations to help you make informed, confident decisions.
 
More resources: 
https://www.esatrackerbystate.com/
https://www.schoolchoiceusa.org/states
https://www.edchoice.org/school-choice/
https://www.ecs.org/50-state-comparison-private-school-choice-2024/
 
Vela grants 2500, 5000, 10000 second stage funding 50k
 
VELA Education Fund offers grants up to $50,000 (Next Step Grants) t
 
. These grants are designed for organizations expanding their reach, focusing on entrepreneurs and founders operating outside traditional school systems. 
www.edchoice.org 
Key Details About VELA Grants:
Target Audience: Parents, educators, and community leaders creating innovative learning environments.
Grant Types: VELA provides smaller micro-grants ($2,500–$10,000) for early-stage efforts and larger "Next Step" awards (up to $50,000) for expansion.
Funding Focus: Recipients must use funds for charitable purposes, often focusing on student-centered, flexible education. NOT 501C3
camelback grant- 50k for anyone and a cohort

Join me as we learn all about how a Micro Highschool operates with Elisa Hernandez. She was a public-school teacher turned microschool Founder. Running a successful microschool takes, sacrifice and dedication. 
 
About The Ultimate Homeschool Community Podcast:
https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool
If you are interested in learning more about how to start your own microschool, check out our book:
Education Unleashed: People and Ideas Changing How We Teach, Learn, and Lead