The Ultimate Homeschool Community Podcast

In this episode, Tiffany sits down with Christina for an honest conversation about the importance of Godly parenting in today’s culture. Together, they discuss how parents can lovingly teach children boundaries, structure, responsibility, and consistency while still nurturing their hearts and individuality.
The conversation explores the balance between helping children stay on track with schedules and schoolwork while also teaching them biblical character, self-discipline, respect, and personal responsibility. Tiffany and Christina emphasize that parenting is not just about academic success—it’s about raising children who know how to navigate life with wisdom, confidence, and strong values rooted in faith.
 Highlights
The importance of Godly parenting in modern culture
Teaching children healthy boundaries and structure
Helping kids stay consistent with schoolwork and routines
Raising children with biblical character and responsibility
Balancing grace, discipline, and emotional connection
Why structure helps children feel safe and supported
Teaching self-discipline instead of constant external control
Encouraging respect, accountability, and strong work ethic
Parenting beyond academics and focusing on the child’s heart
Helping children grow into confident, capable adults grounded in faith
About Ultimate Homeschool Community:
https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool

In this episode, Tiffany sits down with Justina Ford to discuss her family’s journey from public school to homeschooling while transitioning from the United States to South Korea. Justina shares how blending the Charlotte Mason philosophy with elements of unschooling created a flexible, enriching learning environment where her children flourished academically, emotionally, and personally. The conversation explores how slowing down, following children’s interests, and embracing global experiences helped her children succeed beyond what traditional schooling had offered.
Episode Highlights
Why Justina chose to leave the public school system
Transitioning to homeschooling during an international move to South Korea
Blending the Charlotte Mason method with unschooling approaches
Supporting children through major life transitions and cultural changes
How travel and global experiences became part of education
Following children’s interests to create deeper engagement in learning
The freedom and flexibility homeschooling provided for their family
Why her children thrived beyond what public school was offering
Encouragement for parents considering nontraditional education paths
Creating a lifestyle of learning rather than replicating school at home
About Justina Ford :Soul-Brand Alignment Strategist
 
I’m A Christian Homeschooling Momma of 3 Amazing Kiddos. A veteran spouse of 13 years, #1 Amazon International Best-Selling Author, and Intuitive Business coach and inner Healing Practitioner.
Intuitive Business Coaching and Healing - JustinaFord
 
links:
Home - AmblesideOnline - Charlotte Mason Curriculum
About The Ultimate Homeschool Community:
https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool

In this episode, Tiffany and Lindsay discuss the often-overlooked process of deschooling when transitioning from public school to homeschooling. Lindsay shares her family’s journey from burnout and rigid school expectations to a more flexible, lifestyle-centered approach to learning through homeschooling and homesteading. The conversation highlights the importance of slowing down, following children’s natural learning rhythms, and giving families permission to build an education that truly fits their lives and values.
 
Highlights:
-What deschooling is and why it matters in homeschooling transitions
-Signs that children may be experiencing school burnout
-Why homeschooling should not simply recreate public school at home
-Lindsay’s recommendation of one month of deschooling for every month in public school
-Starting with connection-focused activities like family game nights and reading together
-The importance of flexibility and following a child’s natural pace -How homesteading and daily life activities become learning opportunities
-Trying free curriculum samples before committing to a program
-Using different curriculums and learning styles for different children and subjects
-The role of co-ops, microschools, tutors, and ESAs in supporting homeschool families
-Why deschooling is an ongoing process—not just a one-time transition
-Giving parents confidence that they are already teaching their children every day
-Encouragement for overwhelmed parents to start small and simplify the process
 
About Linsday:
I am Lindsay Percy, a trained Intuitive Somatic Healer, and Motherhood Mentor, living on our homestead in beautiful BC with my husband and our two girls. I built this work from the inside of some of the hardest seasons a mother can walk through. What I came out with was clarity, purpose, and a deep calling to support other mothers doing the same. Through Redhaven Healing I offer Intuitive Bodies Alignment sessions for women ready to release what the body has been holding. Through Intentionally Conscious Motherhood I mentor mothers navigating burnout, nervous system healing, homeschooling, deschooling, homesteading, and the beautiful, messy, transformative work of conscious motherhood. I believe in the slower life. The real food. The regulated home. The mother who tends herself as carefully as she tends everyone else. That mother is who I am here for.
www.redhavenhealing.ca
www.redhavenhomestead.ca
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ct5wv2y1N/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/lindsay.percy89?igsh=MW1jY2Qzdmd3MHFuMg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
 
About The Ultimate Homeschool Community: https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool
 

This conversation explored the shift from compliance-based education to respect-based learning, especially for neurodiverse children and homeschool families. The discussion emphasized the importance of teaching self-advocacy, honoring individual needs, and creating supportive learning environments that empower children to thrive both academically and emotionally.
Highlights
Why teaching respect over compliance matters for children
How compliance-focused education can limit self-advocacy skills
Supporting neurodiverse learners through autonomy and flexibility
Allowing movement breaks and honoring individual learning needs
The importance of “de-schooling” traditional education mindsets
Teaching children healthy communication through “I statements”
Using natural consequences instead of fear-based discipline
Balancing cultural expectations with a child’s personal identity and needs
How workplace models like Chick-fil-A can teach professionalism and respect
Encouraging children to build lives aligned with their own strengths and interests
The role of service providers in helping bridge learning and developmental gaps
Creating inclusive educational spaces for both neurotypical and neurodiverse learners
Collaboration over competition in the ABA and homeschool support communities
Holistic approaches to supporting neurodiverse children and families
Learn more about The Ultimate Homeschool Community:
https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool

In this final episode of the Future of Education series, Tiffany is joined by homeschool leaders and providers to unpack the rapidly growing homeschool service economy. From tutors and therapists to microschools and learning pods, the conversation explores what homeschool families truly value—and how providers can build trust, flexibility, and sustainable support systems in this evolving educational landscape.
The homeschool world is rapidly evolving into an entire ecosystem of support services, microschools, and personalized learning opportunities. In this episode, experts discuss what homeschool families truly value and how providers can serve them well without losing authenticity or burning out. The conversation highlights the importance of flexibility, relationship-building, and understanding homeschool culture rather than approaching families with traditional education mindsets. This episode offers practical insight for anyone wanting to build meaningful, sustainable educational services in the homeschool space.
Episode Highlights
Why the homeschool market is growing beyond just curriculum
What homeschool families actually want from providers
The biggest mistakes providers make when entering the homeschool space
How homeschool culture differs from traditional school environments
Building trust through authenticity, flexibility, and community
Why fear-based marketing does not work with homeschool families
Supporting neurodivergent learners through respect-based approaches
The importance of operational systems, communication, and documentation
How ESA funding is expanding opportunities for providers
Sustainable business strategies to avoid burnout as a founder
Why homeschool families prioritize relationships over polished branding
The growing ecosystem of microschools, coaches, consultants, and support services
Measuring success differently outside traditional education models
The importance of personalized learning approaches for each child
Find out more about The Ultimate Homeschool Community:
https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool
 

How do we live the homeschool life with all the day-to-day decisions?!
In this episode, Tiffany is joined by co-host Kimberly Bennett from The Homeschool Counseling Network and experienced homeschool moms Amanda and Leilani to share the real behind-the-scenes of navigating funding, compliance, and staying true to your values. If you’ve felt overwhelmed or unsure about how to make these programs work for your family, this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps.
Episode Summary: This episode brings together homeschool moms and service providers to unpack the realities of educational funding options like ESAs and charter programs. They share personal experiences navigating compliance, documentation, and maintaining autonomy while using available resources. The conversation highlights the importance of intentional decision-making, strong family values, and building supportive relationships with providers. Ultimately, it encourages families to create a customized approach to homeschooling that works for their unique needs.
Highlights
Real experiences using ESAs and charter programs
How to balance funding opportunities with homeschool freedom
Simple systems for tracking receipts and managing documentation
What families actually look for in homeschool service providers
Pricing strategies to serve different income levels
Creative ways providers offer support with or without ESA funds
Building authentic relationships with families and providers
Navigating compliance, HIPAA, and FERPA requirements
Overcoming overwhelm with simple, step-by-step approaches
Why there is no one-size-fits-all solution in homeschooling
About The Ultimate Homeschool Community:
https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool
 

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