What Homeschooling Taught a Future Education Researcher

Check out CRHE's Research: https://crhe.org/research/research-resources/Growing up homeschooled across multiple countries, experiencing homelessness, transitioning into public school, and eventually earning a PhD, Dr. Jonah Stewart has a story unlike most. In this episode, I sit down with Jonah to talk about their unconventional homeschool experience, the challenges of adapting to traditional education, and how those experiences ultimately shaped a career researching education and advocating for homeschool reform through the Coalition for Responsible Home Education (CRHE). We also discuss ADHD, social development, college, and why every homeschool story is unique.Key TakeawaysDr. Jonah Stewart shares what it was like being homeschooled across the U.S. and Australia.How Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) curriculum shaped—and limited—their learning experience.The difficult transition from homeschooling to public school during a period of family instability.Living with ADHD and discovering learning strategies that actually worked.Why social development is just as important as academic success.The mission of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education and why responsible oversight matters.Lessons learned from college, graduate school, and building an independent adult life.Resources MentionedCoalition for Responsible Home Education (CRHE)Accelerated Christian Education (ACE)Duke UniversityListener QuestionHave you ever transitioned from homeschooling into public or private school? What was the biggest surprise for you? Share your story in the comments!If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to the Ex-Homeschoolers Club and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. It helps more homeschool alumni discover these conversations and join the community.Connect with meBuyMeACoffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/exhsclubEmail me at [email protected] on Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/exhsclub/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclubNewsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/Substack: https://exhsclub.substack.comChapters00:00 Welcome to the Ex-Homeschoolers Club01:21 Jonah Homeschool Background03:22 Curriculum and Daily Routine08:22 How Our Parents Built Structure with ADHD Students11:29 Did You Find Homeschool Community or was it Isolating16:15 Why did you Switch to Public School19:20 Adjusting to Public School25:53 Finding Stability and Good Teachers32:04 The Different Forms of Intelligence and Social Skills35:57 Launching into Independence and College 39:25 Leaving Home Reality Check43:31 Hiding Homeschool Roots44:24 Stereotypes and Self Proof49:40 Reinvention in Grad School50:28 Coming Out and Finding Belonging55:42 Turning 30 Confidence Shift01:00:49 Finding CRHE and Purpose01:05:54 Research Gaps and Regulation01:12:58 Key Studies to Read01:19:39 Future Research Questions01:26:05 Why Lived Experience Matters01:28:35 Wrap Up and Resources