Why Homeschooling Needs Accountability...and What We Can Do About It

In this episode of The Ex-Homeschoolers Club, I'm sitting down with Tess Ulrey, Executive Director of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education (CRHE). Tess shares her experience growing up homeschooled across multiple countries, transitioning in and out of public, private, and international schools, and how those experiences shaped her work advocating for homeschool children today.Together, they unpack the privilege embedded in homeschooling, the blurry lines between homeschooling and unschooling, the challenges many homeschool alumni face in college and adulthood, and why responsible oversight matters—not to punish families, but to protect kids.This conversation explores the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable realities of homeschooling, including abuse, neglect, and the gaps that exist in state laws across the U.S.Key Topics CoveredTess’s experience being homeschooled in Michigan, Japan, and GermanyHomeschooling vs. unschooling—and why the line is blurrier than everThe role of privilege in homeschooling decisionsTransitioning from homeschooling to college and adult lifeWhy many homeschool alumni hide their education backgroundHow public schools and community organizations fill critical support gapsThe mission and work of the Coalition for Responsible Home EducationThe reality of abuse, neglect, and lack of oversight in homeschooling lawsCurrent legislation impacting homeschool children in the U.S.🔗 Resources & LinksCoalition for Responsible Home Education: https://crhe.orgHomeschooling's Invisible Children Database: https://hic.crhe.org Connect with MeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclubEmail me at [email protected]: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/If you’re a former homeschooler, your story matters. Consider connecting with CRHE to support research, advocacy, and responsible policy that centers the lived experiences of homeschool alumni.Chapters00:00 Coming Up00:44 Meet Tess Ulrey01:43 Tess's Homeschooling Journey04:12 Transitioning Between Education Systems08:14 Defining Homeschooling and Unschooling10:17 Challenges and Benefits of Unschooling14:09 College and Career: Post-Homeschooling Life18:18 Nonprofit Work and Community Support23:03 Public Schooling Decision for Tess's Kids26:41 The Coalition for Responsible Home Education33:05 How to Get Involved with CRHE44:42 Conclusion and Call to Action