Beyond The Schoolhouse: Discovering The Best of Public, Private, Homeschool & Alternative Education

In this episode, Join Sarah McCubbin as she talks with Christy Serra-Gandara, a former teacher turned homeschool parent, about the realities, challenges, and rewards of homeschooling after leaving classroom teaching. In this candid discussion, they dive into what really changes when a teacher chooses to educate her own children at home.Why Christy decided to leave classroom teaching and homeschool her kidsHow being a teacher both helped and complicated her transition to homeschoolingThe biggest differences between school learning and homeschooling—motivation, structure, and flexibilityDealing with misconceptions teachers and others have about homeschool familiesWhat has changed in homeschooling since the early 2000s, and advice for parents considering the switchConnect with Christy at HappyHiveHomeschool.comTimestamps: 00:00 Leaving school to homeschool05:15 Transitioning from school to homeschool06:39 Teaching kids to read at home10:54 Motivation in Education15:07 Finding a family routine18:22 Homeschooling flexibility vs. classroom rigidity22:13 Funny homeschool misunderstanding23:49 Homeschooling and self-paced learning28:11 Being foster parents and homeschoolers29:31 Judgment on homeschooling in public35:04 Kids' Career Paths and Interests36:14 Kids' Educational and Career Paths42:02 Homeschooling becoming more accepted44:22 Changing views on education value46:46 Homeschooling with family involvement49:35 Life with a young child

In this episode, Sarah McCubbin sits down with Jean Lee, a leading voice in alternative education, to discuss the rise of learning pods, their structure, and how to start your own learning community. With over 100 students engaged in her Indianapolis-based pod, Jean Lee shares practical advice, her accidental journey into pod-creation, and how these innovative learning environments can support students and families.To Connect With Jean, visit TheAcademyofChaos.comKey Topics & Timestamps00:00 – Introduction & Why There’s Never a Perfect Time to Start00:23 – What are Learning Pods?01:23 – The Difference Between Co-ops, Micro Schools, and Learning Pods03:31 – Broad Age Ranges: How to Manage Mixed-Ability Groups04:47 – Skill-Based Placement & Teaching to the Highest Level08:14 – The Accidental Beginning: From BizTown to Full-Fledged Learning Pod10:59 – Class Structure, Collaboration with Other Instructors, and Foreign Language12:13 – Enrichment vs Academics: How Pods Differ from Micro Schools14:00 – The Benefits of Large Groups and Project-Based Learning16:01 – Are Learning Pods Common? Naming & Rigorous Academics17:29 – Adding Life Skills and Artist Studies19:23 – Legal Considerations: LLC vs Nonprofit22:05 – Advice for Starting Your Own Pod: Interest, Structure, and Commitment25:11 – Finding and Building Relationships with Community Spaces28:00 – Navigating Solo Leadership, Backup Plans, and Flexibility32:16 – Reciprocity, Supporting Community Partners, and Mindset for Success35:12 – Final Wisdom: Just Start and Build as You Go

Curious about AI for homeschoolers? In this episode, Sarah McCubbin and Shiv Sharma of AstralTutor.com discuss the realities, benefits, and common concerns around AI-powered education.Initially, like many, I was skeptical about how artificial intelligence could genuinely help my children with math specifically. But after experiencing an AI tutor firsthand, my perspective completely shifted. My kids not only enjoyed using it but also started thinking differently about problems, showcasing the surprising potential of this future tech.--Why many parents are skeptical about AI math tutors—and what changes their minds--The difference between using AI to build skills vs. just getting answers-How Astral Tutor creates personalized math lessons and keeps students focused-The potential of AI for homeschool groups, micro schools, and independent learners-Where education could go in the next 5-10 years as AI tools become more commonLearn More About Astral Tutorhttps://www.astraltutor.com/?utm_source=influencer&utm_medium=beyondtheschoolhouse_podcast&utm_campaign=ten_minute_momentum&utm_content=podcast_interviewGet Resources For Your Homeschool and Co-ophttps:www.schoolmaking.comhttps:www.pallascenter.comhttps:www.tenminutemomentum.com

This conversation with Doreen Browning delves into the importance of policies for homeschool groups and the role of consultants in guiding and supporting these groups. It covers key policies, challenges, misconceptions, enforcement, development, facility policies, and the process of consulting with homeschool groups.TakeawaysImportance of PoliciesConsulting for Homeschool GroupsChapters00:00 Introduction to Homeschool Group Policies05:18 Challenges and Misconceptions About Policies13:37 Developing Comprehensive Policies and Procedures21:40 Facility Policies and Importance of Stewardship28:04 Consulting with Homeschool Groups

The conversation explores the challenges of raising children in an era of institutional failure and the importance of finding and defining one's tribe. It delves into the impact of institutional trust and failure, the credibility and influence of institutions, critical thinking, empowering independent thinking in children, owning consequences, finding and defining one's tribe, challenges in finding a tribe, defining group identity and values, negotiating leeway, and tribe shopping.TakeawaysRaising kids in an age of institutional failureFinding and defining one's tribeChapters00:00 Raising Thinkers in an Age of Institutional Failure06:37 Critical Thinking and Courage12:13 Owning Consequences and Accountability17:53 Challenges in Finding a Tribe

In this episode, Sarah McCubbin sits down with Linda McCarty from Music Duo Academy to discuss the transformative power of music education for homeschoolers. Together, they unpack why music shouldn’t be an afterthought, how it strengthens the brain, builds confidence and independence, and the reasons it’s never too early (or too late) to start. Linda McCarty shares her experience as an educator and homeschool advocate, providing practical advice on integrating music into your family’s learning routines — even if you don’t consider yourself musically inclined.Key Takeaways:Music education is much more than an “extra”; it is crucial for cognitive development and academic growth.You don’t need to be musically skilled to provide quality music education at home — sequenced, accessible curricula are available.Starting music early develops not just musical skills, but independence and lifelong confidence in learning.There are flexible, at-home music learning options that integrate instruments, theory, and movement, making it fun and practical for homeschoolers.Resources & Links:Learn more and get your free singalong at: musicduoacademy.comTry a free lesson from every level: See the “Try a Lesson” tab on the websiteFor homeschooling support and tools: schoolmaking.com

Sarah and Simit unpack the handbook—the backbone of a healthy homeschool co-op. You’ll learn why making expectations clear (mission, schedule, volunteer roles, finances, dress code, discipline, attendance, registration, and more) actually reduces friction and preserves relationships. Sarah explains how to start small (park days, playgroups) before formalizing, when to consider becoming a nonprofit, who votes on policies (the board), and a practical cadence for updating the handbook so families aren’t surprised. They also preview next episode’s deep-dive on boards and nonprofit structure.We cover:What a handbook does (hint: it’s the bad guy, not you)The must-have sections: mission/values, schedule, registration, fees, policiesWhy to publish it (and repeat key info in 3 places)How to start small before collecting money or renting spaceWhen/why to formalize (insurance, rent, budgets) and who votes on changesAnnual update flow (publish before next year’s registration)Resources:SchoolMaking.com – templates & guides for co-op handbooks (mission, policies, bylaws)What To Include In A Homeschool Handbookhttps://tenminutemomentum.com/homeschool-co-op-handbook/

Discover the world of farm schools with Sarah McCubbin and guest Laura Fry, who runs a unique two-day-a-week drop-off program called Roots and Shoots Farm School on her family's homestead in Ohio. Learn how alternative education models like farm schools can offer hands-on, mixed-age learning experiences.What sets farm school apart from public, private, and traditional homeschool modelsKey benefits of mixed-age groups and play-based learningWhy small group sizes can lead to deeper, more personalized educationThe value of chores and real-life skills in developing independence and resourcefulnessPractical tips for families wanting to create hands-on learning at home without a farmReady to explore new possibilities for your child’s education? Hit like, subscribe, and check out more resources at schoolmaking.com.How to Connect & Learn MoreWhere to find Laura and Stone Garden Farm School online:Main website: stonegardenfarm.comFarm school info: farmschoolohio.comLocation: Richfield, Ohio (open for tours!)

In this episode, Sarah and Simit unpack the SchoolMaking.com Starting Point form that helps families launch a homeschool co-op (or support group, social group, park day, micro-school—whatever fits your community). Sarah shares her journey from an elective, interest-based co-op to directing an academic co-op, and the practical steps any parent can take to build something sustainable.We cover:Why start a group? Support, social, field trips, fun classes, or academics—how your “why” determines your structure.Finding a group (friend referrals, state/local FB groups) vs. founding a group (timeline, registration, orientation).Elective vs. Academic co-ops: expectations, homework, and accountability.Volunteer culture: why drop-off usually doesn’t work and how to set buy-in.Facilities & structure: churches, class periods, nursery/preschool inclusion, teacher roles.Handbooks & policies: vision/mission, finances, behavior, attendance, safety—why clarity prevents burnout.Community & relationships: how shared work creates lasting friendships (for kids and parents).👉 Try the Starting Point form at SchoolMaking.com to clarify your model and next steps.👉 Next episode: a deeper dive on building your co-op handbook (what to include and how to write it).

In this episode, Sarah talks with Michelle Mosey—Australian Navy veteran, longtime intelligence/cybersecurity professional, and leader at Hackers Jack—about how to keep kids safe online without fear or shame. We cover practical steps for preschool through high school, why education beats just “locking things down,” and what to do when something goes wrong.We cover:A simple framework for starting early (think: “look both ways” for the internet).What chatbot “friends” are (and why kids are spending hours with them).Digital footprints: why deleted ≠ gone, and how colleges/employers check.The rise of grooming, sextortion, and cyberbullying—and early warning signs.How to teach critical thinking + discernment at each grade level.What Hackers Jack provides for homeschools and schools (K–12, 2–3 min lessons).Clear next steps for parents: preemptive education, open conversations, and where to get help.Resources mentioned:Homeschool program: homeschooling.hackersjack.comSchool program: hackersjack.comListener discount: code TENMINUTE10 for 10% offContact: [email protected]👉 If you missed Episode 1 and 2, start there to meet your hosts and the vision behind Beyond the Schoolhouse.

Episode 2: Why We Chose Private School—A Conversation with Co-Host Simit PatelIn this episode of Beyond the Schoolhouse, I sit down with my co-host and business partner Simit Patel to share his story and perspective on education. Simit is a software engineer, a dad of three, and a deep thinker about how technology and peer groups shape the way kids learn.We cover:Why Simit and his wife chose private school despite the financial burden.The powerful influence of peer groups in shaping children’s education.What he learned about teaching during the pandemic (and why parents everywhere will relate).How AI is being used in education—where it helps, and where it falls short.Why every parent should research all of their options before choosing a school.Whether you’re homeschooling, considering private or public school, or just curious about the future of education, this conversation will give you fresh insight and encouragement.👉 Don’t miss Episode 1 if you haven’t listened yet—Simit interviewed me about my family’s story, our nine kids, and the vision behind Beyond the Schoolhouse.

Episode 1: Meet Sarah McCubbin—Nine Kids, Seven School Models, One MissionWelcome to the very first episode of Beyond the Schoolhouse! To kick things off, my co-host Simit Patel takes the interviewer’s chair so you can hear my story.I’m a mom of nine who has experienced almost every type of education—homeschooling, public school, private school, and even micro-schools. Over the years, we’ve made different choices for each child depending on their needs, and I’ve also led a large homeschool co-op.In this episode, we cover:My journey through homeschooling, private school, and public school.The challenges and joys of raising a large family while navigating multiple education paths.Lessons learned from leading a 150-student homeschool co-op.Why we launched Beyond the Schoolhouse to help parents see all the options available today.This conversation sets the stage for the podcast—exploring how families can find the best fit for their kids while letting go of shame, doubt, and pressure.👉 Don’t miss Episode 2, where I turn the tables and interview Simit about his story, his passion for education and technology, and why his family chose private school.