Why We Left Public Education

Grandmom with my three littles (Dallas, TX 2014)

Burnout and a Phone Call

When my children were 1, 2, and 3, my husband was frequently away due to military travel. Then, we got the news—we’d be moving back home for a few years while he attended school to become an officer in the Navy.

I was burnt out as a mother. I watched other families enroll their little ones in preschool and found myself wondering if that was the right choice for us.

A Surprising Offer from My Grandmother

I had been raised in Montessori education, but when I saw the tuition costs, I quickly lowered my standards. Unsure of what to do next, I called my grandmother for advice.

Her answer surprised me. Once a strong advocate for early childhood education, she had changed her view:

“I no longer believe preschool is the best choice—if, in fact, you have a choice.”

Then came the offer that changed everything:

“If it’s alright with you and Tucker, I’d like to come to your house two days a week from 9 to 12 and school your three precious children for you.”

Montessori at Home—A Rare Gift

My grandmother had founded and run a private Montessori school for over 30 years. Now, she was offering to pour that experience into my children—for free.

All she asked for was a dedicated schooling space, set up like a Montessori classroom.

For the next three years, I had the rare privilege of watching her mold my toddlers into confident, inquisitive readers, creators, and thinkers.

Respecting Her Legacy While Wrestling with My Own

Though I loved what she was doing with my children, I worried that homeschooling later would feel like I was dishonoring her legacy.

She had always supported public education and had voiced concerns about homeschooling. I deeply respected her.

Still, something inside me longed to continue the kind of learning I saw happening in our home.

Kindergarten, Credentials, and Inner Conflict

When my oldest started kindergarten, I cried the entire first week.

Even though she was already reading at a second-grade level, I had held her back a year—wanting more time with her and to nurture her bond with her siblings. But sending her off felt like the government had stolen my child.

Later, I went back to school myself. I earned another teaching credential and became an Education Specialist at our local elementary. I was all in on public education—at least, I thought I was.

A Conversation That Changed Everything

Then came a conversation I didn’t expect. Two women from church—one pregnant, the other with newborn twins—sat across from me and gently shared why they believed homeschooling was worth considering.

I spent an hour defending public schools. They listened, kindly, and then challenged me with quiet conviction.

Afterward, I sat in my car in the dark. Then came the answer I had been asking for—sometimes half-heartedly—for four years.

Warmth washed over me. I bawled.
“Why now, Lord? Why after the degrees, the job, the investment?”
But I knew the answer: it was time.

Why We Left Public School

That night, my husband listened. And together, we made a list of our reasons:

• Student-teacher ratios were overwhelming.

• Our schedule was too tight to enjoy family life.

• We wanted to foster children, and I needed to be home.

• I was already supplementing their learning constantly.

• Christ was absent from the curriculum.

• Cultural messages were confusing or fear-based.

• Our kids were internalizing beliefs they didn’t understand.

Losing a second income was hard. Some family members didn’t understand. But in August 2019, we started homeschooling—and welcomed two foster toddlers the same week.

My Grandmother's Changing View

My grandmother passed away a year ago. And just like her view on preschool changed, so did her view on homeschooling.

She saw the fruit. She saw the joy. And she remained my biggest supporter.

So much of the way our family runs today is because of her.

Wondering if Homeschooling Might Be the Right Next Step?

You don’t have to have every detail in place.

Maybe just start by praying for wisdom and courage to walk in the path God has already prepared for your family.

The goal isn’t to chase perfection—it’s to faithfully steward the calling He’s entrusted to you.