[Podcast #308] Julie’s Brief History of Homeschooling

Brave Writer Podcast

On today’s podcast we go on a sweeping journey through the history of homeschooling, weaving together Julie’s story with the larger movement that reshaped education in America. From the experimental classrooms of 1970s California to the early legal battles of the 1980s and the faith-driven conventions of the 1990s, Julie shows how homeschooling evolved from a fringe experiment into a mainstream educational choice.

Along the way, she shares the moment she first heard the word “homeschool,” how early influences shaped her teaching philosophy, and why the movement looks so different today—with growing diversity, secular options, and new opportunities for connection.

This episode dives into:

  • Landmark cases like Wisconsin v. Yoder and their impact
  • The rise of Christian homeschooling and its cultural influence
  • How COVID-19 sparked a new wave of homeschoolers
  • Brave Writer’s unique role as a non-sectarian home for all families

Julie’s personal history is a reminder that homeschooling has never been static—it has always been about reimagining education for the times we’re in.

Show Notes

The Early Days of Homeschooling

Julie begins with memories of her own education in 1970s California—an era of creek-side science lessons, Renaissance fairs, and hands-on learning experiments. She then introduces the early influencers of the homeschooling movement, such as John Holt and Raymond Moore, and landmark legal cases like Wisconsin v. Yoder that carved out space for families to educate outside the system.

Homeschooling in the 80s and 90s

Through personal anecdotes, Julie recounts first hearing the word “homeschool” in the 1980s and discovering its promise of tailor-made education. She describes the rise of Christian homeschool conventions and curricula in the 1990s, the challenges of record-keeping in some states, and how communities were built—often through church networks.

Homeschooling Today

Fast forward to the present, where homeschooling has become both more mainstream and more varied. From the surge of new homeschoolers post-COVID to the growth of secular and religiously diverse communities, Julie highlights how Brave Writer continues to create a non-sectarian space that welcomes families of every background.

Homeschooling has always been about more than just academics. It’s a way to reimagine education to serve children and families in meaningful ways.

Resources

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Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

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