Growing Up Homeschooled
Hannah Frankman joined me to share what life was like growing up homeschooled.
We talked about:
Why her parents chose to homeschool her
The Challenges She Faced Homeschooling
Why She Chose Not to Attend College
Her Experience Teaching and Her Reflections on Forced Learning
How Homeschooling Prepared Her For Her Current Career
Why Her Parents Chose To Homeschool
Hannah homeschooled from grade 1-12. She has always been an academic and creative student. Homeschooling was her dad’s idea. Her parents didn’t want school to stifle her creativity. They also didn’t want her peers raising her. The rural area they lived in was not known for having great schools. They looked at many options including charter schools and private schools. Because of little experience with homeschool they researched it extensively. In the end homeschool was the best option.
Homeschool Challenges
Hannah is grateful to have grown up homeschooled. She is also real about the challenges she faced. Life was wonderful but it was not always rosy.
Hannah says her biggest challenge was the social component. Hannah grew up in a rural area. There was not a built-in local social network close to her and she is a very social person. The family was part of an active homeschool group but during her middle school age the group broke apart.
In the end it was the consistent social peer group she missed. But the lifestyle and education she was receiving while homeschooling won out.
In response she had extra curricular activities. Things like book clubs and writing groups she built and was part of. Her high school time became a very self directed time. Since high school she has built a strong social network for herself.
Homeschool Life
The joy of learning was very present in her homeschool experience. Her younger days included art and creativity. Waldorf inspired projects, reading, nature walks.
For High School Hannah built her own curriculum. That’s when she took full ownership of her learning. Pennsylvania is one of the more regulated US states to homeschool in. They offer state certified homeschool diploma programs. She was on a college path so that was the direction she chose.
There were challenges too. It was not all perfect. Going into high school homeschooling was all new to her family. There was a lot of pressure and uncertainty. She almost decided to go back to school for high school.
In the end she was happy she chose to stay home. Her high school homeschool was complete with self directed learning. She was able to dive and explore courses and areas she loved. She references an amazing resource- The Teaching Company as one of her favourite tools.
Why No College
Even though Hannah was on the path to college she decided to not attend. She did not take the decision lightly and in the episode she detailed her reasoning in making that choice. It was well thought out and she took into consideration points that many seem to overlook. This included the actual learning focus ~ pre-requisite courses even though you know what you want to do and the cost of debt. I’d love to hear more about what listeners think about all of her considerations. They rung very true.
Praxis
Hannah’s current career is with Praxis, a year long professional development program. The focus is on students that are ready to start their career but need the skills, knowledge and contacts.
The “school” year includes a 6 month long development bootcamp and a 6 month paid apprenticeship in a start up company within the Praxis network. Students are learning on the ground how a business functions.
Hannah works with students in the first half of the program as their main coach and advisor.
Hannah feels that being home educated has given her the skills she needs in her life and career. She is clear on what she wants and still carries an insatiable love of learning. Homeschooling gifted her the habit of being able to explore ideas and deep dive. It also allowed her to be comfortable engaging with a broad array of people.
I’m looking forward to having Hannah join me again for a Q&A session. What questions do you have for Hannah? Send them in through email or here.
Resource Links and How To Reach Hannah:
The Teaching Company- The Great Courses
I referenced my interview with Leah McDermott, unschool mom and teacher. Check her episode out here.
