Choosing how to educate your children is a significant decision—and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. In this episode of the Joyful Homemaking Podcast, Ashley and Marissa have an honest conversation about the pros and cons of homeschooling compared with a brick-and-mortar classical Christian school.
Drawing from their own experiences with homeschooling, co-ops, teaching, and classical Christian education, they explore the strengths and challenges that come with each model. They talk about the freedom homeschool families have to choose curriculum, teach from a biblical worldview, individualize education, cultivate family relationships, and build practical life skills—while also acknowledging the tremendous responsibility, discipline, planning, and intentionality homeschooling requires.
They also look at the benefits of classical Christian schooling, including knowledgeable teachers, rigorous academics, Christian community, friendships, extracurricular opportunities, and the influence of godly teachers and mentors. At the same time, they discuss considerations such as tuition, less flexibility, reduced time at home, peer influences, and the importance of parents remaining actively involved in what their children are learning.
Throughout the conversation, Ashley and Marissa encourage parents to think beyond simply asking, “Which schooling option is better?” Instead, consider your particular children, your family culture, the resources available to you, and how you can faithfully invest your time, energy, and finances into giving your children a strong Christian education. The goal of the conversation is descriptive rather than prescriptive—giving families ideas and questions to prayerfully consider as they make educational decisions.
Marissa also shares about Fundamentum: Volume 1, her foundational homeschool guide designed to help families intentionally incorporate biblical foundations into their homeschool. Fundamentum includes catechism, apologetics, hymns, the character of God, an introduction to the books and writing styles of the Bible, along with additional subjects and enrichment activities.
Learn more about Fundamentum: Volume 1:
Fundamentum: Volume 1 — A Biblical Foundations Homeschool Guide
