‍Amy Nelson’s Journey into Homeschooling

In a world where traditional public schooling isn’t the only path, Amy Nelson’s story serves as an inspiring example of a parent making bold choices for her children's education. With two kids, a 17-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter, Amy began with virtual schooling through Wyoming Virtual Academy before transitioning to homeschooling after relocating to Florida. Her journey reflects not only her dedication to her kids but also the importance of empowering families with school choice.

In this interview, Amy shares her experiences, the challenges she’s overcome, and her steadfast belief in the value of educational freedom. Her story underscores the impact that choice in education can have on families—and why it’s time for policymakers to recognize the diverse needs of students nationwide.

Making the Choice: How It All Began

For Amy, the decision to seek an alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar schools started before she even had children. She and her husband had always discussed the schooling options available in their area. “We didn’t care much for the local schools, and private school was out of our budget and might still not offer the education we were looking for,” she shares. “We knew we had to look for something different.”

When her son, Jeremy, was old enough for school, Amy discovered Wyoming Virtual Academy (WYVA), an online public school option that was free, flexible, and engaging. WYVA turned out to be an ideal starting point. “I loved the teachers, the administration, everything about it. It was a phenomenal experience,” she says. WYVA provided live teachers, frequent check-ins, and virtual class meetings, offering a structured yet flexible alternative to traditional school. It was just what her family needed at the time.

After a few years, Amy’s family moved states and transitioned to traditional homeschooling, which offered the freedom they needed.

What Freedom in Education Means to a Parent

Amy’s choice to homeschool has given her family more than just an alternative education method; it has redefined how they spend time together. “When you homeschool, you get this precious time back with your children,” Amy says. “When you have a child that goes to brick-and-mortar school, they spend more of their waking hours with those people than their own family. Because we homeschool, our family feels much closer.” 

She explains that homeschooling has allowed her children to explore their interests and passions in ways they never could in a conventional setting. “We’re able to dive into subjects that aren’t covered in public school,” she notes. "We talk more openly about harder topics, and we can give a real, unfiltered view of history.” Amy also loves to incorporate Christian values into their lessons, allowing her kids to grow up with a biblical worldview.  

Amy believes that this freedom fosters not just academic learning but also life skills and family values that public schooling often doesn’t provide.

Exploring Passions Beyond the Classroom Walls

One of the greatest benefits of homeschooling for Amy’s family has been the flexibility to explore diverse interests outside the typical classroom setting. From participating in a co-op where her children study forensics to organizing art and writing clubs, Amy’s homeschooling setup has enabled her kids to learn in creative, hands-on environments.

“Education happens everywhere, not just at the kitchen table,” Amy explains. “We might be outside at a picnic table, in a friend’s home, or in a co-op class.” This experience is about exploring passions and finding a love for learning that “doesn’t require you to sit at a small desk all day.”

Amy believes that this kind of learning, in a natural setting with families who share similar values, has been instrumental in her children’s growth. “We’re with like-minded families who want to homeschool for all different reasons.” It’s a supportive community that doesn’t just focus on academics, but on life skills and interests.

Advocating for School Choice: Why It Matters

Amy’s journey into alternative education has naturally led her into school choice advocacy. She’s seen firsthand the benefits of having different options available, as well as the limitations many families face due to state-specific regulations. “School choice should be a given,” she says. “You pick your pediatrician. You pick your dry cleaner. Why can’t you pick your child’s school?”

Through her involvement with Parents for School Options (PSO), Amy has helped to promote policies that allow families to decide what’s best for their children. “When I attended the PSO bootcamp in D.C., it was an eye-opener.” Amy met parents who had to fight tooth and nail just to keep online schooling as an option.

Amy believes that school choice policies should reflect the needs of every family. “Whether you’re considering homeschooling, charter schools, or microschools, these options should be accessible to everyone.” 

Advice for Parents Considering Alternative Schooling

When asked what she would say to parents on the fence about alternative schooling, Amy’s response is straightforward: “Just do it. If it’s been on your heart, there’s a reason.”

She encourages parents to research their state’s homeschooling laws and join parent groups for insights on different curricula and teaching methods. “Find what works for your child,” she advises. “Make the decision based on what’s best for your family and what you want to accomplish.”

Homeschooling isn’t always easy, but Amy says it’s worth it. It allows you to have a massive impact on your child’s life and learning by being there, guiding them, and exposing them to things you believe in. “If you’re the main influence in your child’s life,” she says, “well that simply can’t be a bad thing.”

Looking Toward the Future

Amy’s story is one of courage, resilience, and passion for her children’s future. Her journey from online schooling to homeschooling has allowed her family to grow closer, her children to learn more freely, and her voice to emerge as a fierce advocate for school choice.

It is so important that policies and laws state by state give families the freedom to choose the educational path that works best for them. Alternative education - though a road less traveled - is an option that for many families is simply life-changing.