After six years of homeschooling four kids, why did Stacey Al Hassani decide her son needed to go back to a traditional classroom? In this episode, I chat with Stacey Al Hassani, a British expat and homeschool mom of three in Dubai, six years into a homeschool journey that started almost by accident during COVID. Stacey opens up about the honest story behind her eldest son’s return to traditional school, why she switched her family from a rigid British curriculum to a more flexible American one, and how she’s learned to outsource what doesn’t play to her strengths — from math and Arabic tutors to a writing curriculum she credits with transforming her kids’ work. She also shares the years-long mental shift it took to stop measuring her homeschool against the traditional system, and what socialization really looks like for a homeschooling family living abroad. You’ll hear: ● Why Stacey’s eldest son ultimately went back to traditional school — and the signs that told her and her husband it was time● The homeschool philosophy that means she’ll make a change the moment something stops working academically, socially, or mentally● Why she outsources math and Arabic to tutors 100% — and reframes the cost as saving, not spending● How switching from a rigid British curriculum to a flexible American one changed what learning looked like for her family● The writing curriculum she’s used for three years and credits with transforming her kids’ writing and confidence● What socialization actually looks like when you’re homeschooling far from extended family, in “swings and roundabouts” ✨ If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s okay to homeschool one child and send another to school, Stacey’s story is proof there’s no single right way to do it. About Stacey Al Hassani: Homeschool mom of 6 years. Started with 4 children, now with 3 as my eldest went back to school for his GCSEs. I’ve tried many approaches and I evaluate regularly what is working and what’s not and share advice for those just starting out or feeling overwhelmed. Based in Dubai, I document our homeschool journey on Instagram (@homeschool_with_stacey), from curriculum decisions to the honest, messy moments in between. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & meet Stacey00:24 – Six years homeschooling: from an accidental COVID start to three kids at home02:36 – Moving to Dubai, closing her beauty and slim spa, and becoming a stay-at-home mom04:17 – What a typical homeschool day looks like07:56 – Why she outsources math and Arabic to tutors09:21 – Her curriculum staples: IEW, Story of the World, and an eclectic approach10:30 – Planning her homeschool year around her tutor “anchors”13:36 – Splitting subjects by child vs. grouping her younger two15:14 – Switching from the British curriculum to American20:36 – Why her eldest son went back to traditional school25:15 – What socialization looks like homeschooling abroad31:52 – The resource she’s loving right now: IEW’s impact on her kids’ writing33:24 – Finding contentment and gratitude after six years35:31 – Her best advice for new homeschoolers and finding your “why”38:14 – Where to find Stacey and final thoughts Resources & Links Mentioned: ● Connect with Stacey on Instagram: @homeschool_with_stacey ● IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing), including their Essay Voyage level: iew.com ● Story of the World (history curriculum): Well-Trained Mind Press ● Brightways Global Academy (American umbrella school): brightwayslearning.org ● Outschool: outschool.com ● Preply (tutor marketplace): preply.com ● Michael Clay Thompson grammar curriculum: Royal Fireworks Press ● Clonlara School (an example of an American umbrella school families in Dubai use): clonlara.org● Follow me on Instagram: @theorganizedhomeschool ● Subscribe to the Voice Notes from The Organized Homeschool podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Substack This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com
