What happens when a teacher-turned-homeschool-mom decides to create the kind of learning environment her kids actually need? In this episode, I chat with Casondra Radford, a mom of four, lifelong educator, and founder of Rad Arts Academy—a creative, culturally-rooted homeschool co-op that began with just four kids and has grown to serve more than 30 families in one year. Casondra shares her journey from teaching across five continents to homeschooling her daughters, unlearning traditional structures, and building a space where neurodivergent, adopted, and creative learners can thrive. You’ll hear: * How Casondra went from overseas teaching to homeschooling in Kentucky * What it was like adopting three children and creating a new family rhythm * Her process of unlearning as a former classroom teacher * The story behind founding Rad Arts Academy (and how it grew so fast!) * Her personal organization systems that keep everything running smoothly * Why she believes authenticity, community, and faith are key to sustainable success ✨ This episode is a must-listen for any mom dreaming of starting something meaningful—from a simple co-op to a movement. About Casondra: Casondra Radford is a devoted mother of four, passionate educator, and the Founder of RadArtz Academy—a faith-based learning community that nurtures children holistically through creativity, hands-on education, and spiritual growth. Her career spans roles as a teacher, ESL instructor, tutor, and mentor, with a consistent focus on empowering others through service and education. She has also supported individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and worked with teen moms as a youth mentor. From local classrooms to global mission fields, Casondra lives out her calling to uplift others and reflect God’s love in action. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Meet Casondra: mom of four, world-traveling educator, and homeschooler 04:00 – Teaching abroad and how those experiences shaped her passion for education 08:00 – Adopting three siblings and blending a new family 10:00 – Starting homeschool with her daughters + unschooling beginnings 12:00 – Unlearning the classroom mindset and finding joy in freedom 17:00 – How she plans and organizes her homeschool with rhythm and curiosity 20:00 – Creating her curriculum Canvas of Cultures for families and co-ops 24:00 – Founding Rad Arts Academy: vision, space, and first four students 28:00 – How the co-op grew to 34 families by word of mouth 32:00 – Recruiting teachers and building a supportive team 36:00 – Organization systems: binders, Google Drive, color-coding, delegation 45:00 – Balancing co-op leadership, homeschool, and self-care 52:00 – Casondra’s biggest advice: dream big, invest in your village, and start where you are 54:00 – Where to connect with Casondra 🔗 Resources & Links * Rad Artz Academy: https://www.radartzacademy.com * Follow Casondra on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook * Follow me on Instagram: @theorganizedhomeschool * Subscribe on Apple | Spotify | 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
