Beyond The Schoolhouse: Discovering The Best of Public, Private, Homeschool & Alternative Education

Sarah McCubbin & Simit Patel
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Welcome to Beyond the Schoolhouse—discovering the best of public, private, homeschool, and alternative learning. Join your hosts Sarah McCubbin and Simit Patel as we explore the many ways kids learn—inside classrooms, at the kitchen table, online, and beyond. Each week you’ll hear conversations with parents, educators, authors, entrepreneurs, and education leaders who are reimagining what learning can look like. Our goal is to inspire and equip you with stories, strategies, and resources so you can make the best education choices for your family right now.

  1. 6d ago

    Homeschooled for 13 Years: My Son's Take On His Education

    In this episode, Sarah sits down with her oldest son, Ian, who completed all 13 years of K–12 as a homeschooler. As a recent college graduate and now a software developer, Ian brings an honest perspective on the strengths, challenges, and surprises of homeschooling. Timestamps & HighlightsWelcome and Introductions Meet Ian, a 23-year-old homeschool graduate, and get a brief overview of his educational path 00:00.Educational Journey Breakdown Details about micro schools, co-ops, and early charter school experiences 01:09.How Homeschooling Compares Ian reflects on the diversity of his path versus traditional and public schooling 02:36.Early Memories of Homeschooling Learning to read and the challenges and victories along the way 03:01.Socialization in Homeschooling Honest talk about making friends, social growth, and the unique homeschool “culture” 09:21 12:01.A Typical Homeschool Day Ian shares his daily structure—and why he loved finishing early 06:11.Role of Co-ops & Micro Schools How these enriched his studies, especially in high school 07:35.Exploring Interests and Career Skills The flexibility of homeschooling allowed Ian to pursue computers, video games, and eventually software development 15:10 16:00.Transitioning to College Early college credits, academic prep, and the importance of learning independence 18:10.Homeschool Weaknesses Challenges with advanced math and how a great college teacher made the difference 20:13.Imposter Syndrome in College Navigating feelings of inadequacy and switching majors 24:29.What Parents Get Right—and Worry Too Much About The vital importance of writing, advice for parents, and tips for teens feeling behind 28:12 29:27.Would He Homeschool His Own Kids? Ian offers practical perspective on why he’d choose homeschooling for his future family, with caveats about outsourcing advanced classes 33:24.Episode TakeawaysHomeschooling brings unique freedoms and challenges—embracing both is key.Socialization happens, but entering new environments can bring new learning curves.Writing is a critical skill that pays dividends in every subject and career field.Parents don’t have to be “experts”—they are uniquely equipped to guide their children.Don’t be afraid to fail and try new things, especially in high school—this builds resilience for adulthood.Outsourcing upper-level subjects or utilizing co-ops/micro schools can round out a homeschool education.Listen to Beyond The Schoolhouse on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

    36 min

  2. Jun 10

    How a Tragedy Led a Teacher to Start Homeschooling Her Children

    In this episode, Join Sarah McCubbin as she talks with Christy Serra-Gandara, a former teacher turned homeschool parent, about the realities, challenges, and rewards of homeschooling after leaving classroom teaching. In this candid discussion, they dive into what really changes when a teacher chooses to educate her own children at home. Why Christy decided to leave classroom teaching and homeschool her kidsHow being a teacher both helped and complicated her transition to homeschoolingThe biggest differences between school learning and homeschooling—motivation, structure, and flexibilityDealing with misconceptions teachers and others have about homeschool familiesWhat has changed in homeschooling since the early 2000s, and advice for parents considering the switch Connect with Christy at HappyHiveHomeschool.com Timestamps: 00:00 Leaving school to homeschool05:15 Transitioning from school to homeschool 06:39 Teaching kids to read at home 10:54 Motivation in Education 15:07 Finding a family routine 18:22 Homeschooling flexibility vs. classroom rigidity 22:13 Funny homeschool misunderstanding 23:49 Homeschooling and self-paced learning 28:11 Being foster parents and homeschoolers 29:31 Judgment on homeschooling in public 35:04 Kids' Career Paths and Interests 36:14 Kids' Educational and Career Paths 42:02 Homeschooling becoming more accepted 44:22 Changing views on education value 46:46 Homeschooling with family involvement 49:35 Life with a young child

    52 min

  3. May 8

    Building Learning Pods and Alternative Education Communities with Jean Lee

    In this episode, Sarah McCubbin sits down with Jean Lee, a leading voice in alternative education, to discuss the rise of learning pods, their structure, and how to start your own learning community. With over 100 students engaged in her Indianapolis-based pod, Jean Lee shares practical advice, her accidental journey into pod-creation, and how these innovative learning environments can support students and families. To Connect With Jean, visit TheAcademyofChaos.com Key Topics & Timestamps00:00 – Introduction & Why There’s Never a Perfect Time to Start00:23 – What are Learning Pods?01:23 – The Difference Between Co-ops, Micro Schools, and Learning Pods03:31 – Broad Age Ranges: How to Manage Mixed-Ability Groups04:47 – Skill-Based Placement & Teaching to the Highest Level08:14 – The Accidental Beginning: From BizTown to Full-Fledged Learning Pod10:59 – Class Structure, Collaboration with Other Instructors, and Foreign Language12:13 – Enrichment vs Academics: How Pods Differ from Micro Schools14:00 – The Benefits of Large Groups and Project-Based Learning16:01 – Are Learning Pods Common? Naming & Rigorous Academics17:29 – Adding Life Skills and Artist Studies19:23 – Legal Considerations: LLC vs Nonprofit22:05 – Advice for Starting Your Own Pod: Interest, Structure, and Commitment25:11 – Finding and Building Relationships with Community Spaces28:00 – Navigating Solo Leadership, Backup Plans, and Flexibility32:16 – Reciprocity, Supporting Community Partners, and Mindset for Success35:12 – Final Wisdom: Just Start and Build as You Go

    37 min

  4. Apr 27

    AI in Education: The Pros and Cons of Technology | Shiv Sharma of AstralTutor.com

    Curious about AI for homeschoolers? In this episode, Sarah McCubbin and Shiv Sharma of AstralTutor.com discuss the realities, benefits, and common concerns around AI-powered education. Initially, like many, I was skeptical about how artificial intelligence could genuinely help my children with math specifically. But after experiencing an AI tutor firsthand, my perspective completely shifted. My kids not only enjoyed using it but also started thinking differently about problems, showcasing the surprising potential of this future tech. --Why many parents are skeptical about AI math tutors—and what changes their minds --The difference between using AI to build skills vs. just getting answers -How Astral Tutor creates personalized math lessons and keeps students focused -The potential of AI for homeschool groups, micro schools, and independent learners -Where education could go in the next 5-10 years as AI tools become more common Learn More About Astral Tutor https://www.astraltutor.com/?utm_source=influencer&utm_medium=beyondtheschoolhouse_podcast&utm_campaign=ten_minute_momentum&utm_content=podcast_interview Get Resources For Your Homeschool and Co-op https:www.schoolmaking.com https:www.pallascenter.com https:www.tenminutemomentum.com

    43 min

  5. Apr 16

    Challenges and Conflicts in Homeschool Co-ops with Doreen Browning

    This conversation with Doreen Browning delves into the importance of policies for homeschool groups and the role of consultants in guiding and supporting these groups. It covers key policies, challenges, misconceptions, enforcement, development, facility policies, and the process of consulting with homeschool groups. Takeaways Importance of PoliciesConsulting for Homeschool Groups Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Homeschool Group Policies05:18 Challenges and Misconceptions About Policies13:37 Developing Comprehensive Policies and Procedures21:40 Facility Policies and Importance of Stewardship28:04 Consulting with Homeschool Groups

    28 min

  6. Apr 10

    Raising Kids In An Age of Institutional Failure

    The conversation explores the challenges of raising children in an era of institutional failure and the importance of finding and defining one's tribe. It delves into the impact of institutional trust and failure, the credibility and influence of institutions, critical thinking, empowering independent thinking in children, owning consequences, finding and defining one's tribe, challenges in finding a tribe, defining group identity and values, negotiating leeway, and tribe shopping. Takeaways Raising kids in an age of institutional failureFinding and defining one's tribe Chapters 00:00 Raising Thinkers in an Age of Institutional Failure06:37 Critical Thinking and Courage12:13 Owning Consequences and Accountability17:53 Challenges in Finding a Tribe

    32 min

  7. 11/07/2025

    Why Music Education Matters: Boosting Confidence & Brain Power for Homeschoolers: Music Duo Academy

    In this episode, Sarah McCubbin sits down with Linda McCarty from Music Duo Academy to discuss the transformative power of music education for homeschoolers. Together, they unpack why music shouldn’t be an afterthought, how it strengthens the brain, builds confidence and independence, and the reasons it’s never too early (or too late) to start. Linda McCarty shares her experience as an educator and homeschool advocate, providing practical advice on integrating music into your family’s learning routines — even if you don’t consider yourself musically inclined. Key Takeaways: Music education is much more than an “extra”; it is crucial for cognitive development and academic growth.You don’t need to be musically skilled to provide quality music education at home — sequenced, accessible curricula are available.Starting music early develops not just musical skills, but independence and lifelong confidence in learning.There are flexible, at-home music learning options that integrate instruments, theory, and movement, making it fun and practical for homeschoolers.Resources & Links: Learn more and get your free singalong at: musicduoacademy.comTry a free lesson from every level: See the “Try a Lesson” tab on the websiteFor homeschooling support and tools: schoolmaking.com

    37 min

  8. 10/23/2025

    The Homeschool Co-op Handbook: What to Include, How to Start, and Why It Matters

    Sarah and Simit unpack the handbook—the backbone of a healthy homeschool co-op. You’ll learn why making expectations clear (mission, schedule, volunteer roles, finances, dress code, discipline, attendance, registration, and more) actually reduces friction and preserves relationships. Sarah explains how to start small (park days, playgroups) before formalizing, when to consider becoming a nonprofit, who votes on policies (the board), and a practical cadence for updating the handbook so families aren’t surprised. They also preview next episode’s deep-dive on boards and nonprofit structure. We cover: What a handbook does (hint: it’s the bad guy, not you) The must-have sections: mission/values, schedule, registration, fees, policies Why to publish it (and repeat key info in 3 places) How to start small before collecting money or renting space When/why to formalize (insurance, rent, budgets) and who votes on changes Annual update flow (publish before next year’s registration) Resources: SchoolMaking.com – templates & guides for co-op handbooks (mission, policies, bylaws)What To Include In A Homeschool Handbookhttps://tenminutemomentum.com/homeschool-co-op-handbook/

    27 min
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About

Welcome to Beyond the Schoolhouse—discovering the best of public, private, homeschool, and alternative learning. Join your hosts Sarah McCubbin and Simit Patel as we explore the many ways kids learn—inside classrooms, at the kitchen table, online, and beyond. Each week you’ll hear conversations with parents, educators, authors, entrepreneurs, and education leaders who are reimagining what learning can look like. Our goal is to inspire and equip you with stories, strategies, and resources so you can make the best education choices for your family right now.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah McCubbin & Simit Patel
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Sarah McCubbin & Simit Patel