We just began the 2025–2026 school year with a review of the last—a roller coaster of program changes and shifting philosophy.
The Curriculum Graveyard: We started homeschooling two months before we left. Hallie and Claire used purchased curriculum books, and Gavin began in an online charter school. Like many families, we quickly experienced the “great curriculum purge,” ending with a very different blend of online programs, books, and apps. Digital education has been effective, but it’s also a constant battle against distractions—still an unsolved challenge.
The World as Our Classroom: Travel has been part of our curriculum all along:
- Learning Roman history in Rome
- Discussing government and fear at Cambodia’s killing fields
- Studying the Holocaust before visiting Auschwitz
- Exploring monarchy and nobility in the UK
No Keeping Up: Our first philosophy shift was huge: abandoning the notion of “keeping up.” Homeschool’s magic is flexibility. Instead of fighting to get a certain number of lessons done or to meet grade standards on schedule, we strive to balance interest with expectations. My goal is for my kids to love learning, and forcing it kills curiosity. It came as no surprise that when they choose what to study, they learn more. Meeting other families reinforced this, like one boy whose parents gave up trying to teach him math until his love of reading led him into theoretical physics—then he wanted to learn math.
Unschooling: Unschooling trusts that kids learn naturally from life, guided by parents through real opportunities. I’m not ready to go all in, but one child simply couldn’t be pushed. For everyone’s wellbeing, we let go of expectations—and the results were impressive. Their self-chosen projects and research weren’t a balanced education, but they were exactly what this child needed.
No Summer Break: Learning is a lifestyle, not a task to escape. Two weeks on a Polish farm involved no books but plenty of education. Worldschool hub weeks (organized gatherings for traveling families) full of museums and social interaction were also school. So, we still pulled out lessons in July. Besides, we have plenty of travel, sightseeing, and fun days throughout the year!
Conclusion: At year’s end, it didn’t go according to plan—but we all (parents included!) had an outstanding year of learning and growth. Compiling each child’s report was inspiring. It was a relief to stop worrying about whether I was doing enough or pushing too hard, and instead focus on pride in kids who accomplished so much and are growing into amazing adults.
Here’s to another year of the Hall Family School!
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