What I Learned Growing Up Homeschooled (And What I Missed) | EXHS #49
- Sep 4, 2025
- 1:02:47
- Full Episode
Get signed up for the newsletter here: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/
In this solo episode of the Ex-Homeschoolers Club, I'm turning the mic on myself to share my full homeschooling journey. From starting in second grade to navigating private Christian homeschool co-ops in Southern California, I unpack the curriculum choices, the socialization opportunities, the challenges, and the lessons I carried into college and adulthood. I reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of Christian-based education, the role of extracurriculars like swing dance and theater, and how homeschooling shaped my worldview, work ethic, and career. This is a candid look at my personal story and what I’ve learned about education, growth, and identity along the way.
*Key Takeaways:* - Insights into different types of homeschooling: private, charter, and unschooling. - Curriculum that worked (Math-U-See, Story of the World) and what fell short (Spanish with Rosetta Stone). - The role of co-ops, church groups, and extracurriculars in building socialization skills. - How Christian-based curriculum shaped my early worldview—and where it left gaps. - Transitioning from homeschool to college: challenges, growth, and learning to adapt.
*Resources Mentioned:* - Math-U-See (math curriculum) - Story of the World (history curriculum) - Exploring Creation (science curriculum) - Rod & Staff English - Rosetta Stone (language learning) - CHEA (Christian Home Educators Association)
If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub Email me at [email protected]
Brief Summary
Jacob Gooden shares his homeschooling journey, discussing curriculum, socialization, and college experiences.
Key points
- Homeschool Experience Overview. Jacob shares his journey through homeschooling, highlighting its impact on his education.
- Types of Homeschooling. Jacob discusses various homeschooling methods, including private, public, and unschooling.
- Curriculum Choices. Jacob reflects on the curriculums he used, including Matthew C and Rod and Staff.
- The Dangers of a Narrow Curriculum. Exploring the limitations of a strictly Christian homeschooling curriculum and its impact on critical thinking.
- Building Social Connections. The importance of socialization in homeschooling through church and community activities.
- Extracurricular Activities and Growth. How extracurriculars like swing dance shaped social skills and confidence.
Episode highlights
- Homeschool Experience OverviewJacob shares his journey through homeschooling, highlighting its impact on his education.“Overall, I think it got me to where I needed to go.”3:06Sep 4, 2025
- Types of HomeschoolingJacob discusses various homeschooling methods, including private, public, and unschooling.“There’s a lot of different paths you can go.”3:51Sep 4, 2025
- Curriculum ChoicesJacob reflects on the curriculums he used, including Matthew C and Rod and Staff.“Matthew C absolute like gold standard favorite.”8:24Sep 4, 2025
- The Dangers of a Narrow CurriculumExploring the limitations of a strictly Christian homeschooling curriculum and its impact on critical thinking.“It hurt me when I left home because I knew one way and one way only.”24:10Sep 4, 2025
- Building Social ConnectionsThe importance of socialization in homeschooling through church and community activities.“I met a lot of homeschool kids through that.”28:17Sep 4, 2025
- Extracurricular Activities and GrowthHow extracurriculars like swing dance shaped social skills and confidence.“Swing dance being massive for me.”37:20Sep 4, 2025
- Theater ConfidenceTheater gave me confidence to be goofy and silly, shaping my social skills.“It gave me so much confidence to just be goofy and silly.”46:45Sep 4, 2025
- College ExperienceCollege was a mix of challenges and growth, shaping my independence and beliefs.“It was both the best three years of my life and the worst.”51:10Sep 4, 2025





