Why Homeschooling Needs Accountability...and What We Can Do About It
- Jan 23, 2026
- 47:55
- Full Episode
In this episode of The Ex-Homeschoolers Club, I'm sitting down with Tess Ulrey, Executive Director of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education (CRHE). Tess shares her experience growing up homeschooled across multiple countries, transitioning in and out of public, private, and international schools, and how those experiences shaped her work advocating for homeschool children today.
Together, they unpack the privilege embedded in homeschooling, the blurry lines between homeschooling and unschooling, the challenges many homeschool alumni face in college and adulthood, and why responsible oversight matters—not to punish families, but to protect kids.
This conversation explores the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable realities of homeschooling, including abuse, neglect, and the gaps that exist in state laws across the U.S.
*Key Topics Covered* - Tess’s experience being homeschooled in Michigan, Japan, and Germany - Homeschooling vs. unschooling—and why the line is blurrier than ever - The role of privilege in homeschooling decisions - Transitioning from homeschooling to college and adult life - Why many homeschool alumni hide their education background - How public schools and community organizations fill critical support gaps - The mission and work of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education - The reality of abuse, neglect, and lack of oversight in homeschooling laws - Current legislation impacting homeschool children in the U.S.
*Resources & Links* - Coalition for Responsible Home Education: https://crhe.org - Homeschooling's Invisible Children Database: https://hic.crhe.org
*Connect with Me* - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub - Email me at [email protected] - Newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/
If you’re a former homeschooler, your story matters. Consider connecting with CRHE to support research, advocacy, and responsible policy that centers the lived experiences of homeschool alumni.
*Chapters* 00:00 Coming Up 00:44 Meet Tess Ulrey 01:43 Tess's Homeschooling Journey 04:12 Transitioning Between Education Systems 08:14 Defining Homeschooling and Unschooling 10:17 Challenges and Benefits of Unschooling 14:09 College and Career: Post-Homeschooling Life 18:18 Nonprofit Work and Community Support 23:03 Public Schooling Decision for Tess's Kids 26:41 The Coalition for Responsible Home Education 33:05 How to Get Involved with CRHE 44:42 Conclusion and Call to Action
Brief Summary
Tess shares her homeschooling journey and discusses the Coalition for Responsible Home Education's advocacy for oversight and support for homeschooled children.
Key points
- The Privilege of Homeschooling. Homeschooling is often seen as a privilege, but it comes with risks and challenges.
- Tess's Homeschool Journey. Tess shares her unique experience of being homeschooled and its impact on her life.
- The Shift to Unschooling. Tess discusses how her family's approach to homeschooling evolved over time.
- Struggles in College. Tess reflects on the challenges she faced transitioning from homeschooling to college.
- The Importance of Nonprofit Work. Exploring how nonprofit organizations like the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club provide essential support.
- Navigating Homeschooling Privilege. A discussion on the privilege associated with homeschooling and its implications.
Episode highlights
- Tess's Homeschool JourneyTess shares her unique experience of being homeschooled and its impact on her life.“I was homeschooled for six out of my 12 years of education.”1:27Jan 23, 2026
- The Shift to UnschoolingTess discusses how her family's approach to homeschooling evolved over time.“I think unschooling is like a form of homeschooling.”9:26Jan 23, 2026
- Struggles in CollegeTess reflects on the challenges she faced transitioning from homeschooling to college.“I struggled to function in a classroom environment.”14:32Jan 23, 2026
- The Importance of Nonprofit WorkExploring how nonprofit organizations like the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club provide essential support.“These systems of support exist outside of the traditional school system.”20:03Jan 23, 2026
- Navigating Homeschooling PrivilegeA discussion on the privilege associated with homeschooling and its implications.“Homeschooling was never really an option for me as a single parent.”23:45Jan 23, 2026
- Coalition for Responsible Home EducationAn overview of the Coalition's mission to empower homeschooled children and provide resources.“We work in three areas centered around empowering homeschooled children.”27:05Jan 23, 2026
- The Need for Oversight in HomeschoolingAdvocates argue for more oversight in homeschooling to ensure safety and educational standards.“We firmly believe that states should have additional oversight measures for homeschooled children.”34:52Jan 23, 2026
- Legislation in New JerseyNew Jersey proposes legislation requiring annual check-ins for homeschooled children to ensure safety.“Every homeschooled child in New Jersey would have access to a mandated reporter at least once a year.”40:23Jan 23, 2026
