A family from Nashville, Tennessee, spent about half of their year at their suburban home and the rest on adventures, embracing homeschooling as their way of life. Lindsay, a 41-year-old mother, and her 43-year-old husband Derek, believe that inspiring their five children to “love learning” is the key to their success in life. For them, the love for learning opens doors to the world, allowing them to explore ancient ruins in Italy, mysterious caves in the Mexican jungle, and beaches in Florida and beyond.
Standing at the edge of a cave in Mexico during a field trip, Lindsay exclaimed, “This is where those sacrifices we read about were made!” Their travels were not just about leisure but a hands-on education covering various subjects and experiences. Literacy served as their gateway to the world, leading them to roam among ruins and historical sites they had studied in books.
From their humble beginnings of homeschooling near Dallas, their educational journey has now spanned 18 years, marked by a road trip focusing on early American history landmarks. In 2018, they sold their Texas home, bought an RV, and embarked on a dream of homeschooling while traveling across the United States. After two nomadic years, they settled in Tennessee, where they found a thriving homeschooling community to join.
Back when they started homeschooling, Lindsay says, “it was a bit odd.” However, she immediately sought out local homeschooling groups to provide social opportunities for their children, ensuring they would not grow up isolated. The family’s educational approach, called “un-schooling,” centers around self-motivation and allowing each child to shine in their unique strengths and interests.
Their eldest daughter Elisa, 23, showcased her artistic talent by designing murals for their city, eventually becoming a sought-after tattoo artist. Ava, 20, cherishes their family’s Christian values and aspires to be a homemaker and mother in the future. Audrey, 17, gained a following on Instagram for her music and declined an invitation to America’s Got Talent, while Owen, 15, aims to become a real estate mogul before turning 20. Everett, their youngest at 13, enjoys playing football with his siblings and local homeschool team.
Unlike the traditional path, the couple does not emphasize college for their children, viewing higher education as often burdened with debt and a form of government-imposed servitude. Rather, they advocate for pursuing careers not dependent on a degree, except for professions like medicine that require specific qualifications. Instead of confining success to a university degree, they prioritize hands-on experiences and individual passions.
In balancing their travel aspirations with financial stability, the family downsized their Tennessee home to fund their global journeys. Luckily, Derek’s steady IT job and their collaborations on Instagram provide additional income. Despite scaling back their travels recently as their children set roots in the U.S., Lindsay believes that customizing education for each child has been effective. Reflecting on their homeschooling journey, she acknowledges the mistakes made but asserts that the approach has empowered their children to explore and grow in a safe and supportive environment.
In conclusion, the Tennessee family’s homeschooling by exploration has not only broadened their children’s horizons but also instilled in them the belief that true success lies in following their passions and maximizing their individual potentials, rather than conforming to traditional educational norms.