Divorce is never the plan, yet for some homeschooling families, it is a sad and painful reality. When Angela (last name withheld for privacy) was faced with the breakdown of her marriage, she prayed and prayed. Then she prayed some more.
Making things more complicated was the matter of whether Angela would be able to keep homeschooling after the divorce. Thankfully, she got the answer she was hoping for.
“God made it clear that I was to continue homeschooling,” she recalls.
Angela was tremendously relieved. She has taught all of her children—ranging in age from 9 to 16—from the beginning, so homeschooling is an integral part of their life. It has provided the flexibility, personalization, and faith-based community that is so important to Angela.
“God made sure I had the funds to afford my children’s books and co-op tuitions throughout the divorce,” she says. “HSLDA’s Curriculum Grant was part of His plan, too.” For Angela, this was further confirmation of her decision to continue homeschooling.
“My ex-husband was a public high school history teacher, and I was a high school English teacher before we had our children,” Angela says. Even then, they knew they wanted to homeschool.
“I love being with them, teaching them according to what fits their learning style, and choosing the curriculum that best satisfies their interests,” she says. “I wanted to surround and immerse my children with a Christian education and be in a Christian education community.”
Angela’s ex is still supportive of homeschooling, which is not the case in many divorce situations. She is very grateful that the children’s education was not up for debate.
“The years of separation and divorce were extremely difficult for me emotionally and mentally,” Angela says. “The flexibility of homeschooling enabled me to slow down, take breaks, and just be there for my kids when they needed an emotional break. We could spend the day together or just take the break that we all needed during that difficult time.”
Being in a group with other homeschooling families has also played a big part in the family’s healing post-divorce. Angela and her children participate in a local Classical Conversations community. When her children struggle emotionally or mentally, this support system comes alongside them with help and prayer.
It was also this community that first pointed Angela to HSLDA’s Compassion Grant program. Finding herself financially strapped during the separation and unable to afford the curriculum and classes her children needed, she applied for and received a grant.
“Being the only one in charge of their education is daunting, and the fear of failure is real,” she says. “As a single parent, it is difficult to be everything each child needs. [But receiving this grant] was an answered prayer and, to me, a sign that God wants us to continue homeschooling.”
Now, Angela and her children have settled into a new normal. Her extroverted, academically inclined 16-year-old daughter volunteers nearly 300 hours annually through the National Beta Club. Her 14-year-old son has more time to play volleyball and basketball with his friends, in addition to being “a fierce protector over his mom and sisters.” And Angela’s younger daughters are usually able to finish school by lunchtime, so they can have the whole afternoon to play together and just be kids.
“I am so grateful and appreciative to the donors and for the grant money,” Angela says. “It is helping me to continue surrounding myself and my children with a faith-filled Christian community. I know homeschooling is not a fit for everyone, but it has truly been a blessing for me and my kids.”
“It means so much to be able to celebrate their wins and to work through their struggles together,” she continues. “Life is not perfect, and we struggle, but I feel like the time spent with my children only strengthens our relationship.”
