loader from loading.io

🎙️ Rethinking College: Smart Alternatives for Homeschoolers

It's Not That Hard to Homeschool

Release Date: 06/24/2025

Workshop Replay: The Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Future of Homeschooling show art Workshop Replay: The Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Future of Homeschooling

It's Not That Hard to Homeschool

Overview: This workshop outlines how the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)—defined by rapid advancements in AI, robotics, biotech, and digital technologies—is disrupting every aspect of life, including education and work. As homeschooling parents, we have a powerful opportunity to prepare our children not just for a diploma, but for an adaptable, resilient, and purpose-driven life. 🏭 The Four Industrial Revolutions 1st IR (1760–1840): Steam and mechanization revolutionized travel and work. 2nd IR (1870–1914): Mass production and electricity; origins of the factory-model...

info_outline What About These Times? Why World Geography Matters More Than Ever show art What About These Times? Why World Geography Matters More Than Ever

It's Not That Hard to Homeschool

We’re living in disruptive times—and our kids need to understand the world to understand what’s going on. In this powerful episode, Lisa Nehring dives into why world geography isn’t just a school subject—it’s essential for critical thinking, global citizenship, and navigating today’s news. From the headlines in the Middle East to global gig economies and biblical prophecy, we unpack how understanding place and culture helps our students build discernment and purpose. Plus, Lisa shares favorite geography resources, how to talk to your kids about current events, and why True North...

info_outline 🎙️ Rethinking College: Smart Alternatives for Homeschoolers show art 🎙️ Rethinking College: Smart Alternatives for Homeschoolers

It's Not That Hard to Homeschool

🎙️ Rethinking College: Smart Alternatives for Homeschoolers Podcast: It's Not That Hard to Homeschool Host: Lisa Nehring  Sponsored by: 🎧 Episode Summary In this episode, Lisa Nehring encourages homeschool parents to rethink the college experience and consider smarter, more affordable alternatives that align with their students' values, goals, and future career prospects. Lisa shares why the traditional 4-year college pathway is no longer the default and how families can save thousands by combining dual enrollment, CLEP, and strategic degree planning—all while preparing...

info_outline Identity Tools: Teaching Kids How to Think show art Identity Tools: Teaching Kids How to Think

It's Not That Hard to Homeschool

Sponsor Shout-Out: Homeschooling math doesn’t have to end in tears—yours or your kids'. Our favorite math solution? CTC Math. With short, clear video lessons and a self-paced, no-prep format, it’s the curriculum we wish we’d started with sooner. Try it free at – and breathe easier. Episode Summary: In this lively episode, Lisa and Gina—your trusty admin team from It's Not That Hard to Homeschool—tackle a big question that’s come up often in our community: How do you teach your kids how to learn? The answer? The Five Common Topics—a powerful, flexible tool you can use across...

info_outline The Academic Fix for Teen Anxiety and Identity Confusion show art The Academic Fix for Teen Anxiety and Identity Confusion

It's Not That Hard to Homeschool

📋 Show Notes: Teens today are facing a full-blown identity crisis. As parents, we’re watching our kids grow up in a world where anxiety, confusion, and cultural chaos are becoming the norm. But there is a solution—and it may be simpler than you think. In this episode, Lisa Nehring breaks down how solid academic foundations and intentional education can restore a teen’s sense of identity, purpose, and direction. She explains why our tweens and teens are feeling so lost—and how classical tools like reading, writing, critical thinking, and worldview exploration can ground them in truth...

info_outline The One Tool Every Homeschooler Needs to Teach Critical Thinking show art The One Tool Every Homeschooler Needs to Teach Critical Thinking

It's Not That Hard to Homeschool

📝 Show Notes: What if you had a simple, flexible, powerful tool that could teach your kids to think deeply about anything? In this episode, Lisa Nehring and Gina Glenn dive into the Five Common Topics—an ancient method (thank you, Aristotle!) that works beautifully in modern homeschooling. Whether you’re classically inclined or just want a stronger framework for conversation and learning, this method is your go-to for developing thinking, reasoning, and relational skills in your kids. It’s not a curriculum. It’s a mindset shift—and one that works across ages, subjects, and...

info_outline College Is Changing—Is Your Teen Ready for What’s Next? show art College Is Changing—Is Your Teen Ready for What’s Next?

It's Not That Hard to Homeschool

📝 Show Notes: The college world has changed. Costs are skyrocketing, transfer credits are a gamble, and many campuses no longer align with your family’s values. So what do you do when you want your teen to thrive in today’s economy—without drowning in debt? In this episode, Lisa Nehring introduces a game-changing alternative: the Dual Degree Program from True North Academy. It’s a revolutionary opportunity for homeschool students to earn a fully accredited 4-year bachelor’s degree while still in high school—from real colleges with real credentials. This might sound too good to...

info_outline Credits Are the Currency of High School—Here’s How to Make Every Hour Count show art Credits Are the Currency of High School—Here’s How to Make Every Hour Count

It's Not That Hard to Homeschool

📝 Show Notes: If you’ve ever wondered, “How many hours = one high school credit?” or “Am I giving my teen credit for all they’re doing?” — this episode is for you. Lisa Nehring breaks down what a high school credit really is, how to track them properly, and why credits matter more than ever in a world where college admissions, scholarships, and transcripts all speak the same language: credit hours. You’ll also hear how to build a standout factor, what’s changing in how credits are awarded, and what you might be overlooking in your student’s education that’s already...

info_outline Anxiety Is Rising—Here’s One Simple, Proven Way to Help Your Teen show art Anxiety Is Rising—Here’s One Simple, Proven Way to Help Your Teen

It's Not That Hard to Homeschool

📝 Show Notes: We’ve all heard it: this is the Anxious Generation. Teen mental health is at an all-time low—and many parents feel powerless to help. But what if there were a simple, research-backed practice that reduces anxiety, improves decision-making, and even strengthens identity? In this episode, Lisa Nehring shares the surprising impact of regular Bible reading on mental health and emotional development—and how you can harness this powerful tool in your homeschool. Whether you're looking to build resiliency, restore purpose, or just help your teen calm their nervous system and...

info_outline The #1 Skill Teens Need That’s NOT on the Transcript show art The #1 Skill Teens Need That’s NOT on the Transcript

It's Not That Hard to Homeschool

Are you unintentionally holding your teen back from independence? Discover how to build grit, resilience, and self-advocacy—three skills every teen needs to thrive in their defining decade. Foster Independence, Build Grit, and Raise Self-Advocating Teens Does your teen struggle with responsibility or constantly lean on you to solve their problems? This episode is your call to action. In today’s installment of the Defining Decade series, Lisa Nehring tackles the powerful trio every teen needs to master before they hit adulthood: independence, resilience, and self-advocacy. Get ready for an...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

🎙️ Rethinking College: Smart Alternatives for Homeschoolers

Podcast: It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
Host: Lisa Nehring 
Sponsored by: CTC Math

🎧 Episode Summary

In this episode, Lisa Nehring encourages homeschool parents to rethink the college experience and consider smarter, more affordable alternatives that align with their students' values, goals, and future career prospects.

Lisa shares why the traditional 4-year college pathway is no longer the default and how families can save thousands by combining dual enrollment, CLEP, and strategic degree planning—all while preparing students with real-world, marketable skills for the digital economy.

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • 📉 The College Shift: Post-pandemic, many colleges have lost value, raised prices, and shifted away from skills-based education and community-building.

  • 💸 Cost vs. ROI: Most students graduate in 6 years with $30K+ in debt. Without a clear vocational plan, this can be a poor investment.

  • 🎯 Smarter Strategy: Use dual enrollment + CLEP exams to earn transferable college credits early.

  • 🧾 Gen Ed Blueprint: Focus on Composition I/II, College Algebra, Intro Sciences, Social Sciences, and Diversity classes.

  • 🏛️ CLEP-Friendly Colleges: Consider “The Big Three” — Thomas Edison, Excelsior, Charter Oak — for flexible, affordable, accredited degrees.

  • 💡 Alternative Paths: Entrepreneurship, online business, and skills-based certifications offer legitimate, lower-cost career readiness.

💻 Tools + Programs from True NorthAcademy

📌 Quotes to Remember

“College should be pursued with clarity, focus, and financial wisdom—not just because it’s what everyone else is doing.”

“Help your kids develop ‘otherness’—unique skills and experiences that stand out on applications and in life.”

“It's time to rethink college as one of many viable paths, not the only ticket to success.”

 

 

Be sure to subscribe and leave a review for It's Not That Hard to Homeschool. Every share helps us grow and continue providing high-impact support for homeschool families.