đď¸ Rethinking College: Smart Alternatives for Homeschoolers
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
Release Date: 06/24/2025
The Gratitude Gap
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
đ§ Episode Description (Show Notes) In this episode of Itâs Not That Hard to Homeschool, veteran homeschool educator Lisa Nehring (of True North Academy) discusses living in a world overflowing with optionsâand for todayâs teens, that can be paralyzing. What should I study? Should I go to college or start a business? What if I make the wrong choice? In a culture that glorifies hustle, comparison, and constant choice, gratitude is the grounding force our kids need. It quiets the noise. It helps them see that having choices is a giftâand that gift comes with...
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Build Your Kid's Brand
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
Episode Sponsors: đ§ Episode Description (Show Notes) In this episode of Itâs Not That Hard to Homeschool, veteran homeschool educator Lisa Nehring (of True North Academy) discusses how to develop your student's stand-out factor using the 5 Pillars of Readiness. đ Mentioned in This Episode â Live online classes, advising, and resources for homeschool families. The Typical Course of Study for Highschool đĄ Key Takeaways How to make colleges, internships and careers interested in you. How to develop professional skills and independence. 𧞠Related...
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The ABC's Of Curriculum
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
Episode Sponsors: đ§ Episode Description (Show Notes) In this episode of Itâs Not That Hard to Homeschool, veteran homeschool educator Lisa Nehring (of True North Academy) reviews tips and tricks of picking the best curriculum! Every new homeschoolerâand even those whoâve been at it a whileâcan struggle with choosing curriculum. With literally tens of thousands of options out there, itâs no wonder it feels overwhelming! But hereâs the good news: it doesnât have to be. Homeschooling is about cultivating a lifestyle of learning, and curriculum...
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How to Create Homeschool High School Credits & Transcripts (Step-by-Step Guide)
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
Episode Sponsors: and đ§ Episode Description (Show Notes) In this episode of Itâs Not That Hard to Homeschool, veteran homeschool educator Lisa Nehring (of True North Academy) breaks down one of the most confusing parts of homeschooling high school: credits and transcripts. If youâve ever wondered: How do I calculate a high school credit? What goes on a transcript (and what doesnât)? How do I make my teenâs homeschool transcript look âofficialâ? âthen youâre in the right place. Lisa shares her 20+ years of experience helping homeschool families around the world...
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Dual Degree Programs for Homeschoolers â College Done, Not Just College Ready
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
Show: Not That Hard to Homeschool Host: Lisa Nehring Sponsor: Guest: Lisa Nehring from đ§ Episode Summary What if your high schooler could graduate with both a high school diploma and a bachelorâs degreeâwithout student debt? In this episode, Lisa shares how True North Academyâs innovative Dual Degree Program helps homeschool families do just that. Learn how your teen can earn an accredited high school diploma and an accredited college degree by age 18 or 19, saving time, money, and stress. Lisa answers one of the biggest parent questions: âWhen can my child start the dual degree...
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When You Donât Know Whatâs Next: Preparing Your High Schooler for the Next Season
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
Episode Title: When You Donât Know Whatâs Next: Preparing Your High Schooler for the Next Season Host: Lisa Nehring Brought to you by: â the stress-free, self-paced homeschool math program for every learner. Episode Summary What happens when your high schooler doesnât know whatâs nextâand honestly, neither do you? In this episode, Lisa Nehring shares heartfelt wisdom drawn from her own experience of transition: selling her family home after 22 years and entering a new season of life. Just as a home must be prepared before itâs ready for new owners, our teens can prepare for...
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Homeschool Curious to Community Builder: Morgan Bergstrom on Launching BaseCampEd
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
What if finding a few like-minded families near you were as easy as dropping a pin on a map? In this episode, Lisa chats with Morgan Bergstromâformer corporate recruiter, mom of three (soon four!), and creator of BaseCampEd, a free app that helps homeschool and alt-ed families connect locally. Morgan shares her familyâs journey from full-time daycare to kindergarten at home, the moment the âmini co-opâ idea clicked, and why connectionânot perfectionâkeeps families thriving. We talk hybrid options, micro-schools, nature schools, and why you donât have to go âall inâ on day...
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Sorting Through Homeschool Alternatives: Microschools, Hybrids, Online Academies & More
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
Episode Summary: Is traditional school no longer the right fit for your family? In this episode of Itâs Not That Hard to Homeschool, Lisa Nehring breaks down the ever-expanding list of educational alternativesâhomeschooling, microschools, university-model schools, co-ops, online academies, dual enrollment, and dual degree programs. With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming, but Lisa gives you a step-by-step framework to clarify your goals, assess your childâs needs, and confidently select the best path forward. What Youâll Learn in This Episode: The pros and cons of...
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Unlocking Literacy Through Play: Night Zookeeperâs Creative Writing World (Interview with Joshua Davidson)
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
Homeschool language arts⌠but make it magical. In this episode, Lisa chats with Joshua Davidson, creator of âa story-driven, gamified ELA program where kids invent creatures, build worlds, and level up writing, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and more. With real tutors, smart scaffolding, and a gentle, visually stunning interface, Night Zookeeper helps reluctant writers become confident storytellersâand gives fluent writers a global community to share their work. What youâll learn How creativity fuels literacy: kids design characters, then naturally want to write, revise, and share. ...
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The Drumbeat of Disruption: Why Homeschooling Matters More Than Ever
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
The Drumbeat of Disruption: Why Homeschooling Matters More Than Ever Sponsored by The world feels heavy right now. The headlines are filled with tragedy, confusion, and cultural chaos. From heartbreaking school shootings to online radicalization, parents are left wondering: How do I raise my kids in a world like this? In this episode of Itâs Not That Hard to Homeschool, Lisa Nehring tackles these difficult questions head-on. She calls todayâs environment what it isâa drumbeat of disruptionâand explains why homeschooling is one of the most powerful ways to reclaim influence in our...
info_outlineđď¸ Rethinking College: Smart Alternatives for Homeschoolers
Podcast: It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
Host: Lisa Nehring
Sponsored by: CTC Math
đ§ 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 planningâall while preparing students with real-world, marketable skills for the digital economy.
đ Key Takeaways
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đ The College Shift: Post-pandemic, many colleges have lost value, raised prices, and shifted away from skills-based education and community-building.
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đ¸ Cost vs. ROI: Most students graduate in 6 years with $30K+ in debt. Without a clear vocational plan, this can be a poor investment.
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đŻ Smarter Strategy: Use dual enrollment + CLEP exams to earn transferable college credits early.
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𧞠Gen Ed Blueprint: Focus on Composition I/II, College Algebra, Intro Sciences, Social Sciences, and Diversity classes.
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đď¸ CLEP-Friendly Colleges: Consider âThe Big Threeâ â Thomas Edison, Excelsior, Charter Oak â for flexible, affordable, accredited degrees.
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đĄ Alternative Paths: Entrepreneurship, online business, and skills-based certifications offer legitimate, lower-cost career readiness.
đť Tools + Programs from True NorthAcademy
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đ Career Exploration Course
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đ ď¸ High school electives with real-world skills: Entrepreneurship, Photoshop, Video Editing, and more.
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đ Young Professionals Series â career-track guides (law, mental health, health occupations, and more)
đ Quotes to Remember
âCollege should be pursued with clarity, focus, and financial wisdomânot just because itâs what everyone else is doing.â
âHelp your kids develop âothernessââunique skills and experiences that stand out on applications and in life.â
âIt's time to rethink college as one of many viable paths, not the only ticket to success.â
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