It's Not That Hard to Homeschool

Homeschooling can be scary and overwhelming to think about, but it doesn't have to be that hard! Lisa has 25+ years of homeschooling experience, including graduating multiple kids. In this podcast, she will reassure you, inspire you, and empower you with the information you need to feel confident and successful as you homeschool your teen. Includes interviews with experts as well as their own practical advice.

Cooking with Kids | Feat. Katie Kimball 03/16/2026

Building A Future-Ready Plan for Your Homeschool 03/09/2026

Homeschooling Has Gone Mainstream 03/02/2026

25% of Colleges Could Close - And What Smart Families Are Doing Instead 02/20/2026

All The Options 02/15/2026

10 Things We Wish We Did Differently | Feat. Hannah Nehring 02/09/2026

Life Skills and Leadership Skills | Feat. Kerry Beck 01/30/2026

The Case for Trades 01/23/2026

Trends in Education 01/07/2026

7 Things Moms Should Know 01/06/2026

6 Hard Truths in Education 01/05/2026

College for All and Where it Came From 01/02/2026

Eat Together: How Meal Time Builds Connection 12/12/2025

School in the Cloud: What Sugata Mitra Got Right 12/06/2025

From Factory Floor to The Cloud 11/29/2025

The Gratitude Gap 11/17/2025

Build Your Kid's Brand 11/14/2025

The ABC's Of Curriculum 11/07/2025

How to Create Homeschool High School Credits & Transcripts (Step-by-Step Guide) 10/29/2025

How to Create Homeschool High School Credits & Transcripts (Step-by-Step Guide) Episode Sponsors: and 🎧 Episode Description (Show Notes) In this episode of It’s 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 you’ve ever wondered: How do I calculate a high school credit? What goes on a transcript (and what doesn’t)? How do I make my teen’s homeschool transcript look “official”? —then you’re in the right place. Lisa shares her 20+ years of experience helping homeschool families around the world prepare transcripts that open doors — to college, military service, conservatories, and scholarships. She covers how to: ✅ Track and calculate credits using Carnegie units ✅ Weigh courses like Honors, AP, and Dual Enrollment ✅ Organize your transcript by year or subject ✅ Include extracurriculars, service hours, and awards ✅ Use addendum pages strategically for standout accomplishments She also gives insider tips from her years reviewing transcripts in higher education and explains how to create a transcript that tells the story of your student’s achievements — the kind that admissions officers love to read. 🎯 Spoiler: It’s not rocket science — but you do need to dot your i’s and cross your t’s! 📚 Mentioned in This Episode – Live online classes, advising, and resources for homeschool families. – Easy-to-use transcript form for homeschoolers. Book: Survive Homeschool High School by Lisa Nehring – Includes printable forms and transcript tools. 💡 Key Takeaways A credit = 120 hours of work (Carnegie unit). Half credit = 60 hours. Include classwork, reading, projects, tests, and competitions in your time log. It’s legal (and normal!) for homeschool parents to issue transcripts. There are three main transcript types: Academic (21 credits), College Prep (24), and Honors (28). Don’t forget the addendum sheet to highlight community service, awards, and special achievements. 🧾 Related Resource 👉 Download the Homeschool High School Transcript Template — a fillable, professional PDF that helps you track credits and calculate GPA correctly. Get it here: Ready to feel confident about record keeping? 🎓 Download your Homeschool Transcript Template and join the for support and free workshops. Be sure to check out the ebook: /episode/index/show/homeschool-high-school/id/38827845

Dual Degree Programs for Homeschoolers — College Done, Not Just College Ready 10/15/2025

Dual Degree Programs for Homeschoolers — College Done, Not Just College Ready Show: Not That Hard to Homeschool Host: Lisa Nehring Sponsor: Guest: Lisa Nehring from 🎧 Episode Summary What if your high schooler could graduate with both a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree—without student debt? In this episode, Lisa shares how True North Academy’s 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: “When can my child start the dual degree program?” From eighth graders getting a head start to seniors finishing strong, this episode breaks down how the program works, how credits transfer, and how families can start mid-year or part-time. Most importantly, you’ll discover how this program equips students with future-ready skills for a changing world—without the crushing burden of college debt. 🧭 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✅ What makes True North Academy’s dual degree program unique 🧑‍🎓 How students can start earning college credit as early as 8th grade 📅 How flexible scheduling allows mid-year or part-time starts 💰 Why debt-free degrees give teens long-term freedom 💡 The life skills and “future-ready” competencies every student needs for success 🔗 Resources Mentioned: 🎓 Learn more: 🧾 Download: 🧠 Sponsor: 🗣️ Memorable Quote “We’re not a college-ready program. We’re a college-done program.” – Lisa Nehring 💬 Listener Challenge If you’ve been praying for a program that helps your student launch with confidence and no debt, this might be the answer you’ve been waiting for. Reach out to True North Academy to schedule your Dual Degree Advising Appointment today. 📱 Follow & Connect Website: Instagram: Facebook: /episode/index/show/homeschool-high-school/id/38597070

When You Don’t Know What’s Next: Preparing Your High Schooler for the Next Season 10/09/2025

When You Don’t Know What’s Next: Preparing Your High Schooler for the Next Season Episode Title: When You Don’t Know What’s Next: Preparing Your High Schooler for the Next Season Host: Lisa Nehring Brought to you by: — the stress-free, self-paced homeschool math program for every learner. Episode Summary What happens when your high schooler doesn’t know what’s next—and 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 it’s ready for new owners, our teens can prepare for their future—even when the destination isn’t clear yet. Lisa helps parents shift from being “taskmasters” to “project managers,” guiding the big picture of high school with intention and peace. She breaks down four key skill areas every teen needs before graduation—academic foundations, digital fluency, financial and career readiness, and social-emotional intelligence—along with four types of transcripts that align with their goals: trades and tech, college prep, honors/dual degree, and entrepreneurship. This episode will help you stop stressing about predicting the future and start preparing your teen to be ready when opportunity comes. Key Takeaways You don’t need to know what’s next to start preparing for it. Shift from being a taskmaster (focused on daily assignments) to a project manager (focused on the big picture). The four categories of preparation: Core Academic Foundations — communication, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration. Tech & Digital Skills — AI tools, coding, digital literacy, and research. Financial & Career Readiness — budgeting, entrepreneurship, professionalism. Social & Emotional Intelligence — leadership, resilience, and cultural literacy. Three main pathways (plus one bonus!): trades and tech, college prep, dual degree, and entrepreneurship. Preparation over prediction is the key to confident homeschooling through high school. Resources Mentioned 🧮 📄 — a parent-friendly guide to building a professional homeschool transcript. 🏫 — fillable, professional, and easy to use. Encouragement for Parents Even if your teen doesn’t have all the answers about their future, you can still prepare them for success. Take one small step at a time. High school doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—it’s truly not that hard. /episode/index/show/homeschool-high-school/id/38526630

Homeschool Curious to Community Builder: Morgan Bergstrom on Launching BaseCampEd 09/25/2025

Homeschool Curious to Community Builder: Morgan Bergstrom on Launching BaseCampEd 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 Bergstrom—former 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 family’s journey from full-time daycare to kindergarten at home, the moment the “mini co-op” idea clicked, and why connection—not perfection—keeps families thriving. We talk hybrid options, micro-schools, nature schools, and why you don’t have to go “all in” on day one. If you’re homeschool-curious (or already homeschooling and craving real-life community), this one’s for you. In This Episode Morgan’s pivot from 12 years in corporate recruiting to entrepreneurship The origin story of BaseCampEd (and why it’ll always be free for parents) Moving every 2–3 years: building community fast in a new city Hybrid/alt-ed options: co-ops, micro-schools, nature & farm schools, STEM programs How to “test drive” homeschooling without going all-in Socialization myths vs. real connection Why homeschooling pairs naturally with entrepreneurship Key Takeaways You don’t need 100 people—just a few good families you connect with. Try before you leap: add a small reading/math kit after dinner or on weekends. Use tools (like BaseCampEd) to find local groups, events, and alt-ed resources. Give your kids the gift of time: true literacy & critical thinking don’t require 6 hours at a table. Quotables “I wanted a Zillow for homeschoolers: pull up a map, click the dots, read profiles, and connect.” —Morgan “You don’t have to be ‘all in’ on day one. Start small and see how your child resonates.” —Morgan “Homeschooling opens doors to alternative work and entrepreneurship.” —Lisa Resources & Links – Free app to connect with local homeschool & alt-ed families – Live and self-paced classes for K–12 – More episodes with Lisa /episode/index/show/homeschool-high-school/id/38341780

Sorting Through Homeschool Alternatives: Microschools, Hybrids, Online Academies & More 09/24/2025

Unlocking Literacy Through Play: Night Zookeeper’s Creative Writing World (Interview with Joshua Davidson) 09/23/2025

Unlocking Literacy Through Play: Night Zookeeper’s Creative Writing World (Interview with Joshua Davidson) Homeschool language arts… but make it magical. In this episode, Lisa chats with Joshua Davidson, creator of —a 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 storytellers—and gives fluent writers a global community to share their work. What you’ll learn How creativity fuels literacy: kids design characters, then naturally want to write, revise, and share. Built-in scaffolding: age-appropriate prompts and supports progress from picture-choice sentences to full paragraphs and essays. Immediate feedback (from a penguin!): friendly, low-friction corrections keep momentum high. Safe, moderated community: every post is reviewed by humans; parent controls let you dial features up or down. Comprehensive ELA: reading, writing, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, poetry, persuasive and report writing—guided by quests or sandbox play. Tutor feedback: real people encourage, coach, and celebrate wins. Grows with your learner: ages ~5–11 with pathways for beginners and advanced storytellers. Cross-platform access: computers and tablets; iPhone available now, Android app coming. How Night Zookeeper works (quick tour) Create a character (unicorn-rainbow besties with a crisp packet named Bill? yes.). Tell the story with prompts that match skill level. Get feedback—from tutors, peers, and the professorial penguin. Build skills via gamified lessons and the new Quests mode (a structured route through the curriculum). Share & celebrate inside a fully moderated, kid-safe community. Safety & parental controls All student work is reviewed by human tutors before it’s public. Feature controls for families (e.g., limit community features for younger children). Optional “bubble mode” if you want a solo experience. Pro tips from Joshua Create the first animal together. That one shared moment super-charges buy-in. Try the 7-day free trial, then (if you love it) consider the companion Night Zookeeper books for easy independent reading. Who this episode is for Parents of reluctant writers who need a joyful on-ramp. Word-loving kids who want a bigger audience for their stories. Families seeking a complete, kid-safe ELA solution that actually gets used. Links & resources Night Zookeeper (): Night Zookeeper books (by Joshua Davidson): True North Academy (online grades 6–12): truenorthhomeschool.academy It’s Not That Hard to Homeschool blog: notthathardtohomeschool.com Pull quote “The best forms of learning are play. We just give kids the tools to create until their hearts are content.” Call to action Ready to turn “I don’t like writing” into “Can I write one more chapter?” 👉 Start the free trial here: *Links to Night Zookeeper are sponsored affiliate links. A comissioned may be earned by Lisa Nehring. /episode/index/show/homeschool-high-school/id/38269390

The Drumbeat of Disruption: Why Homeschooling Matters More Than Ever 09/18/2025

Career Exploration Field Day with Julia Jinks 08/20/2025

The Trades Are Calling: Why College Isn’t the Only Smart Option Anymore 08/05/2025

The Trades Are Calling: Why College Isn’t the Only Smart Option Anymore Episode Summary College is a path—but it’s no longer the only path to a thriving future. In this episode, host Lisa Nehring breaks down why skilled trades (think welding, plumbing, HVAC, coding, and more) are exploding in demand and offer solid pay, zero college debt, and AI-proof job security. You’ll hear real-world salary numbers, success stories, and how True North Academy’s Trades & Tech Track can launch teens straight from high school into meaningful, well-paid work. Quick Listen Guide Timestamp Segment 0:00 Welcome & episode tease—“the trades are calling” 0:55 Sponsor Break: Medical Transcription work-from-home opportunity (email ) 2:15 Why skilled trades beat the outdated “college or bust” mindset 2:34 Josh’s story—$60K HVAC salary vs. debt-heavy communications degree 3:09 Eye-opening stats: 40 % college dropout rate, 650K+ trade openings 3:41 Salary snapshot: electricians $60K, plumbers $63K, HVAC $55–85K, welders $50–90K, diesel mechanics $57K, elevator installers $88K 4:07 “Golden Age of Trades”: why AI can’t crawl under a house to reroute a sewer line 5:03 Cost & timeline to certify (many in 6–12 months; paid apprenticeships available) 6:05 Inside True North Academy’s Trades & Tech Track—two-year fast track, cognia-accredited diploma, hands-on academics 6:47 Ava’s story—19-year-old welder earning $58K and saving to start her own shop 7:31 Signs your teen might be born for the trades (and how to support them) 7:47 Call to action: Learn more at 8:07 Closing encouragement & share request Key Takeaways Trades are booming: 650,000+ skilled-trade jobs are open in the U.S., many with starting salaries above $50K and strong growth projections. Faster, cheaper path: Most certifications take < 1 year; many employers pay you to learn via apprenticeships. AI-proof careers: Robots can draft an email, but they can’t fix a diesel engine or install solar panels on your roof. Debt-free launch: Skip six years of college and tens of thousands in loans—start earning while your peers are still in lecture halls. True North Academy solution: The Trades & Tech Track pairs accredited academics with hands-on trade exploration, preparing students for immediate entry into high-demand fields or further certification/associate degrees. Links & Resources 🔧 True North Academy Trades & Tech Track: 📚 Mike Rowe Works Foundation Scholarships: 🗓️ Free Webinar—Medical Transcription from Home: email for details Connect With Us Website: Facebook Group: It’s Not That Hard to Homeschool High School Instagram: @NotThatHardToHomeschool If this episode challenged your thinking, share it with a friend and leave a review—it helps more homeschool families discover fresh paths to success! Keywords: trades education, skilled trades careers, homeschool high school, alternative to college, True North Academy, welding salary, HVAC apprenticeship, AI-proof jobs, homeschool podcast /episode/index/show/homeschool-high-school/id/37694225

The College Dilemma: Why Dual Degrees & Trades May Beat the Traditional Path 07/31/2025

The College Dilemma: Why Dual Degrees & Trades May Beat the Traditional Path Episode Sponsor CTC Math – The no-prep, self-paced homeschool math curriculum that takes the pressure off parents and actually makes sense to kids. Try it free at ctcmath.com. Episode Snapshot College costs are soaring, ideological climates are shifting, and more students than ever are graduating late—or not at all—with mountains of debt. In this candid info-session, Lisa Nehring (director of True North Academy) unpacks the “college dilemma” and lays out two practical alternatives: Dual Degree High School – earn an accredited bachelor’s while you finish high school. Tech & Trades Diploma – a two-year fast-track that marries solid academics with apprenticeship-ready skills. Along the way she tackles FAFSA headaches, the national trades shortage, protecting your teen’s faith on campus, and how True North’s advising team walks families through every step. Key Takeaways Sticker Shock: College tuition up 20 % in 10 years; textbooks up 400 %. Average in-state cost now ~$28K/yr; many privates top $65K. Debt Trap: U.S. student-loan debt = $1.1 trillion; deregulated lenders can capitalize unpaid interest during forbearance, ballooning balances. Completion Crisis: Average time to a bachelor’s is 6 years; >50 % of freshmen never finish. Ideological Pressure: 70 % of incoming evangelical students renounce faith by Thanksgiving of freshman year; many never return. Trades Opportunity: 7 million skilled-trade openings now; projected shortfall of 2 million more by 2030. Starting wages often $18–$30/hr with zero college debt. True North Solutions: Dual Degree: 120 credits + high-school diploma, fully Cognia-accredited, ESA/and may be 529-eligible, no debt. Tech & Trades: 22 HS credits in two years, core academics + life & soft-skills, direct links to vetted apprenticeships (HVAC, electrical, auto, welding & more). Mix-and-Match: Students can start with trades and layer on the dual degree—or vice versa—based on goals. Support Built In: Dedicated advisors, robust LMS “virtual campus,” study-guide-plus-exam model (re-takeable), and a Christ-centered worldview throughout. Timestamp Guide Time Segment 00:00 Sponsor message – CTC Math 01:05 Lisa’s intro & credentials (5 graduate degrees + 30 yrs homeschooling) 05:20 What’s changed since 2020: rising costs & ideological shift 10:40 The true price tag: tuition, textbooks, student-loan traps 17:15 Why so many students need remediation & still drop out 22:50 Faith on campus: statistics that should sober parents 27:30 Trades shortage by the numbers – and why it matters 31:45 Dual Degree vs. Dual Credit: critical differences 36:10 Inside True North’s Dual Degree structure (10 classes/yr) 42:05 Tech & Trades Diploma overview & first-year core 46:30 Q&A: transferring credits, finding apprenticeships, combining paths 53:10 Next steps & free advising call (Times are approximate – use your podcast player’s chapter markers.) Memorable Quote “Why pay for extra years of school when your teen can graduate with no debt, real-world skills, and a degree in hand before their peers even move into the dorms?” Resources & Links True North Academy Dual Degree Program – Details, sample course map, FAQs Tech & Trades Diploma – Curriculum snapshot & tuition info Free PDF: College Dilemma Checklist (QR code shared during the info meeting) Schedule a 15-minute advising call (no cost) Book recommendation: The Defining Decade by Dr. Meg Jay Dave Ramsey video on student-loan forbearance pitfalls (All links available in the episode description.) Ready to explore a dual-degree or trades track for your teen? Book a free advising session with True North Academy today and discover a path that fits your family’s budget, timeline, and values. /episode/index/show/homeschool-high-school/id/37622625

Thinking About Homeschooling? Transcripts, Skills, and Future-Ready 07/09/2025

Workshop Replay: The Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Future of Homeschooling 06/30/2025

Workshop Replay: The Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Future of Homeschooling 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 education system. 3rd IR (1969–2000s): Computers and automation changed everything again. 4th IR (2010–Present): Driven by AI, IoT, robotics, biotech, and a global gig economy. 📉 Disruption in Higher Education College closures are increasing due to demographic decline and declining enrollment. Over 50% of students drop out of college. Online education grew from a $2.1B industry in 2020 to $800B+ and counting. Ivy League and higher ed models are under pressure, redefining “college readiness.” 🧠 Rising Economies & Fastest-Growing Jobs Six Emerging Fields: AI & Machine Learning Precision Medicine & Biotechnology Emotional Intelligence & Human-Centered Design Renewable Energy & Smart Infrastructure Advanced Manufacturing & Robotics Digital Economy & Cybersecurity Future Jobs: AI Ethics Officer Digital Detox Consultant Cybersecurity Analyst Green Energy Tech Virtual Habitat Designer Time Management Coach for AI-Augmented Workers …and more 🎓 What This Means for Homeschooling We must shift from: 📚 “College-Ready” → 🎯 “Future-Ready” 🏫 Factory-model academics → 🛠️ Skill-based, personalized education Focus Areas for Homeschooling Success: Critical Thinking Creativity (with structured practice) Communication (written & verbal persuasion) Collaboration (in a global gig economy) Autodidactic Learning Entrepreneurial Mindset 💡 Best Practices for Parents Encourage hands-on projects and cross-disciplinary learning. Teach kids how to learn, not just what to learn. Create opportunities for real-world skills and responsibility. Develop digital and human skills. Delay tech exposure until foundational habits and values are established. Instill integrity, resilience, and leadership grounded in purpose and faith. 💬 Key Takeaways Don’t panic—prepare. Future-ready kids are thinkers, creators, and collaborators. The best way to predict the future is to help your child create it. /episode/index/show/homeschool-high-school/id/37225070

It's Not That Hard to Homeschool

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