About This Episode

Season 7. Episode 5.

In this episode of Education Insight, we explore the growing homeschooling movement with Jamie Heston, Director of Outreach for the Homeschool Association of California. As more families reconsider traditional school models, homeschooling has become a visible and viable option for many, but the reasons behind that decision are more complex than most assume.

Jamie shares the “breaking point” moments that often lead families to pull their children from school, along with the fears and misconceptions that hold others back. We discuss concerns about qualifications, socialization, time, and financial strain, as well as what new homeschoolers often underestimate when they begin. At the same time, we examine the unexpected benefits families report, from emotional growth to renewed confidence in learning.

This conversation offers an honest look at homeschooling today, not as a trend or a stereotype, but as a deeply personal choice shaped by each child’s needs, family values, and educational goals.

Featured Guest

Jamie Heston

Homeschool Consultant and Advocate

Biography

Jamie, who is married to Kurt and has three children and four cats, homeschooled from K-12 in the Bay Area and is now a homeschool consultant and advocate. She’s passionate about helping families understand how to homeschool without recreating school at home. She’s also passionate about HSC and communicating accurate information about how to homeschool to all Californians. She’s a long time HSC volunteer and previous board member who recently rejoined the board, has spoken at HSC conferences, attended HSC campouts and events, and hosts HSC’s regular Homeschool 101 zoom offerings to help new homeschooling families get started. She’s currently attending Cal State East Bay in pursuit of her communication degree, and loves knitting, hiking, TV/Movies, and gaming in her spare time.