When Jenn Troy moved her family to Kansas, she expected a fresh start—but what she found in the local public school system left her stunned. From masked classrooms and canceled hugs to values that clashed with her own, Jenn knew something had to change. In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Jenn shares her family’s journey from feeling out of place and unheard in public school to finding freedom, alignment, and peace at Freedom Learning Academy. With a background in natural healthcare and a passion for raising strong, grounded kids, Jenn opens up about the hard decisions—and the beautiful results. 🎧 Inside this episode: – Why COVID-era restrictions exposed deeper issues in public schools – The moment her daughter’s hug was rejected—and what it revealed – Concerns about subtle (and not-so-subtle) ideological messaging – How Freedom Learning Academy offered structure and freedom – Encouragement for parents searching for a better educational fit 📢 What do you think? Is it time more families re-evaluate their public school options? Let us know in the comments. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real stories from courageous parents. 📌 Resources & Links: 🔹 Learn more about Freedom Learning Academy: https://freedomlearningacademy.com/ 🔹 Find a microschool near you: https://www.heartlandhero.org/directory #PublicSchoolExit #SchoolChoice #Homeschooling #MicroSchools #ParentalRights #FaithAndEducation #FreedomLearningAcademy #WISEAndOtherwise

What happens when God calls you to homeschool… but you’re already called to a full-time ministry too? In this inspiring episode of WISE and Otherwise, therapist and mom Alexa Munger shares her emotional journey of seeking the right education path for her son. Torn between her calling as a licensed therapist and her desire to follow God’s prompting to homeschool, Alexa thought there was no way she could do both—until she discovered something she’d never heard of before: a microschool. 📘 Inside this episode: – The moment she knew public school wasn’t right for her family – How she balanced her ministry, career, and motherhood – What makes microschools like Rooted Microschool a life-giving option for working moms – Her therapist insight on what kids today are truly missing – Encouragement for moms feeling stuck or overwhelmed by their schooling choices If you’re a mom who feels called to more but doesn't know how to make it all work—this story is for you. 🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations about faith, education, and parenting. Make sure to sign up to our newsletter on our website to get the latest updates on this incredible movement of supporting Christian education! HERO Website: https://www.heartlandhero.org/ 📢 What do you think? Can moms balance homeschooling and career? Let us know in the comments! 📌 Resources & Links: 🔹 Learn more about Rooted Microschool: https://www.rootedmicroschoolks.com/ 🔹 Explore microschool options: https://www.heartlandhero.org/directory #Homeschooling #MicroSchools #SchoolChoice #ChristianParenting #WorkingMoms #PublicSchoolAlternatives #WISEAndOtherwise

What happens when your child is bullied at school—and no one listens? In this powerful episode of WISE and Otherwise, Jaci Unruh shares the heartbreaking journey that led her to pull her daughter from the local public school in small-town Kansas. ✅ Her daughter was repeatedly bullied—physically and emotionally. ✅ The school ignored her cries for help. ✅ Administrators brushed off concerns. ✅ The final straw? A disturbing incident and a school culture that left her locked out—literally and figuratively. But Jaci didn’t stay silent. And she didn’t stay stuck. She chose something different. Something better. She chose homeschooling to heal. 🎧 Tune in to hear: – The reality of what some families face in small-town public schools – How the community and even churches turned their backs – The unexpected strength and support she found in the homeschool community – What it means to advocate fiercely for your child If you’ve ever questioned whether to speak up, step out, or take back control of your child’s education—this episode is for you. 🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth conversations on faith, education, and school choice! Make sure to sign up to our newsletter on our website to get the latest updates on this incredible movement of supporting Christian education! HERO Website: https://www.heartlandhero.org/ 📢 Have you ever felt ignored by your child’s school? Share your experience in the comments. #SchoolChoice #EducationFreedom #Homeschooling #Microschools #ChristianEducation #EducationReform #ParentalRights #FaithAndEducation #PublicSchoolCrisis #HomeschoolingJourney #WISEAndOtherwise #ChristianParenting #ProtectOurKids

The battle for education freedom is heating up, and Becky Elder has been on the front lines for decades. From homeschooling pioneer to microschool founder, she has dedicated her life to creating better, more accessible education options for families. But as school choice policies and alternative models grow, so do the challenges. In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Becky shares: ✅ The history of her family's fight for educational freedom ✅ Why microschools and homeschooling are surging in popularity ✅ How school choice policies are reshaping the future of education ✅ The role churches can play in the education movement If you're passionate about homeschooling, private schools, micro-schools, or school choice, this is an episode you don’t want to miss! 🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth conversations on faith, education, and school choice! Make sure to sign up to our newsletter on our website to get the latest updates on this incredible movement of supporting Christian education! HERO Website: https://www.heartlandhero.org/ 📢 What do you think? Should parents have full control over their child’s education? Let us know in the comments! #SchoolChoice #EducationFreedom #Homeschooling #Microschools #ChristianEducation #EducationReform #ParentalRights #FaithAndEducation

For decades, education has drifted away from its classical roots—but that’s changing. Families across the country are rediscovering the power of Classical Christian Education, and the movement is growing fast. In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Amy McVay shares her journey from homeschooling mom to co-op leader to hybrid school founder. She reveals how classical education transformed her children’s learning, why parents are seeking alternatives to traditional schooling, and how her new Highlands Latin School of Wichita is meeting this demand. 🔹 What makes classical education different? 🔹 Why are parents moving away from public schools? 🔹 How can churches play a role in this education revival? If you’ve ever considered homeschooling, hybrid schools, or a classical curriculum, this episode is a must-watch! 🔔 Subscribe for more insightful conversations on faith, education, and family! Make sure to sign up to our newsletter on our website to get the latest updates on this incredible movement of supporting Christian education! HERO Website: https://www.heartlandhero.org/ 📢 Join the discussion! Are you considering Classical Christian Education for your children? Let us know in the comments! 📌 Resources & Links: 🔹 Learn more about Highlands Latin School of Wichita: www.highlandslatin.org/wichita 🔹 Connect with Amy McVay: wichita@highlandslatin.org #ClassicalEducation #ChristianEducation #Homeschooling #HybridSchools #FaithBasedLearning #EducationReform #SchoolChoice

When Nikki Chubb received a last-minute notice about a mysterious school seminar, she had no idea it would change everything. What she discovered left her shocked—and made her realize it was time to pull her kids out of public school immediately. In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Nikki shares her powerful journey from trusting the school system to taking full control of her children's education. She opens up about the tough decisions, the moment her husband said, "It’s time," and the incredible growth of the homeschooling community in her town. If you’ve ever questioned the education system or felt the nudge to homeschool, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Nikki’s story is a testament to faith, courage, and the power of taking action for your children’s future. 🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations on faith, education, and family! Make sure to sign up to our newsletter on our website to get the latest updates on this incredible movement of supporting Christian education! HERO Website: https://www.heartlandhero.org/ 📢 Join the discussion! Have you ever thought about homeschooling? Let us know in the comments! 📌 Resources & Links: 🔹 Connect with Nikki Chubb: https://www.instagram.com/nikkirchubb/ #Homeschooling #PublicSchoolExit #FaithBasedEducation #WhyWeHomeschool #ChristianParenting #SchoolChoice #EducationReform

In the small town of Wetmore, Kansas, population 311, a school closure could have marked the end of a community’s legacy. Instead, it sparked the beginning of something extraordinary. Join Dalena Wallace and Analyssa Noe in this inspiring episode of WISE and Otherwise as they explore the incredible story behind the creation of Legacy Learning Academy. From losing its public school to building a thriving Christian microschool, this story is one of faith, resilience, and community. Discover how Analyssa left a successful corporate career to follow her calling, rally a small town, and redefine what education can look like when guided by faith and determination. Through their conversation, Dalena and Analyssa dive into the challenges Wetmore faced after the school closure, the journey of founding Legacy Learning Academy, the incredible role of faith and community in rebuilding education, and practical insights for others considering similar missions. ✨ Be inspired by this story of a small town with a big mission to transform education and restore hope. 📌 Make sure to sign up to our newsletter on our website to get the latest updates on this incredible movement of supporting Christian education! HERO Website: https://www.heartlandhero.org/ 📧 If you’d like to reach out to Analyssa for more information or to connect, you can email her at analyssa.noe@gmail.com.

The landscape of education is shifting rapidly, and Christian schools are at the center of a high-stakes battle. With school choice programs and public funding expanding across the country, faith-based education has never been more accessible—or more at risk. In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, host Dalena Wallace sits down with Andrew Neumann, CEO of Soaring Education Services, to discuss the incredible opportunities and hidden dangers that come with accepting public funds. Can Christian schools maintain their religious freedom while utilizing state resources? What happens if the policies change? And how can churches and educators prepare for the future of faith-based learning? Join us as we unpack the biggest challenges facing Christian education today and explore how advocacy, innovation, and bold leadership can safeguard the mission of Christian schools for generations to come. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, education, and policy! Make sure to sign up to our newsletter on our website to get the latest updates on this incredible movement of supporting Christian education! HERO Website: https://www.heartlandhero.org/ 📢 Let’s continue the discussion! What are your thoughts on school choice and Christian education? Drop a comment below! 📌 Resources & Links: 🔹 Learn more about Open Sky Education: https://www.openskyeducation.org/ 🔹 Connect with Andrew Neumann: andrew.neumann@openskyeducation.org #christianeducation #schoolchoice #faithandfreedom #educationpolicy #ChurchAndSchools #ChristianSchools #publicfunding #SchoolVouchers