When Jodi Schlesener decided to start a new school rooted in faith, family, and freedom, she knew there would be pushback. But what she didn’t expect? Being labeled a cult leader and Christian nationalist—before the doors even opened. In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Jodi shares her incredible journey from public school skeptic to Apogee Alpha & Omega founder. Backed by her father's legacy, a local church, and an unshakable conviction to take action, she built a microschool model that puts students—and their values—first. 📘 In this powerful episode: – Why public school never felt like the right fit for her kids – The moment she knew it was time to do something – What happened when her student refused to honor false gods – How Apogee equips both children and parents to lead – The unexpected backlash—and the faithful response 📢 What do you think? Should more parents take action when schools don’t reflect their values? Let us know in the comments! 🔔 Subscribe for more real stories of courage, conviction, and education reform. 📌 Resources & Links: 🔹 Learn more about Apogee Alpha & Omega: https://www.apogeealphaomega.com/ 🔹 Find a microschool or hybrid near you: https://www.heartlandhero.org/directory #Apogee #SchoolChoice #FaithAndEducation #MicroSchools #ChristianEducation #ParentalRights #WISEAndOtherwise

Is it really possible to ditch the rigid school system… and still thrive? According to bestselling author and education advocate Kerry McDonald, the answer is a joyful, resounding yes. In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Kerry shares insights from her life as a homeschooling mom, policy expert, and author of the upcoming book "Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling." 🎓 Inside this conversation: – Why families are rejecting one-size-fits-all education – What decentralized, parent-driven schooling really looks like – How the 2020 school closures unleashed an era of innovation – The difference between joyful learning and traditional schooling – Why parents—not bureaucrats—should define what quality looks like – How YOU can start or support a microschool or hybrid model in your community This episode will encourage every parent, educator, and church leader who's longing for something better—and more life-giving—for the next generation. 📢 Do you think joyful learning is possible for all families? Tell us in the comments! 🔔 Like, subscribe, and share if you believe education should empower—not standardize—our children. 📌 Resources & Links: 🔹 Preorder Kerry’s new book: Joyful Learning – https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/kerry-mcdonald/joyful-learning/9781541705524/ 🔹 Explore edentrepreneur.org: https://edentrepreneur.org/ 🔹 Learn more about the HERO project: https://www.heartlandhero.org/ 🔹 Learn more about WISE: https://www.wisetogether.org/ #JoyfulLearning #Microschools #EducationFreedom #Homeschooling #SchoolChoice #ChristianEducation #KerryMcDonald #WISEAndOtherwise

When one of Stephanie Dulin’s children was found asleep and unattended for five hours in a public school classroom—and no one seemed to care—she knew something had to change. After years of being dismissed, ignored, and left out of the conversation, Stephanie took matters into her own hands. In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Stephanie shares her journey from frustration to freedom. A foster and adoptive mom, a passionate advocate, and now an art teacher at Freedom Learning Academy, she opens up about: ✅ The breaking point that led her to leave public school ✅ Her search for academic and behavioral accountability ✅ The story behind her son’s suspension—and the shocking double standard ✅ What a healthy, responsive, values-driven school environment looks like ✅ Why more families are leaving the system and finding something better If you’ve ever felt like your voice as a parent doesn’t matter—this is the episode you need to hear. 📢 What do you think? Should parents have more say in how schools operate? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🔔 Subscribe for more real stories of school choice, faith, and educational freedom. 📌 Resources & Links: 🔹 Learn more about Freedom Learning Academy: https://freedomlearningacademy.com/ 🔹 Find alternative schools in your area: https://www.heartlandhero.org/directory #PublicSchoolExit #SchoolChoice #ParentVoiceMatters #FaithAndEducation #FreedomLearningAcademy #WISEAndOtherwise #HomeschoolAlternative

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