She Was Just a Homeschool Mom—Now She’s Leading a Classical School Movement

After 35 years of homeschooling her nine children, Amy McVay is embarking on a new chapter—launching a classical Christian hybrid school in Wichita, Kansas. But this move isn’t about abandoning homeschooling. It’s about expanding it—offering structure, community, and high-quality education to families who want more support without compromising their values or home life.

A Homeschooling Journey That Sparked a Vision

Amy and her husband Sam began homeschooling decades ago, drawn by the desire to nurture deep family bonds and provide a rich educational experience. Over time, they used a mix of approaches: traditional homeschooling, part-time public school, and even Christian school options.

But as the years went on, Amy noticed something many veteran homeschoolers recognize: curriculum alone isn’t enough. “We leaned so much on curriculum to do the job,” she said. “But it can’t. Teaching is more than a textbook—it’s a skill.”

That realization led Amy to Memorial Press, a classical education curriculum that filled in the gaps she felt in her own teaching. It reignited her passion for learning and planted the seed for something bigger.

The Birth of Co-op 412

Eleven years ago, Amy launched a simple co-op—a “play date co-op,” as she called it—for families with children the same age as her youngest. What started informally grew into something more structured and purposeful. The co-op helped moms grow in confidence and teaching ability, providing much-needed community and encouragement.

Now, as that co-op prepares to close its doors, Amy is stepping into a new role: co-founder of Highlands Latin School of Wichita, a two-day-per-week hybrid school rooted in classical Christian education.

What Makes Highlands Latin Different?

Unlike full-time private schools, this hybrid model offers affordability, flexibility, and deep academic rigor. Students attend two full days per week, learning subjects like Latin, literature, science, math, and classical and modern history. It's a teacher-led environment, structured but accessible to families who want to retain aspects of homeschooling.

And it’s not just about academics. Amy emphasized the deeper purpose: “There are fundamentals in how to think, how to be human, that we were never taught. Classical education restores what was lost—virtue, courage, and wisdom.”

A Church Partnership that Opened Doors

The school found an unexpected home in Benton Church—neither Amy’s nor her co-founder’s home church, but one that saw the school as part of its ministry. The church’s openness to partnership has been essential, offering space and support without bureaucracy or red tape.

Amy’s story contrasts sharply with others who struggle to find church partnerships for educational initiatives. “Imagine if every church on every corner opened its doors to a school,” she reflected. “We’d see a transformation in K–12 education.”

Expanding Access Through Generosity and Vision

One of Amy’s biggest goals is accessibility. “There are many under-resourced homeschool moms,” she said. “They made a choice to homeschool, but they’re stretched.” The school is set up to receive donations and is actively working toward creating a fund to provide scholarships to those who need it most.

This heart for inclusion aligns with the broader educational reform movement that Amy sees sweeping across the country. From microschools to hybrid models, families are rethinking education. And with each new effort, they’re not just stepping away from a system—they’re building something better.

A Word on School Choice

As a strong supporter of school choice, Amy believes more families would benefit from being able to apply their tax dollars toward the school of their choice. Especially in communities where public schools are under-resourced, having more options empowers parents to seek what’s best for their children.

But she holds space for nuance, recognizing the dedication of many public school teachers. “There are so many with heart and purpose,” she said. “I don’t know if there’s just one path forward, but this is part of it.”

Get Connected with Amy McVay

Amy is co-directing Highlands Latin School of Wichita with her longtime collaborator, Lizzie Brickley. The school’s first academic year will begin in Fall 2026, with open houses and events taking place this spring.

• Website: highlandslatin.org/wichita

• Email: wichita@highlandslatin.org

Whether you're a homeschool parent looking for more structure, a church leader seeking ways to support local families, or someone passionate about restoring excellence in education—Amy’s story is one of hope, wisdom, and faithful action.

This blog post was generated from the following episode of the WISE and Otherwise Podcast with Dalena Wallace. Find more at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wiseandotherwise