"The Moment I Knew": Why She Pulled Her Kids Out of Public School for Good

In a small town near the Kansas-Colorado border, Nikki Chubb’s journey into homeschooling was not just a decision—it was a calling. Raised in a family with a strong homeschooling background, she never expected to take the same path for her own children. However, a series of experiences, a deep conviction, and an unsettling school event led her to embrace a new way of educating her seven children.

From Public School to Homeschooling: A Shift in Perspective

Nikki’s children were thriving in public school, and she herself was a product of the same district. However, post-COVID, she felt a persistent urge to reconsider her children’s education. Encouraged by a friend who pointed out that she might be ignoring a spiritual calling, she began to reflect on her role as a mother and educator. A pivotal Bible verse, Deuteronomy 6:6, stood out to her:

"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

This verse made her question how she could truly instill faith and values in her children when they spent most of their time away at school. The desire for more intentional family time became stronger, especially as sports and other school activities increasingly took away opportunities for shared meals and discussions.

The Event That Changed Everything

One defining moment pushed Nikki and her husband to take immediate action. A vague note sent home with their seventh-grade daughter indicated that a legal seminar would be taking place at school the next morning. The lack of details, missing signatures, and the opt-out nature of the seminar raised red flags. When Nikki’s husband, who serves on the school board, posted about it on social media, the community took notice.

The seminar turned out to be highly explicit, discussing sensitive topics in ways that many parents found inappropriate. A high school student secretly recorded the event on their smartwatch, and when Nikki listened to the recording, she was deeply disturbed. When she and other concerned parents brought their concerns to the school board, they were met with resistance. Some community members even defended the content, insisting that students needed to hear it.

Realizing that her values no longer aligned with the school’s direction, Nikki and her husband knew it was time to leave. Just before Christmas break, they withdrew their children from public school and embarked on the homeschooling journey.

Building a Supportive Homeschooling Community

Initially, the transition was daunting, but Nikki found reassurance in the decision. She quickly discovered that she wasn’t alone—several other families had also chosen to pull their children from the school. Over time, as many as two dozen students either switched to homeschooling or moved away.

Recognizing the need for support, Nikki helped grow a homeschool co-op in her community. The group meets regularly for academic and social activities, including service projects like making crafts for a local nursing home. However, securing a permanent meeting space remains a challenge, as they currently rent a location that requires scheduling around others.

Beyond formal gatherings, Nikki has become a mentor to new homeschooling parents, answering their most common question: “What curriculum should I use?” She emphasizes flexibility, encouraging parents to start small and adjust as needed rather than committing to an expensive, rigid curriculum package.

Overcoming the Fear of Homeschooling

Like many parents new to homeschooling, Nikki initially doubted her ability to teach—especially when it came to subjects like upper-level math. However, she quickly realized that homeschooling isn’t about knowing everything; it’s about learning alongside your children.

Her advice to hesitant parents? “You are capable. You are equipped. You don’t need to have all the answers before you start.” She stresses that homeschooling allows parents to tailor education to each child’s learning style rather than forcing children into a one-size-fits-all system.

A Journey of Faith and Family

Now in her fourth year of homeschooling, Nikki has no regrets. Her children have adapted well, and their family enjoys the flexibility and depth of education that homeschooling provides. Their chosen approach, classical education, has been a great fit for her daughters, while her son may take a different educational path in the future.

Reflecting on her decision, Nikki wonders why she was ever afraid to homeschool. What once felt like an overwhelming challenge has become a rewarding way of life.

Connecting with Nikki

For parents considering homeschooling or looking for guidance, Nikki is open to sharing her experiences. While not highly active on social media, she can be reached on Instagram at @nikkirchubb.

Her story is a testament to the power of faith, conviction, and the willingness to take a bold step toward a better future for her family. For anyone grappling with the decision to homeschool, Nikki’s journey offers reassurance: with trust, support, and persistence, it’s not only possible—it can be life-changing.

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