They Didn’t Watch Us Weave: How the Fringe Became the Fabric of Education Reform

In the heartland of Kansas, Becky Elder’s story stretches far beyond her own lifetime. It’s a story of multi-generational courage, conviction, and a relentless fight for educational freedom. From her great-great-grandmother’s literary achievements in 1900 to her father’s role in launching Wichita Collegiate School, Becky’s family has been paving the way for bold, independent education choices for over a century.

But Becky didn’t stop at legacy. She took the baton—and ran.

A Deeply Rooted Legacy of Literacy and Learning

Becky’s love for education didn’t begin with homeschooling her own children. It began with stories passed down through generations. Her great-grandmother, Eldora Dugan Love, was a published poet who championed literacy from rural Kansas. Her grandfather built a successful business after being educated in a one-room schoolhouse. And her father, a World War II veteran, founded one of the first non-parochial private schools in Kansas—Wichita Collegiate School—after realizing his own son couldn’t read the newspaper in 4th grade. This legacy of bold educational action left an indelible mark on Becky’s heart—and future.

Homeschooling Before It Was Legal (or Popular)

When Becky discovered homeschooling in the early 1980s, it wasn’t mainstream. In fact, it wasn’t even fully legal. She quickly learned that stepping outside the system often meant being labeled “truant.” But Becky wasn’t deterred.

Inspired by her sister-in-law, she dove into homeschooling headfirst, driven by the desire to be with her children full-time, not just part-time. Despite state pressures, she persisted. And like her father before her, she knew sometimes you had to go against the grain to do what’s right.

Northfield School of the Liberal Arts: A Warehouse, a Vision, and a Zoning Fight

When Becky realized her boys needed more community than rural homeschooling could offer, her family founded Northfield School of the Liberal Arts—in a warehouse owned by her family’s Love Box Company. The challenges were immediate and real: semi-trucks shared the parking lot with school drop-off, and the city threatened to shut them down for zoning violations.

But Becky’s brother Bob, a University of Chicago-trained lawyer, fought for educational zoning. Eventually, Northfield found a new home and continued to grow.

This was no ordinary school. It wasn’t defined by public or private—it was defined by purpose. “We educate,” Becky said simply.

A New Model: 501(c)(3) + Teacher-Owned Microschools

After COVID disrupted traditional education, Northfield adapted again—splitting into three microschools supported by a single nonprofit. This innovative model allows for independence, flexibility, and sustainability. It’s also an inspiring example of how families and educators can create thriving alternatives without government overreach.

Becky believes this kind of local, decentralized structure—built on trust, vision, and faith—is key to the future of education in Kansas and beyond.

A Voice for School Choice, Without Fear

Becky is a vocal supporter of school choice—and not just for private schools. She sees it as a matter of justice: “We must show ourselves faithful not to a socioeconomic group, but to the being of the people around us.”

Despite criticism from some traditional homeschoolers, Becky isn’t afraid of government funding or policy change—because she believes deeply in the power of interposition. “We have to put ourselves there. We have to participate. It’s not enough to sit at home and hope the laws work in our favor—we must show up, speak up, and steward well.”

Her faith in the American spirit, Kansas grit, and strong networks like WISE (Wichita Innovative Schools & Educators) keeps her optimistic. “We’re not the fringe anymore,” she said. “We’ve become the fabric.”

The Church’s Role: A Divine Appointment

Becky passionately believes the Church has a divine appointment in the education movement. With decentralized leadership and a natural community structure, local churches are uniquely positioned to support educational initiatives—through space, scholarships, and support. “It’s not just efficient—it’s timely,” she shared. “I believe the Church will assume its role. I’m already seeing it happen.”

No Fear. No Regrets. Just Determination.

At 18 grandchildren strong, Becky remains as committed as ever. She carries not only a history of pioneers but a calling to continue their work. “I don’t like to think of myself as militant,” she said, “but I am determined to see a job done that needs to be done.”

She isn’t waiting for permission—she’s already building the future. One school, one student, and one act of courage at a time.

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