LEADINGtheJOURNEY
An E-newsletter on EXCELLENCE in Leadership
Homeschool Students
Partnership in Action
Testimonial
By Wendy Henry
Principal—Foothills Adventist Elementary School
Partnering with the local homeschool community has been an incredible blessing. This relationship began with a summer meeting where parents were invited to share how our school might best support their needs. From that discussion, a plan emerged to offer science and history classes in afternoon time slots. As a result, homeschool students now attend science two afternoons a week and history the other two afternoons a week.
Families pay a fee proportionate to the time their children spend on campus. Because most of these students are already enrolled in homeschool programs, our school does not issue grades for their coursework. Instead, the emphasis remains on enriching learning experiences.
The inclusion of homeschool students has been overwhelmingly positive. Our classes are full, students are highly engaged, and their participation enhances the overall learning environment. Parents have also become some of our strongest advocates—deeply appreciative of the opportunities offered and eager to support the program’s growth.
Schools may admit students who have previously been enrolled in homeschool. Homeschooling varies widely in instructional design and the use of curriculum resources. Therefore, part of the admissions process should include appropriate documentation to evaluate student learning. This should be completed before grade placement and/or granting secondary credit for homeschool subjects. Schools must follow union/local conference policy and applicable state/provincial regulations regarding the acceptance of homeschool credits and testing for grade placement.
Generally, secondary credits that are accepted from a homeschool should have grades recorded as a pass/fail. Credits already granted for homeschooling by another accredited school should be accepted.
The principal should ensure that the school has a policy regarding homeschool participation in academic courses and co-curricular activities. Such a policy should include consideration of student accident insurance, tuition/fees, supervision, etc.
(Found in the Handbook for Principals 2024, under Curriculum, p.53.)
October 2025 | Volume 14, No. 3
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Bridging the Gap:
A New Chapter for Adventist Education
By Mindy Crecelius
Principal—John L. Coble Elementary School
An overwhelming wave of support has ushered in a new era for Adventist education, one that seeks to break down barriers and unite our communities. Fueled by a shared passion for equipping the next generation with a strong foundation in God's love, we're thrilled to invite you to be part of a pioneering new homeschool program.
I myself experienced the transformative power of a homeschool program firsthand. What began as an enrichment class for my children at a local Adventist school quickly blossomed into a deeper connection with our school community. The following year, I was teaching at the school, and three of my kids were students. It was an incredible blessing, and it's that very experience that drives me to extend the same opportunity to other area homeschool families.
Adventist homeschool programs serve as a vital bridge, a natural next step for families when they are ready to explore new educational pathways. They offer a unique partnership that allows us to walk alongside each other, sharing resources and strengthening our common goal.
at John L. Coble Elementary School. We've been working closely with our board, area churches, and local homeschool families to create a comprehensive plan that provides a flexible, enriching experience for homeschool students. For a reasonable fee, students can register and gain access to a buffet of opportunities, including:
- Participation in the Week of Prayer and Friday chapels
- Inclusion in grade-level field trips
- Engaging in physical education and outdoor education classes
- Access to middle school music programs, as space allows
- MAP testing
- Lower-grade classes like music and Spanish
- Involvement in intramurals
- School and class newsletters
- Added insurance coverage
- Registration fee
This initiative represents more than just a program; it's a partnership. It's a way to deepen our commitment to Adventist education and build a stronger, more connected community. We believe this is the perfect way to move forward, together.
For many of us, the journey of education is deeply personal.
We're excited to announce the upcoming launch of this program
A Challenge Becomes a Mission:
SDA Schools and the Homeschool Opportunity
By Melissa Keller
Director of Operations—Innovus Innovation Center
Across Florida and much of the Southeast, homeschooling is no longer a fringe movement. In Florida alone, more than 150,000 students are now homeschooled—up roughly 46 percent since 2019. Similar jumps are showing up in Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina. Many of these families are utilizing newly expanded education savings accounts (ESAs) or voucher programs to fund their children's learning. This shift is reshaping enrollment patterns for all K-12 schools, including Seventh-day Adventist institutions.
Enrollment & Funding Impact: As more families opt for homeschooling—sometimes part-time—private schools may feel the effects through lower full-time enrollment, slower new-student pipelines, or increased mid-year attrition.
Service Delivery Expectations: ESA-funded homeschoolers still need access to electives, science labs, advanced coursework, athletics, and spiritual activities. They're accustomed to customizing their learning and expect flexible, high-quality offerings.
Equity & Accountability: Families vary widely in resources and readiness. With public funds flowing to home education, accountability and reporting requirements are tightening; homeschool families want clear, credible partners to navigate compliance.
Community & Support Structures: Co-ops, hybrid microschools, and enrichment hubs are springing up to serve this market. SDA schools can either compete with or collaborate with them.
What It Means for SDA School Leaders
How SDA Schools Can Adapt and Thrive
Offer Hybrid & Part-Time Enrollment. Create clear pathways for homeschool students to take a single course, a lab block, or an elective at your school without requiring full tuition. Market it as "a la carte Adventist education" that blends flexibility with a values-based environment.
Develop Enrichment "Mini-Programs." Schedule short-format STEM, arts, or service-learning intensives during the day when your facilities are underutilized. These can be fee-based and eligible for ESA funding, which can attract homeschoolers to your campus regularly.
Open Extracurriculars & Athletics. Many states already permit homeschooled students to participate in interscholastic athletics. By formally welcoming them into your teams, music groups, or mission trips, you strengthen ties and create natural recruitment pipelines.
Create a Homeschool Support Desk. Assist parents in navigating ESA paperwork, testing requirements, and college admissions for their children. Position your school as a trusted guide in both spiritual and academic matters.
Partner With Local Co-ops and Churches. Rather than viewing co-ops as competitors, consider hosting them on your campus or co-designing events. You become the "hub" where homeschoolers gather, making your programs the obvious next step.
Showcase SDA Distinctives. Homeschool parents often cite safety, moral instruction, and a nurturing environment as top reasons for leaving traditional schools. Highlight your school's culture of faith, service, and whole-person development as benefits they can access—without giving up flexibility.
Use Data-Driven Marketing. Track which electives, days of the week, and price points resonate most with local homeschool families. Test offerings and refine them quickly.
A Missional Opportunity—And a Partner to Help
For private SDA schools, the rise of homeschooling presents both a challenge and an opportunity to serve families who deeply value faith, flexibility, and academic excellence. By adapting your offerings—without compromising your mission—you can become the go-to partner for the growing homeschool community, introduce new families to Adventist education, and even create fresh revenue streams that sustain your ministry.
Innovus Innovation Center has already built a thriving model serving more than 100 homeschool students per week through day programs, after-school enrichment, and pay-per-semester options. We understand how to meet families where they are, with flexible scheduling, a STEM-rich curriculum, and a Christ-centered culture.
We’re ready to help your school do the same. Innovus can:
Design and implement hybrid or "Innovation Lab" programs on your campus that appeal to homeschool families.
Train your staff and provide turnkey curricula in STEM, robotics, entrepreneurship, and creative arts—all adapted for flexible schedules.
Guide your marketing and outreach to effectively connect with co-ops, ESA participants, and local churches.
Showcase your school’s values and distinctives in ways that resonate with today’s homeschooling parents.
Let's work together to ensure Adventist education stays vibrant and relevant for every family—whether they are full-time or part-time on your campus.
Partner to provide innovation training to your school and utilize our AE4.0 online curriculum for enhanced innovation courses.
Including, Not Recruiting:
Building Bridges with Homeschool Families
By Rick Nelson
Principal—Ukiah Junior Academy
Interacting and dealing with homeschool families as a principal can be frustrating, but it doesn't have to be. A shift in mindset may be necessary. Homeschool families should not be seen as competitors. They are simply making a choice that fits the goals and aspirations they have for their children. In our interactions with homeschool families, our goal should not be to recruit, but to include.
Extend an Invitation
Ask these families if you can include them in your weekly newsletter email. Let them know about upcoming special events and ensure they receive an invitation to attend.
Be Approachable
Let them see who you are. Be yourself. Do children's stories. Be a bible character in the VBS program. Be friendly. Collaborate with your conference to minimize paperwork whenever possible. One family decided to enroll their children after hearing me preach a sermon during my first year as principal. Another family enrolled their child after watching me for four years, all the while participating in our Christmas cantata and observing how we handled the chaos of rehearsals and performances.
Bring Your Staff on Board
Let them see who you are. Be yourself. Do children's stories. Be a bible character in the VBS program. Be friendly. Collaborate with your conference to minimize paperwork whenever possible. One family decided to enroll their children after hearing me preach a sermon during my first year as principal. Another family enrolled their child after watching me for four years, all the while participating in our Christmas cantata and observing how we handled the chaos of rehearsals and performances.
Value Goodwill Over Gain
Remember that if they are church members, they are contributing to the church budget and thus helping to fund the school as well. Don't overprice their participation in your Homeschool Connect program; the goodwill earned is far more important than any financial gain.
Most importantly, don't take a family’s decision to homeschool as an indictment of your program. Feeling slighted or judged doesn’t help anyone. You don't want families in your school that are reluctant or enrolling for the wrong reasons. Not every homeschooled student is the right fit for your program.
Support the Transition
When homeschool children begin to integrate into your school—whether for special events or as a new full-time student—help their parents to understand that the transition can be bumpy. Getting used to group instruction, social dynamics, and handling a full day of interaction with peers can take time. Helping them transition into your school with grace, patience, and empathy will gain you an ally and friend.
All children in the church need support from the school. Families who choose to homeschool are waiting to be included as partners and allies. We all share the same mission: children who love Jesus and want to be more like Him. Working together brings far greater blessings for both the children and the school.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
Romans 12:18
Romans 14:19
Innovus is an innovation center created by the leadership of the Florida Conference and the Office of Education. This facility, a former Walgreens location, is located next door to Forest Lake Academy in Apopka, FL. Innovus was created to give Adventist students, as well as students from the community, a chance to come and experiment with and ideate new ideas and ways of doing things. One of the groups that has enthusiastically tapped into the Innovus resource is the local homeschooling community. Mr. Robert Henley serves as the director of Innovus.
MISSION: STRENGTHENING ADVENTIST EDUCATION ONE LEADER AT A TIME
