A Homeschooling Mom for Education Freedom

By Brook Marczewski

From the moment I considered sending my oldest to kindergarten, I knew I wanted to be part of his learning. I wasn’t sure what homeschooling would look like for our family, but I knew it was something I wanted to try. Fast-forward four years and four children later, and I am now a working homeschool mother whose days are filled with beautiful living literature, craft supplies strewn across the floor, and a folder of math sheets waiting to be graded.

Homeschooling isn’t for everyone — just as a full-time brick-and-mortar school isn’t for everyone. That’s why organizations like Ohio Parents For Education Freedom are so important. They advocate for families having real choices in how their children learn. Whether it’s a child in a military family, a student pursuing athletics, a teen mom, or a child who simply thrives when allowed to learn at their own pace, Eschools offer valuable support. They help parents who may not want to juggle the circus act of curriculum planning, record-keeping, and teaching all on their own.

E-schools allow students to move at a pace that works for them while still connecting them with caring, dedicated teachers. Today’s school-aged children are experiencing record levels of stress and too little time for outdoor play and self-discovery. Homeschooling and e-schooling can offer families a schedule that fosters deeper learning, meaningful rest, and more time together.

No matter which educational path a family chooses, every child deserves access to the resources that help them learn, grow, and pursue their passions.

Answering Objections to Online Schools from an ESchool Parent

By Paul Smathers, OHPFEF Board Member

When we decided to enroll our daughter in an E-school many people questioned that decision. We heard many of the expected negative comments and few positive comments. Let me address some of those negative comments.

What about socialization? Aren’t you afraid your daughter will feel isolated?

 No one mentioned the negative socialization resulting from the actions of the bullies. Our daughter attended a small school from kindergarten through third grade. When I retired, we decided to move back to Ohio from North Dakota. She suddenly was stuck in a class of not 5 students but 30. She had no friends and was subjected to daily bullying. In just a few short weeks we saw a child who loved school turn into one who didn’t want to go to school. She developed daily headaches and digestive complaints. Had we continued to force her to attend the traditional school she likely would have been a dropout.

 Luckily, my wife had returned to college to obtain her B.S. that year. Because Tamara was using the computer for her education she could do her work anywhere. She went with her mother to Ohio University and would set at her computer in the student lounge doing her lessons while her mom was in class. Professors and students noticed her. They interacted with her, and she made several friends among the students. Professors welcomed questions from her. If she had a problem with an assignment, she could ask a professor for help and most willingly gave her that help.

 While studying at the college she met the theater professor, and he convinced her to audition for the college’s next production. That first experience developed into a love for the theater. After that first production she was in every play produced until her sophomore year in college. That also led to participation in our local community theater. She acted in numerous productions over the years, and she joined the improve comedy troupe. This led to her college major choice: theater.

 Will she really receive a quality education? This one is easy. During her last year in the traditional school, her state test scores were below average in every area. She was placed in special education with extra time for tests and a reader. After starting attending the E-school, she refused to use those accommodations for state testing. She not only improved but received superior grades in all tests. She went from failing to being named a presidential scholar in just one semester.

Fast forward and our daughter graduated with honors from the Ohio State University.

Would I make the same decision if I had to do so again? You can bet I would.

How eSchools Help My Gymnast Succeed in School and Sport

By Susan Franz

As the parent of a competitive gymnast, I know firsthand how demanding the sport can be — early morning practices, weekend competitions, and hours of training each day. While gymnastics helps build discipline and confidence, it can make traditional schooling a real challenge. That’s where eSchools have made a huge difference in our lives.

Eschools provide the flexibility my gymnast needs to pursue her passion without falling behind in her education. Instead of being tied to a rigid school schedule, she can complete her lessons around her training times. If she has a meet on Friday, she can work ahead earlier in the week. If she’s tired after a long practice, she can take a break and return to schoolwork when she's refreshed.

Beyond flexibility, eSchools also support personalized learning. My daughter can move quickly through subjects she excels in and take extra time in areas where she needs support. This individual approach keeps her engaged and motivated, even when balancing a tough training schedule.

We’ve also seen a reduction in stress. She no longer has to worry about missing classes or falling behind when traveling for competitions. Teachers are accessible online, and coursework is designed to fit a student athlete’s lifestyle.

For any family with a serious athlete, finding the right balance between academics and sport can be hard. Eschools have helped us find that balance. My gymnast is thriving both in the gym and in the classroom. That peace of mind is priceless.

SUPPORTERS OF eSCHOOLS AWARD REP. JOSH WILLIAMS EDUCATION FREEDOM AWARD

COLUMBUS, OH – Ohio Parents For Education Freedom (OHPFEF) presented State Representative Josh Williams with the Golden Apple Award for his support of online learning and education freedom in Ohio.

OHPFEF, formerly the Ohio Eschool Families and Friends Coalition, hosted Online Learning Day at the statehouse in March. The event drew a crowd of parents, students, and educators from all corners of the Buckeye state.

Williams formally accepted the award at Online Learning Day and gave remarks to eschool families and advocates in attendance.

“School choice has always been important to me and my family,” Representative Williams said. “I’m honored to accept the Golden Apple Award. Every family in Ohio deserves the ability to choose the best education for their kids.”

OHPFEF Board President Cynthia Williams was also present at Online Learning Day and shared her excitement.

“We’re thrilled to award Representative Williams with this honor,” OHPFEF Board President Cynthia Williams said. “We know he’s a strong voice for school choice, and our eschool families trust that he’ll continue advocating for their education freedom.”

Learn more about education freedom in Ohio at OHPFEF.org.

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Chasing Goals: A Story of Online School’s Flexibility

There are many reasons why students may enroll in an online public school – maybe they’re experiencing bullying, have a learning disability, or their parents want to have more oversight in their child’s education.

 For Nora Franz, online school gives her the flexibility to chase her goals as a gymnast.

She has been an Eschool student since she started kindergarten in 2018. Now, she’s ten-years-old and in 5thgrade at Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA).

Because of this education flexibility, Nora just competed on Team Ohio at regionals as 5th in the state as a Gold xcel gymnast.

Through hard work, discipline, and flexibility (both physically and schedule-wise), she is chasing her dreams. And her online school schedule allows her to train hard and learn hard.

“I couldn’t be happier with the quality education she gets through her online school,” Nora’s mother Susan Franz said. “The schedule allows us to be a top student while pursuing her passion. That’s win-win.”

Her rigorous schedule includes three hours of practice almost every day. Having online classes, Susan shared, makes it so she can do her work and assignments at different times of the day, whereas a traditional brick-and-mortar public school would require her to be in the classroom for seven or eight hours a day.

“Because of online school,” Susan said, “Nora can continue to increase her training and will advance levels with more ease as she strives towards her goals.”

Military Family Appreciation Month: Meet the Basfords

November is Military Family Appreciation Month, so we wanted to highlight one of our Ohio eSchool military families – the Basford family.

They’ve been a part of Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA) ever since their oldest son didn’t want to go back in-person to learn after COVID, so they gave online schools a chance.

Two of her sons are currently enrolled in OHVA, Colton and Kannon, and both have taken to the online learning environment for different reasons.

Nine-year-old Colton has been able to work ahead as a student who felt held back in the brick-and-mortar classrooms because of the singular work pace.

Misty Basford, his mother, shared that he always struggled with impatience in school because he worked so quickly. “

“Since OHVA is tailored to each student, he was able to work at his own speed and at his own level,” she said.

Her younger son, 7-year-old Kannon, has benefitted from an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

“Small groups help him be heard and seen,” Misty said.

Outside of the ability for each of her sons to learn at the pace best suited for them, Misty shared several other reasons why their family has decided to stick with online school.

“As a family we love to travel,” she shared. Online school “gives us the freedom to explore, bond and learn through visiting locations.” Along with more flexibility to travel as a family, Misty has gotten to spend a lot more time with her sons and watch them learn new concepts.

Misty also pushed back on the misconception many have about eschools. “I think a lot of people think they have to be the teacher. They don’t know that the kids have teachers, class and classmates,” she said.

While online school isn’t necessarily the fit for every student or family, the Basford’s have experienced a lot of the benefits firsthand.  

Misty had this to say to parents considering enrolling their child in an eschool: “Give it a try! It’s not permanent and if it’s not a fit, you can always go back to the local school.”