Homeschooling For Catholic Parents
You’re wondering if homeschooling is for you. But your inner critic is telling you you’re not enough. How can I teach my kid when we can’t get through homework without tears and yelling? How would the daily routine look? What curriculum will you use? Your house is already a wreck. You don’t want to feel isolated, like you’re on an island where everyone wears long dresses and raises goats. Plus, aren’t homeschoolers weird?
I am so excited you're here! This podcast will give you peace of mind as you raise successful adults who understand their Catholic faith and how to defend it. I’ll help you find the routine that works for you, you’ll still have community, if that’s what you want, and even a clean, organized home is possible (sometimes).
I’m Maeve Jemison, and I host this pod with my handsome husband, Mat. We’re Catholics who prioritize worship and apologetics through our homeschool journey with our five kids.
I’ve made many mistakes along the way. As a young adult, I left the Catholic church because I didn't understand what was going on. I was a government school graduate and high school teacher so I thought homeschooling meant replicating government school at home. (I was wayyyy off!)
When I finally learned the depths and truths of Catholicism, I was adamant that I would teach my little cradle Catholics about the history and beauty of the religion that Jesus started. No way would my kids be as oblivious as I was. Our homeschooling became a delightful adventure, with the Lord guiding us in tailoring our children’s education. I knew I had found my calling!
If you’re ready to thrive as the domestic church through worship, apologetics and homeschooling, then this podcast is for you!
Thanks for stopping by because home is where the truth is!
Homeschooling For Catholic Parents
82 - Catholicism, Critical Thinking, and the Foundation Every Homeschool Needs.
Send us a text! We’d love to hear from you!
In this episode, we chat with Leslie Dirnberger—homeschooling expert, president of Aspire Education, and author of “School in Our National Parks and Some Secret Spots.” When given the best growing conditions, children come up with some profound thoughts that become lifelong memories for the proud parent who was there when they first thought them. We dive into the joys of outdoor learning, and why “neurodiverse” might just mean “normal.” Expect wisdom, laughs, and a few “grampy questions”.
Published August 17, 2025
Books
- The Book of Virtues by William Bennett
- Referenced as a recommended book for teaching virtues and used in daily lessons.
- School in Our National Parks and Some Secret Spots (eBook by Leslie Dirnberger)
- https://www.amazon.com/School-National-Parks-Secret-Spots-ebook/dp/B0BGBLXLJC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2BPVALWQ6IOA5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.p7BBat1zf4f8JDTPn-q7odXbYyllajYZMEHdrBRKUTNrA3mFn_qXZ3bsWZEjF1tEahyhfJnw-IDjn7op0F_ZHqfatESch97_O3QjTHjDS5LOsJsFKLxtr0uT4aq6u6era5vSmYEkko9ovywSbBs774XZS_GZ21OIdI6VlIn23Z4c49PEeio0ikq2lzJsFGKpU_dJWQY83WNudruOHm_YhR3oz0hpcF5iKhBNt18L7t8.WG4L1YZABioI-aqQetNBUAEZu-D6uWAqEpo276jEXFg&dib_tag=se&keywords=school+in+our+national+parks&qid=1755283502&sprefix=school+in+our+national+park%2Caps%2C209&sr=8-1
- Mentioned as a resource written by the guest, focused on outdoor education and homeschooling.
Organizations
https://www.aspireeducation.us/
- Leslie Dirnberger is the president and founder. The organization focuses on empowering families in education.
https://heartworkcamp.com/
- Referenced as a service/mission trip organization for youth.
- FPEA (Florida Parent-Educators Association)
- Mentioned as a homeschool convention in Florida.
Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!
https://maevejemison.com/
Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1
