In this episode of Hello Austin County, we’re joined by Kate Mize — a local small business owner and homeschooling mom — who shares her candid and inspiring journey into homeschooling in Austin County.
Kate opens up about what led her to pull her children out of the public school system, the pushback she faced from family, and how COVID-19 ultimately confirmed her decision. Her story is full of humor, heartfelt moments, and a strong conviction that every parent can take charge of their child’s education — even without formal training.
We dive into a typical homeschool day in her household, the challenges of teaching multiple grade levels at once, and how she blends classic literature, real-world learning, and creativity to give her kids a well-rounded education. Whether you’re curious about homeschooling or just enjoy stories about bold parenting decisions, you’ll enjoy hearing Kate’s passion and grit.
⏰ 00:00 – Meet Kate Mize and her homeschool story begins
⏰ 02:13 – Why traditional school didn’t work and what led to her decision
⏰ 04:14 – How COVID confirmed her homeschooling choice
⏰ 06:08 – Pushing back against family concerns and social stigma
⏰ 08:14 – A day in the life of a homeschool family
⏰ 10:31 – Curriculum choices and learning styles
⏰ 12:01 – Transitioning kids into homeschool and overcoming early challenges
⏰ 14:01 – Teaching multiple kids with different needs
⏰ 16:09 – Favorite resources and teaching tools
⏰ 18:05 – Watching kids grow with confidence and real-world thinking
⏰ 20:15 – Common misconceptions about homeschoolers
⏰ 22:07 – Homeschooling builds resilience and emotional growth
⏰ 24:07 – Socialization myths and how homeschoolers connect
⏰ 36:02 – Advice to parents considering homeschooling
⏰ 28:30 – Final thoughts on taking control of your child’s education