Homeschooling Is Easier Together. July Conference Connects Local Families

For families already homeschooling, and those just starting to consider it, one of the hardest parts can be feeling like you have to figure everything out on your own.

It does not have to be that way.

Many parents find that once they connect with other families, share ideas, and exchange resources, home-led learning becomes easier and even more enjoyable. Events like the upcoming homeschool workshop conference give both experienced and new homeschoolers a place to share practical tips, ask honest questions, and find simple ways to make learning part of everyday life without carrying it all alone.

Questions? Check out the Homeschool Workshop Conference!

Families looking for educational resources for family-led learning should mark their calendar for the annual Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO), which is hosting an in-person workshop conference in Federal Way at the Federal Way Performing Arts Center on July 18, 2026, from 9 am to 5 pm.

The venue, designed for both full-time AND part-time homeschoolers, features 40 curriculum vendors and booths, a full day of workshops, plus curriculum exchange opportunities. 

Save the date: July 18, 2026

Registration cost: $30 to $55, depending on the number of people attending and membership status in WHO

Featured Workshops

Julie Bogart of Brave Writer
Known for her common-sense writing, critical thinking, and home education advice, Julie is the creator of the award-winning Brave Writer program, serving families in 191 countries. She helps homeschool families cultivate a love of writing.

• The Brave Learner – Opening Keynote Session
• The Secret to Breakthroughs in Writing

Amber O’Neal Johnston, of Heritage Mom
With an established voice in blending traditional curriculum with diverse perspectives, Amber is skilled at helping families cultivate meaningful, culturally rich learning environments.

• Seeing with New Eyes: Geography, History, and the Stories We Carry
• From Duty to Delight: Learning to Embrace Nature Study & Time Outdoors

Amanda Schenkenberger of Confident Homeschool Moms
Homeschooling too chaotic? Amanda helps overwhelmed homeschool moms create calm, doable routines using brain-based strategies and practical support.

• Let’s Calm the Chaos and Create a Calm, Doable Homeschool Routine
• The Fire That Keeps Us Going: The Heart of Homeschooling

Janice Hedin – Past Board Member
As a homeschool parent herself, Janice helped shape Washington’s homeschool law, and now focuses on encouraging new homeschooling families.

• Intro to Homeschooling

Linda Love Gorordo of Love HS to College
This former homeschooling parent has spent nearly a decade helping Washington families navigate high school, hybrid learning, and college pathways.

• Homeschool High School & Transcripts

Patrick Nurre of Northwest Treasures, Geology
Lifelong geology enthusiast and speaker, Patrick brings decades of experience and a passion for making earth science engaging for students.

• Transforming Inconvenient Hobbies into Teachable Moments

Why Home-led Schooling?

Some parents find themselves wishing their child had more challenging reading assignments, or could work at an accelerated level instead of the one-size-fits-all ceilings of many districts.

Many want to learn how to channel their frustration into positive energy they can use to help their children.

Others want flexibility — the ability to travel, spend time with extended family, or shape learning around real-life experiences.

Home school resources can provide that flexibility while still supporting strong educational outcomes.

Q & A with Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO) Executive Director 

Debbie Jurasek, WHO Executive Director, answered a few questions about the event.

Q. How common is part-time homeschooling, where parents perhaps don’t want their kids doing public school math, for example, but they want something that works?

"I don't have numbers for how many homeschoolers participate part-time, but participating part-time means that you may take advantage of the resources and classes offered by your district and still be in total control of your child’s education. You, not the teacher, would set your educational goals and decide when, where, and what assessments would be given. You, not the district, would keep your child’s educational records."

She pointed me to the OSPI data portal. Within the Highline School District service area, for the 2025–26 school year, there are currently 162 full-time homeschool students and another 9 part-time students.

This is a significant increase from 102 full-time and 7 part-time students in the 2019–20 school year.

There are many other districts with significantly more homeschooled students. The Bethel School District in Pierce County has the highest number of homeschool-declared students in the state, at 834 — nearly 4% of its enrollment.

For the sake of comparison,
Highline: 162 students (~1%)
Puyallup: 816 students (3.6%)
Kent: 460 students (1.8%)
Federal Way: 423 students (~2%)

Q. Is there an “Intro to Home School” type of talk at the event, or resources you’d suggest people start with?

"We will have an Intro to Homeschooling Workshop being given by Janice Hedin."

Q. What other resources would you like people to know about who are considering full or part-time homeschooling?

"Our state law and your tax dollars guarantee part-time enrollment privileges for your homeschooled student in public school. This includes part-time enrollment in Public School Alternative Learning Experience Programs. When you participate in public schools on a part-time basis, you retain your Home-Based Instruction status."

Families have a lot of flexibility when it comes to homeschools and hybrid options, including sports and specialty programs offered in public schools. 

So if you’re curious or just need a little support, this event is a good place to start. You can meet other families, ask real questions, and see what might work for you. Homeschooling is not a “forever” decision. It is something you can try, adjust, and make fit your family.

This article is shared as a free service to the community. No payment or sponsorship was received by The Highline Journal.