My name is Karlie Margaret Houser, Principal of Learning By Grace managed online academies for students schooling at home. Homeschooling takes a lot of effort and we try to provide all of the tools that you will ever need to homeschool better than ever. All of our 140+ PreK-12 Christian courses are engaging and multimedia rich.

We all know that homeschooling does not always take place just at home. We homeschoolers take our children on field trips and adventures galore. That's why homeschooled students tend to spend 50% more time driving with their parents to and from activities. I wish that I could send a new car to every one of our academy parents... ahhh I wish I could but I can't. But at least I was able to give one away!

Former homeschooling mom Maureen Bracellari of Clarkston, Michigan recently drove her brand new Chevrolet Aveo off the lot and home to her two girls.

Maureen was a little dubious when we first notified her that she was the winner.  “I have to admit I was pretty skeptical.  My friends all told me to make sure it was for real before I got excited.  There are just so many scams going around these days that you can never be too sure. (Laughs)”

When asked “How does it feel to have won a brand new Aveo?” Maureen replied, “A little overwhelming!  I’m not sure it’s quite sunk in yet.  (Laughs)  I guess I’ll believe it when I take it for a spin.” 

Maureen, a former homeschooling mother had “some bad experiences with the public school.”  Her older daughter had trouble transitioning into a new school and found it difficult to fit in with the new kids in a new environment.  “I wasn’t wild about some of the academic programs in the school either.  I chose to go the homeschooling route to avoid the headaches I experienced with our local public school.”   She decided to avoid those headaches by enrolling her younger daughter, Samantha, in The Jubilee Academy. 

“I loved the flexibility and the control of homeschooling most.  Being able to make decisions as to what my child learns and how she learns is wonderful.  For instance, sometimes we would have classes during the day or at night, depending on what fit my schedule the best.  It’s easy to catch up on the weekends if we have to miss a day here or there.   As far as control goes, I loved knowing exactly what my child was learning.  When I sent my elder son to the public school, I had no way of knowing what he was being exposed to.  When I homeschooled my daughter, I was able to have control over what she learned. 

“My favorite part about homeschooling with Learning By Grace was the curriculum itself.  I was very impressed with the textbooks, CD’s, and other materials.  The layout of the program was very intuitive and easy to use.  Once I became familiar with the homeroom structure, it was a breeze to guide my child in her assignments throughout the year.  I also appreciated the availability of the teachers.  They were only a phone call away when I had questions about the program or the assignments.  As a new homeschooler, it’s nice having that helping hand.” 

We were so happy to be able to help Maureen meet the educational needs of her daughter.  We were also overjoyed to meet her transportation needs!  Maureen’s husband and daughter were unfortunately involved in a car accident that totaled their previous vehicle in December.  By the grace of God, neither were injured.  However, it seems that the new car came just in time! 

When Maureen was asked what she liked most about the car, she replied, “The fact that it’s smaller and more fuel-efficient is a big plus.  Gas prices are so high these days that I’m sure I’ll be able to save money with the Aveo.  I have a cousin graduating high school in Georgia.  Since I live in Michigan, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to make it down.  But now that I have a fuel-efficient vehicle, I think we’ll try to head down this summer. What a blessing!”

Maureen celebrated her 50th birthday last month as well.  “What a fantastic birthday present!  You couldn’t have timed it better! (Laughs)”

Happy birthday, Maureen, and congratulations from your homeschooling family at Learning By Grace! 

Blessings, Karlie Margaret Houser, Principal