In a world where traditional education is often taken for granted as the only path, Audrey Rindlisbacher stands as a testament to the power of alternative approaches. With 25 years of homeschooling experience spanning six children, Audrey has navigated the evolution of homeschooling from a stigmatized outlier to a respected educational choice. Her journey offers valuable insights for parents considering or currently homeschooling their children.
Audrey’s homeschooling adventure began with her oldest child, now 30, who attended private school for just one year before she made the switch. Like many parents, Audrey initially doubted her qualifications, wondering if she had the expertise to provide a complete education. This common fear—fueled by well-meaning friends and family—almost prevented her from embarking on what would become a life-changing journey for her entire family.
The turning point came from an unexpected source: a county report showing dismal standardized test scores from local schools. When Audrey discovered that only two schools on a list of several dozen had achieved over 50% passing rates, she began questioning the effectiveness of traditional education. Her perspective expanded dramatically after attending a homeschool convention where she witnessed a presentation showcasing education through games—math games, geography games, science games—that made learning engaging and fun. This revelation shattered her preconceived notions about what education could and should be.
Despite her growing interest, the decision to homeschool wasn’t easy. Audrey recalls pacing her kitchen floor, asking her husband, “Are we just supposed to take this leap of faith and hope in 10 years that we didn’t royally screw up our kids?” It was a profound moment of vulnerability that many homeschooling parents experience. What gave her confidence was a spiritual realization: if God trusted her to teach her children the most important things about life and salvation, surely she could handle academic subjects with the right resources and support.
One of the most illuminating aspects of Audrey’s approach was her recognition that education should nurture a child’s unique intelligence profile. Inspired by Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences theory, she discovered that traditional schools typically focus on just two types of intelligence—linguistic and mathematical—while neglecting seven others. This insight helped her tailor education to each child’s strengths, particularly benefiting her son whose linguistic intelligence ranked last among his abilities but excelled in musical and kinesthetic areas.
Rather than attempting to recreate school at home, Audrey focused on developing essential skill sets that would enable lifelong learning. Her priorities included ensuring all her children mastered math through Algebra 2 to keep college options open, developing scientific literacy, and honing reading, writing, and speaking abilities. Within this framework, she allowed flexibility based on each child’s interests and goals—one nannied in Ecuador during senior year, another took math at a local high school while pursuing music, and yet another attended a classical charter school to fulfill social needs.
Perhaps most importantly, Audrey’s homeschooling journey became intertwined with her own personal growth and mission. As she taught her children, she continued her own education, eventually developing curriculum, teaching college courses, writing a book called “The Mission Driven Life,” and creating academies for both mothers and teens. Her experience demonstrates how homeschooling can be not just about educating children but about discovering purpose for the entire family.
For those intimidated by negative feedback from family or friends, Audrey offers reassurance from experience. “It’s going to take 10 years,” a mentor once told her regarding how long it would take skeptics to come around. Sure enough, years later, one of her biggest critics—her father-in-law—apologized for his initial doubts and praised her parenting. The lesson? Trust your intuition when it comes to what’s right for your family, knowing that results speak louder than words.
Audrey Rindlisbacher’s 25-year homeschooling journey offers an inspiring roadmap for parents seeking to provide their children with an education that nurtures their unique gifts while keeping all doors of opportunity open. In her own words: “You can do this. Your unique way of being and your unique skillset and gifts are a gift to your family, and they can blossom in a homeschool environment.”