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- We homeschool our 4 kids and don’t plan on going back to public school. We aren’t against it; it just wasn’t for us. (businessinsider.com)
Family Hits the Road, Ditching Public School for RV Life and Personalized Learning
A local family has traded the daily grind of school drop-offs and homework battles for an open road and a customized education, embracing homeschooling and RV travel as their new normal. While not against the public school system, parents Joshua and Lola Mccray found the traditional routine unsustainable for their four children, now ages 6, 9, 11, and 14.
“Every day was a rush, and dinner was always late as we scrambled with the kids to get homework done,” Joshua Mccray shared. Early mornings, silent car rides through rush hour, and the logistical nightmare of transporting children to two different schools became a burden. Even before- and after-care, costing nearly $200 monthly for three children, wasn’t a viable solution.
The turning point arrived at the start of the 2022-2023 academic year. Lola, a former teacher, announced her readiness to resign and homeschool their children, proposing a radical shift to RV living and travel. The initial concern about income was soon resolved during a trip to Key West, FL, where they discovered “work camping” – exchanging work hours for wages and an RV site.
The children, initially hesitant about leaving school friends, have since thrived. They’ve maintained connections with old friends while forging new ones across 31 states, and even in Germany and the United Kingdom, as their RV adventures have unfolded.
Despite initial skepticism from family members, the Mccrays are confident in their decision, often finding other families interested in homeschooling when they share their story. Joshua emphasizes the profound growth he’s witnessed in his children, a level he believes wouldn’t have been possible within the public school system.
A prime example is their youngest daughter, diagnosed with ADHD, who struggled to receive adequate support in public school. Homeschooling has allowed her to receive the one-on-one attention she needs, with her parents discovering she learns best “on the move” or in varied environments, avoiding the boredom of routine. This personalized approach allows the Mccrays to focus on each child’s individual needs and passions, prioritizing growth over grades.
The homeschooling journey began in Florida, where they found the state’s guidelines for home education to be straightforward. Three years in, their children consistently express no desire to return to public school.
Their educational approach is hands-on and experiential, with learning woven into their travels. Visits to museums, exhibits, national parks, national monuments, and local libraries in each state provide rich learning opportunities.
From exploring the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., to a nature cruise in Bar Harbor, Maine, learning is an ongoing adventure.
While the primary challenge has been the amusing task of reminding their children not to sleep past 9 AM daily, the family reports no significant hurdles thus far. For now, the Mccrays are savoring every moment, enjoying the freedom to be present for the key moments in their children’s lives.