74: 5 Lessons Every Black Homeschool Family Should Know, with Nicole Doyle

Homeschooling is a journey of empowerment, creativity, and community, especially for families seeking an education rooted in cultural identity and personalized learning. Nicole Doyle, Community Engagement Concierge of the Georgia Black Home Educators Network, shares her inspiring story of transitioning to homeschooling, advice for new homeschool families, and the vibrant solutions her organization offers.

Nicole’s Journey into Homeschooling

Nicole Doyle’s homeschooling journey began with an unexpected suggestion from her son’s public school teacher. At the time, her second son, now 21, was struggling in the traditional school setting. Noticing Nicole’s involvement in her children’s education, the teacher suggested homeschooling, even mentioning it as an option for her own children. Nicole initially dismissed the idea, but a visit to the local library changed her perspective. There, she discovered Paula Penn-Nabrit’s How I Homeschool My African American Boys to the Ivy League, which resonated deeply with her. She explored even more books on classical education and various homeschooling methods, and equipped with this newfound knowledge, Nicole had the confidence to begin her homeschooling journey.

She and her sister - who also started homeschooling around the same time - quickly joined forces to homeschool their kids together. Their frequent trips to the public library led to connections with other homeschooling families, including one mom who introduced them to DeKalb Christian Home Educators (DCHE), a co-op that became an invaluable resource and thriving learning environment for Nicole’s family since 2016.

Nicole’s Advice for New Homeschool Families

Nicole encourages families to start inward, creating a mission that reflects their goals for their children’s spiritual, emotional, and personal growth.

1. Start Inward: Develop Your Family’s Mission - Nicole emphasizes the importance of beginning with an inward focus. Before diving into the curriculum, she suggests that families first outline their mission. This includes identifying goals for their children’s spiritual, emotional, and personal growth. Nicole also recommends collaborating with key family members, whether it’s a co-parent, grandparent, or other close relatives, to ensure everyone is on the same page and shares a vision for the homeschool experience. She highlights the significance of defining the legacy you wish to leave for your children, ensuring that this legacy serves as a guiding blueprint throughout the homeschooling process.
2. Research and Connect with Other Families - One of Nicole’s top recommendations for new homeschooling families is to be proactive in their research. She encourages families to explore a wide range of homeschooling options by using resources such as libraries and online platforms. However, the most valuable insights often come from speaking with others who are already homeschooling. Nicole advises not to be shy—homeschooling families are often easy to spot, and many are eager to share their experiences. This connection can be crucial in building a support system that extends beyond just academic learning.
3. Plan for Rest and Fun - While creating an effective curriculum is important, Nicole warns against overplanning. She believes that it’s essential to carve out time for rest and creative discovery, balancing academics with activities that allow children to unwind and explore their interests. Nicole suggests that families actively include their children in the planning process. By doing so, learning becomes more enjoyable and engaging. She also highly recommends incorporating field trips into your homeschooling routine—Nicole’s family, for example, dedicated Fridays to field trips, visiting parks, national landmarks, and even exploring everyday places like the grocery store as a learning opportunity.
4. Encourage Creativity and Independent Thinking - Nicole sees great value in fostering children’s imagination and creativity through free play and discovery. She admires parents who effectively implement unschooling, as it promotes independent thinking and imaginative learning. By allowing children to explore and make their own discoveries, they are empowered to think critically and creatively, which serves them well in the long run.
5. The Importance of Community - Nicole believes that no homeschooling journey should be taken alone. She emphasizes the significance of being part of a supportive community. She personally values her involvement with DeKalb Christian Home Educators (DCHE), a long-standing homeschool co-op in Georgia. Through this organization, families benefit from multigenerational engagement, as grandparents often co-teach or provide additional support. The co-op also offers a wide array of diverse activities, from music programs like orchestra and piano lessons to robotics, science Olympiad, and Spanish classes. Parent involvement is central to DCHE’s success, as parents actively contribute their talents to create a collaborative, nurturing environment.
   For Nicole, this sense of community is a vital component of a successful homeschooling experience. It provides families with both educational opportunities and the emotional support needed to thrive.
   
   

The Georgia Black Home Educators Network

After her time with DeKalb Christian Home Educators, Nicole Doyle transitioned to founding the Georgia Black Home Educators Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This network is dedicated to supporting Black, Brown, and culturally diverse homeschooling families across Georgia, with a particular focus on underserved and under-resourced communities. The organization also serves families with neurodiverse children, single-parent households, grandparents serving as guardians, families in rural areas, and those on fixed budgets.

The Flourish Family Homeschool Conference | January 30-31, 2024

One of the standout initiatives of the Georgia Black Home Educators Network is the Flourish Family Homeschool Conference (formerly known as the Flourish Black Family Homeschool Conference). This annual event, held during National School Choice Week, is designed to equip parents with the tools and resources they need to succeed as educators. It’s a hub for social engagement, community involvement, and the empowerment of parents to become advocates for school choice. Here are some of the highlights:

• Keynote Panel on Cultural Restoration: Featuring Amber O’Neal Johnston and Dr. Cheryl Phil Smith, this panel explores the importance of restoring cultural identity through homeschooling.

•  Transitioning from Public School IEPs to Homeschool Education Plans: Guidance on adjusting educational plans for students with special needs.

• NCAA Transcript Preparation: How to navigate the NCAA’s requirements for student-athletes.

• Homeschooling Through High School and Into Ivy League Institutions: Insights into preparing students for college success.

• Fathers’ Panel: A unique discussion where fathers share emotional support strategies for homeschooling moms and offer advice on working closely with their children in the homeschool setting.

➡️To register, visit  FlourishHomeschoolEvents.org and use promo code: PODCAST for 35% off your ticket. Be sure to also invite a friend! 

Technology Equity Initiative

In addition to the conference, Nicole’s organization also runs a Technology Equity Initiative to provide essential tools for homeschooling families. The 2025 goal is to distribute 150-200 laptops to families in need through a partnership with Compudopt.

These laptops are provided as a gift to the community, available to all families who pre-register for the event—not limited to conference ticket holders. This initiative aims to address the digital divide and ensure that all homeschooling families have access to the tools they need for success.

  Learn more about Georgia Black Home Educators

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