What’s the Difference Between Pod Schools and Homeschools?

Have you heard of pod schools? They are groups of parents who gather together to educate their children outside of their public school system. They became very popular as in-person schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the fall of 2020.

In the previous episode (#195) of the HomeschoolCPA podcast, host Carol Topp, the Homeschool CPA, discussed with guest Julie Schiffman two distinct differences between pod schools and homeschools

  • Who does the educating, the pod teacher or the parent?
  • Where does the education take place: In the pod space (a home or rented facility) or everywhere?

In today’s episode, Julie explains two more important differences between “pandemic pods” and homeschooling.

  • How is the curriculum chosen and delivered: Set by the school or chosen by the parent and customizable for the child’s needs?
  • Why? What is the motivation to educate this way: a pandemic or something deeper?

Julie Schiffman is owner of TenToad.com a website dedicated to helping parents transition from school to homeschooling though Virtual Homeschool Fairs

During the podcast Carol mentioned Julie’s Learning Pods Checklist and Considerations

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