Kaitlin Zara sits down with law professor, award-winning author, and longtime homeschool advocate Tony Kolenc to unpack some of the most important legal questions homeschooling families face.

From record-keeping and testing requirements to special-needs services, extracurricular access, and protecting your family against unwanted inquiries, Tony offers clear, practical, and empowering guidance for homeschool parents in every state.

With 21 years of military service and decades of legal experience, Tony brings both expertise and compassion to the conversation, plus a memorable story about Tim Tebow’s impact on homeschool sports access.

Whether you’re brand new to homeschooling or many years in, this episode will help you feel confident, informed, and supported.

SHOW NOTES

Learn More About Our Guest:

• Instagram: @antonykolenc
• Website: antonykolenc.com
• Books: https://amzn.to/4rvutqO

HSLDA: https://hslda.org/

Practical Homeschooling: https://www.practicalhomeschooling.com/

What We Cover in This Episode

• Understanding Your State’s Homeschool Laws
• Essential Records Every Homeschool Family Should Keep
• Testing Requirements: What’s Mandatory & What’s Optional
• Special Needs Services for Homeschoolers
• Your Rights If a District or Social Worker Knocks on Your Door
• Extracurriculars, Sports & the “Tim Tebow” Laws

Today's Sponsor: Homeschool Connections - Live and recorded online courses for Catholic homeschooling families from expert instructors who love their faith.

You'll also find Homeschool Connections Podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hsc_online/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolingsaints/

Catholic Homeschool Blog: https://homeschoolconnections.com/blog/

Catholic Homeschool Podcast: https://homeschoolconnections.com/podcast/

In today's episode, host Kaitlin Zara sits down with interior designer, entrepreneur, and author Whitney English to talk about how to create a beautiful, organized, and faith-filled homeschool space, no matter the size of your home.

Whether your “classroom” is the dining room table or a designated schoolroom, Whitney offers practical, budget-friendly advice for reducing clutter, choosing the right storage solutions, and designing a space that truly works for your family.

But the conversation goes deeper than decor, Whitney and Kaitlin discuss how to cultivate peace, spiritual growth, and strong family relationships within the homeschool environment.

With humor, honesty, and plenty of real-life stories, Whitney reminds parents that organization is a process, imperfection is normal, and the heart of a meaningful homeschool space is love, patience, and connection.

Thank you to our sponsor, Benedictine College, which makes this podcast possible! Benedictine College is located in the small, picturesque town of Atchison, Kansas. The college is Newman Guide recommended and ranked as a top college in both U.S. News and The Wall Street Journal. Benedictine is also homeschool-friendly, offering a family-oriented atmosphere, small class sizes, and outstanding ministry and student life programs. Visit benedictine.edu to learn more.

WHAT WE DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:

• How to design a multifunctional homeschool area—even if you use your dining room table

• Why rolling carts, china cabinets, and non-plastic containers can transform your space

• The importance of organizing first, decorating second

• How clutter affects a child’s focus—and how parents can maintain clarity during busy homeschool days

• Creative ideas for involving children in home organization and teaching real-life skills

• Why a spiritually nurturing homeschool space is more about relationship and vulnerability than decor

• Fun rapid-fire tips on furniture, fabrics, and refreshing kids’ rooms

• How to display children’s artwork in stylish, meaningful ways

SHOW NOTES AND RESOURCES:

• Three-shelf rolling cart: https://amzn.to/3JNXbSJ
• Whitney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitneyenglish/
• Whitney on Substack: https://whitneyenglish.substack.com/
• Book: Organize First, Decorate Second (Whitney English): https://amzn.to/44dIbEq

• Book: A More Beautiful Life (Whitney English): https://amzn.to/482rfCa

You'll also find Homeschool Connections Podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hsc_online/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolingsaints/

Make sure to check out our Catholic Homeschool Blog for more homeschooling tips, support, and practical help!

Visit our Podcast page at Catholic Homeschool Podcast.

Yes, You Can Homeschool for High School | A Teen Entrepreneur’s Success Story with Anthony Gugliucci

Can homeschooling in high school really set your teen up for success? In this inspiring episode, host Kaitlin Zara sits down with Anthony Gugliucci, founder of AG Cooks and a business student at Penn State University.

Once a Catholic school student, Anthony made the bold leap to homeschool during high school and found the freedom to discover his passions, launch a thriving meal prep business, and grow in discipline and faith. He shares how homeschooling gave him real-world experience, deep family connections, and the courage to follow his calling.

Whether you’re nervous about homeschooling through high school or looking for encouragement to keep going, Anthony’s story will remind you that success looks different—and brighter—outside the traditional classroom.

Thank You to Our Sponsor!

This episode is sponsored by Fiat Life Coaching. Learn more about the Happy, Holy Mama Membership at https://fiatlifecoaching.com/.

Connect with Anthony:

Website: https://www.agcooksfood.com/

Instagram: @agcooksfood

To discover more support for your Catholic homeschool adventure, here are some valuable resources for you:

• Catholic Homeschool Blog, https://homeschoolconnections.com/blog/
• Catholic Homeschool Podcast, https://homeschoolconnections.com/podcast/
• The Catholic Homeschool Conference, https://catholichomeschoolconference.com
• Homeschool Connections Community, https://community.homeschoolconnections.com/

Grab your coffee, and let’s homeschool together!