Even though Joy is beginning her journey at a performing arts school now, my seven years as a homeschool parent made the Tuttle Twins survey— We Surveyed 1,000+ Parents. Here’s What They Told Us About Schooling Today—really hit home. When parents ranked their top priorities in the Tuttle Twins survey, I felt like I was reading my own checklist for Joy’s education. In the early years, she thrived in dance, tutoring, and enrichment programs filled with personal, in-person engagement. But when COVID hit and we shifted to virtual learning, I began to miss that connection she’d had at the start. (Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Tuttletwins.com; all opinions are mine.)
After three years of virtual schooling, I knew it was time to find an academic program that could build on what we had started — and God truly opened the right door. We discovered a performing arts charter school that not only nurtures her passion for acting and singing but also helps her build a career path around it. With college-designed classes, hands-on workshops led by industry experts, and a close-knit community of fewer than 1,000 students and staff, the school creates an environment where active parent involvement is encouraged and valued.
Why This Survey Spoke to Me
One of the big takeaways from the Tuttle Twins survey was what parents value most in education. Seeing “budgeting and money management” at the top of the list made me smile, because it’s exactly the kind of real-world skill I wanted Joy to have. At her new school, by the time she graduates, she’ll have a portfolio, a resume, and the skills to apply and interview for jobs —all while building long-term planning and personal responsibility into her daily learning.
As an AI marketing and growth consultant, another statistic stood out to me: 62% of parents believe schools should teach kids how to use AI tools. I’ve been teaching Joy how to use AI the right way for years — as a tool to think critically and create, not just to shortcut her work. I appreciate that her school aligns with this approach. They follow our local university’s guidelines: AI can’t be used to complete assignments, but students must document how they’ve used it as part of their process. That’s the kind of balanced, real-world AI education I believe more schools should adopt.
Why Parents Supplement Learning
The survey also revealed that 55% of parents use extra learning materials outside of their child’s curriculum — and I’m one of them. When people ask why I started Joy in homeschool in the first place, my answer has always been simple: control over her education. After having two boys go through private, public, and charter schools, I’d seen the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Now that Joy is in a public charter program, my perspective has shifted. I believe in trusting the school you’ve chosen to provide a well-rounded education — but I also believe in co-education, where parents and teachers work together, and parents continue to supplement at home.
Even with Joy thriving in her new school, I still believe in adding extra learning at home to strengthen her skills and keep us connected. That’s why I’m stocking up during the Tuttle Twins Back-to-School Sale — one of their biggest of the year.
The Back-to-School Sale I’m Taking Advantage Of
Tuttle Twins is having one of their biggest sales of the year — with up to 70% off — starting now through August 13. I’m planning to grab:
- Their Back to School Bundle of children’s storybooks, which includes all 14 books plus bonuses for just $119.88 (total value $419 — save $300). The bundle also comes with all 14 activity workbooks, 14 audiobooks, and 14 parent guides.
- Tuttle Toddlers Combo Set — just $34.99 (regularly $47.94)
They’ve also added something new this year — Tuttle Twins Academy’s World History category, launching August 4 with 4 new courses and a total of 35 lessons. These aren’t just books — they’re conversation starters, confidence builders, and tools for raising kids who think for themselves.
What This Means for You
If you’re a parent considering a change in your child’s education—whether it’s moving from homeschool to a traditional school, switching programs, or adding supplemental learning—the key is finding a program that aligns with your values. Ask yourself:
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What real-world skills do I want my child to graduate with?
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Does the school’s curriculum encourage critical thinking, responsibility, and creativity?
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How can I continue to be involved in their learning journey at home?
For me, the Tuttle Twins survey confirmed that many parents share these same priorities. Whether your child is in public, private, charter, or homeschool, staying engaged in their education makes a lasting difference.
Looking Back — and Ahead
Homeschooling Joy for 11 years was a blessing. I built a bond with her that I wouldn’t trade for anything, and she knows she can trust me first. The shift to a charter school has been bittersweet, but I know it’s the best move for her future. I wanted her to experience school dances, carnivals, and those interpersonal lessons that can shape you before adulthood.
If I could do it all over again, I’d still homeschool — I’d just make the move to a program like this a little sooner.
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