May is Homeschool Awareness Month and, since 2010, has been recognized in an effort to demonstrate the benefits of a homeschooling education. Some of the benefits of learning outside of the traditional classroom include a wider variety of learning experiences, more flexibility and fewer schedule constraints, the inclusion of life skills, as well as the parent’s ability to choose the curriculum that is best suited for their child.
At Lancaster Bible College, 15% of traditional undergraduate students have a homeschooling background. In honor of Homeschool Awareness Month, we caught up with several current LBC students and asked about their homeschooling experience as well as what the transition to LBC was like for them.
Jackson Clough (’26), Business Administration
What did you enjoy about your homeschooling experience?: “I’ve always loved having the option to choose course content and having the flexibility to work around sports and jobs.”
What was the transition like coming to LBC from a homeschool background?: “The transition was incredibly easy—the learning environment and smaller class sizes were incredibly similar to my high school experience.”
Cameron Tripp (’25), Psychology
What did you enjoy about your homeschooling experience?: “There was a lot that I loved about being homeschooled, but the thing that I would say was the best to me was the ability to learn outside of the classroom because I was homeschooled. For example, my brothers and I would learn all of the regular school subjects such as math, history, science, etc., but on top of that, we also learned things that I would say are essential life skills. One of these things was we started a landscaping company one summer to learn about how to make and manage money in a business setting. I would say it was things like this that I most appreciated about being homeschooled, the ability to learn my way and outside of the box.”
What was the transition like coming to LBC from a homeschool background?: “At first coming to LBC from a homeschooled background was really difficult. I did not really know what the ‘social norms’ would be, and just trying to figure out where I fit was a bit complicated at the start. I did not have as much trouble adjusting to the type of schoolwork, as that was a lot like the way I had learned throughout grade school, but the people side of things was difficult for me. Shortly after starting at LBC, I decided that I was just going to put myself out there and see what happened, and it was well worth the risk. I have made friends from all sorts of backgrounds and from all sorts of majors. So, I would say that the transition was difficult at first, but once I adapted it became much easier.”
Careth Noll (’26), Middle Level English/Vocal Performance
What did you enjoy about your homeschool experience?: “I loved having the opportunity to go on so many different field trips with my family as well as friends. It gave me a chance to not just stay in the classroom and learn, but to go out and experience learning hands on.”
What was the transition like coming from a homeschool background?: “The transition to LBC was actually pretty easy for me. I had taken a few online classes before, so that really helped me understand how to navigate the online portion of my studies. One of the biggest differences was having people to discuss class topics with who were not just my siblings. It is so cool to be in a classroom with many people who range in age and background experience.”
Brian Coburn (’24), Business Administration
What did you enjoy about your homeschooling experience?: “I enjoyed the opportunity to be home with my siblings and grow closer to them. I also really liked not having a set schedule to be in classrooms all day. I was able to work on my own pace and complete what I needed to when I had the time to. Being on sports teams gave me the opportunity to connect with people that I wouldn’t have connected with being homeschooled.”
What was the transition like coming to LBC from a homeschool background?: “Honestly, the transition was tough at first. I didn’t really want to go to college, but my parents guided me in my decision along with many others. It took a few weeks to get used to class and being away from home but then I started to love it here at LBC. The community at LBC is one of my favorite things about the campus.”
Titus Taylor (’26), Criminal Justice
What did you enjoy about your homeschooling experience?: “I really enjoyed always learning things from a biblical perspective with Christianity integrated in all my schooling. Not only that, but having a hands-on approach to real life situations that my mom would use as education opportunities for my siblings and I is what shaped our homeschooling experience. My mom really shaped my homeschooling education to be as great as it was. She is who led me to excel in my school, graduate early and encouraged me to pursue coming to LBC at 16 years old.”
What was the transition like coming to LBC from a homeschool background?: “My transition from homeschooling to LBC was smooth because LBC has a ‘homeschool’ feel to it. We learn things through a Christian perspective, and the professors love us students like homeschooling parents love their children—and teach them in love. When I came here, I felt like I fit right in with the students being instructed in love by great Christian professors and mentors.”
Catelyn Strong (’24), Music Education
What did you enjoy about your homeschooling experience?: “I liked being able to shape my learning around things that I believe and enjoy, like being able to have Bible classes and extra music classes. Also, I appreciated having the flexibility to move around with my family since my dad is in the Army.”
What was the transition like coming to LBC from a homeschool background?: “If I had to pick a phrase to summarize my transition to LBC, I would say ‘difficult but so worth it.’ Transitioning to college is hard for anyone, but LBC fosters a community unlike any other—a community that offers faculty that support us and our goals and fellow Christians that push us to follow after God. This community allowed for my transition to be easier and well worth it.”
Joshua Martin (’26), Music
What did you enjoy about your homeschooling experience?: “I enjoyed the flexibility of my schedule as well as the safeness of my environment. Being homeschooled gave me an opportunity to shine academically at my own pace and in my own way.”
What was the transition like coming to LBC from a homeschool background?: “The transition was challenging because it was my first year of college. But in some ways, the transition was not too unfamiliar to me because I am a graduate of the OneLife program. I was a part of the Southern Wesleyan University site, and because I did OneLife on a college campus, I got a college campus feel. The biggest struggle was the workload of some classes and my time management, which despite my homeschooling background isn’t my strong suit. Also, some classes unexpectedly proved more challenging than others in how quick the assignments were due and in how much information I internalized in that class.”
Josiah McClymont (’24), Youth & Young Adult Ministry
What did you enjoy about your homeschooling experience?: “I am so thankful that my parents made the effort to homeschool their children. I grew up with seven brothers and one sister, so it was not an easy task for my parents. Living life-on-life with one’s siblings is rich soil for arguments and conflicts. Homeschooling, if done intentionally, provides the opportunity to uproot these conflicts and have restoration in relationships. Another aspect of homeschooling that I appreciated was how my parents instilled in us the wonder of learning and the passion to live for Christ.”
What was the transition like coming to LBC from a homeschool background?: “Coming to LBC with a homeschooled background for me personally was very beneficial. Being a resident of LBC, my homeschooling background has helped teach me what it is like to have life-on-life with my fellow peers. LBC has provided the space for me to explore the wonder of learning instilled in me as a homeschooler. Finally, the faculty and staff of LBC have the mission of helping their students not only learn material but also conform into the image of Christ. Coming from a Christian homeschooled background, this passion of the faculty and staff is truly a blessing and a gift.”