THE POD PACKET

"The Pod Packet," authored by Suzanne Phillips, Katherine Carrera, and Lauren Tatum, is a comprehensive guide to help you establish and manage a homeschool pod. This document is based on the success of a 6th and 7th-grade all-girls homeschool pod located in Alpharetta, Georgia.

The Pod Packet is a step-by-step manual for parents and educators as they endeavor to create a structured yet flexible learning environment focused on both academics and life skills.

RESOURCES INSIDE YOUR POD PACKET

Define Vision and Structure

How do you determine your mission, vision, and educational approach? The Pod Packet walks you through important questions as you clarify your goals.

Educator Selection

How will you find a teacher or tutor? Best tips and practices for finding, interviewing, and hiring the best person to teach your group.

Enrollment Process

How do you ensure you attract like-minded families? We provide critical, step-by-step coaching on recruiting families so your whole group is aligned from the beginning.

Location and Calendar

Options for meeting spaces are presented, including some you may not have considered! We give guidance on how to structure your school year based on local homeschooling guidelines and proven success.

Financial Planning

Do you need an LLC? What should you consider for maintaining a life skills fund, collecting deposits and more? Establishing the pod’s tuition is only the beginning. We walk you through the other key financial considerations of setting up a homeschool pod.

Curriculum Selection

Feeling overwhelmed with the many options out there? In the Pod Packet, we provide multiple top recommendations for each grade level so the task of curriculum selection becomes the easy part!

AUTHORS & LEADERS

SUZANNE PHILLIPS

Founder of Beacon Parent with extensive experience in hybrid / homeschool academy setups and vision/ mission / culture consulting.

LAUREN TATUM

Founder of Strategic Kingdom Consulting with expertise in entrepreneurship and marketing, instrumental in pod operations and branding.

KATHERINE CARRERA

Leader in homeschooling education and founder of Oliver Education and Family, specializing in establishing homeschool pods.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Once you've built your homeschool pod, how will you ensure a smooth and seamless school year?

The second section of the packet walks you through the essential operational and communication skills as well as protocols for maintaining alignment and achieving your pod's goals! This section also focuses on how to successfully incorporate life skills - real life learning such as baking, gardening, car maintenance, etiquette, fitness, and more!

Included are our best protocols for:

POD
KICKOFF & ORIENTATION

WEEKLY & MONTHLY OPERATIONS

LIFE SKILLS MANAGEMENT

COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES

EQUIP, EDUCATE AND BUILD A LEGACY

"The Pod Packet" is a comprehensive resource designed to empower parents to create a custom, community-based homeschool experience. Through clear guidance on setup, management, and life skills integration, the packet provides the tools necessary for sustainable and impactful homeschooling.

What is a homeschool pod?

A homeschool pod is a small group of children (typically 3-12) who learn together, often with a parent rotating as the teacher or with a hired tutor or teacher leading the instruction. The curriculum and learning activities are often chosen collaboratively by the parents involved.
Why would I consider a homeschool pod?

Parents choose homeschool pods for various reasons, including: Socialization + Community: Providing more consistent social interaction than traditional homeschooling Shared Responsibility: Dividing the teaching or supervision responsibilities among parents Customized Learning: Tailoring the curriculum and pace to the children's specific needs and interests Flexibility: Offering more flexibility than traditional schooling in terms of schedule and learning environment Specific Educational Philosophies: Implementing a particular educational approach (e.g., Montessori, Charlotte Mason) with like-minded families
How is a homeschool pod different from a micro-school?

The terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Micro-schools and often smaller, involve a more formal structure with a paid teacher and a more established curriculum. Homeschool pods can be more informal and parent-led. The Pod Packet supports the creation of both micro-schools and homeschool pods!
Where do homeschool pods typically meet?

Pods can meet in various locations, such as: Rotating homes of the participating families Community centers or libraries Outdoor spaces or nature centers The Pod Packet helps you consider the pros and cons of each environment when considering location.
How do we find other families to join our pod?

You can connect with other homeschooling families through: Local homeschooling groups and co-ops Online forums and social media groups for homeschoolers in your area Neighborhood networks and parent groups Word of mouth among friends and acquaintances
Who teaches the children in a homeschool pod?

This varies depending on the pod's structure. Options include: Parent Rotation: Parents take turns planning and leading lessons Hired Tutor or Teacher: Families pool resources to hire a qualified educator Combination: Parents may lead some activities, while a tutor handles core subjects
How is a homeschool pod different from traditional homeschooling?

In traditionally homeschooling parents a typically solely responsible for the education of their children. A pod involves a collaborative approach with other families.
How do we manage costs and logistics?

Costs can include curriculum materials, supplies, field trips, and potentially a teacher's fees. Logistics involve scheduling, communication, and establishing clear roles and responsibilities among the participating families. It's helpful to have a written agreement outlining these aspects. The Pod Packet provides a roadmap to planning and preparing all of these. Consider this your one-stop shortcut to logistical details.
How do we handle legal and regulatory requirements for homeschooling in our state?

Each state has its own homeschooling laws and requirements. It's crucial for all participating families to understand and comply with the regulations in your state. This may involve filing paperwork, providing specific instruction hours, or participating in assessments. You can find information on your state's Department of Education website or through state-level homeschooling organizations.
How do we decide on the curriculum?

Curriculum decisions are typically made collaboratively by the parents. The Pod Packet provides our customized recommendations for each grade level, K - 12!
What are potential challenges of a homeschool pod?

Challenges may include: Differing parenting styles or educational philosophies Scheduling conflicts Communication breakdowns Managing group dynamics among children Finding a suitable tutor or teacher (if applicable) In The Pod Packet, we share our real-life experience from building and running pods, as well as private hybrid schools. We have successfully navigated all of these challenges, and now our lessons learned are your gain!