Introducing the Payne Family
Meet the Payne family: Joshua, Jordyn, and their three adventurous children—Atticus (8), Thatcher (6), and Poppy (3). Recently, they made the move from rural North Central Pennsylvania to the Pittsburgh area. Before they had kids, Joshua and Jordyn’s first dates were filled with fishing trips, long bike rides, and a shared passion for adventure. They always knew that when they had children, they wanted them to experience the magic of the great outdoors, just as they had during their own childhoods—searching for salamanders and tadpoles, climbing trees, building forts, enjoying late-night campfires, and catching fireflies.
Embracing Outdoor Adventures as a Family
Now, as a family, the Paynes actively participate in the 1000 Hours Outside challenge, a movement that encourages families to spend at least 1,000 hours outside each year. They enjoy hiking, swimming, biking, fishing, and camping together. Their kids, Atticus, Thatcher, and Poppy, also participate in various local youth sports, but at the heart of their philosophy is a strong belief in the power of play—especially unstructured play. For the Paynes, play is not just fun; it’s the essential work of childhood, a belief that significantly influenced their educational choices for their children.
A Journey to Hybrid Homeschooling
As a certified teacher and reading specialist, Jordyn never imagined homeschooling would be the path for their family. She admits that she once held the common stereotype that homeschoolers couldn’t possibly receive a quality education and were, well, “weird.” But as she jokes now, “I still stand by that our kiddos are a little weird!”
Everything changed when the pandemic hit. The Paynes’ children were very young at the time and didn’t have to experience traditional schooling during the lockdowns. However, those months at home with their preschoolers made Joshua and Jordyn realize just how incredible their kids were and how much they enjoyed being with them. The idea of sending their 5-year-old away for a “40-hour work week,” with only a few hours together in the evenings, felt impossible. Around this time, Jordyn stumbled upon Genevieve’s blog post, “10 Reasons to Hybrid Homeschool,” and found herself nodding along to every point. It was clear that a hybrid homeschooling approach resonated deeply with their values and aspirations for their children.
Growth and Discovery Through the Schoolhouse
Since joining the Schoolhouse, the Paynes have witnessed remarkable academic, emotional, and social growth in their children. What they love most is the ability to meet each child exactly where they are. Jordyn, both as an educator and a parent, holds close to her heart a quote by Albert Einstein: “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
This philosophy has been evident in their children’s educational journey. When their 1st grader, Atticus, couldn’t get enough math and was teaching himself multiplication, his teacher recognized his need for a challenge and adjusted his math level accordingly. When their kindergartener, Thatcher, faced emotional struggles adjusting to the structure of a “big kid” classroom, his teachers made necessary adjustments to build his confidence and help him thrive. The joy on their faces and the excitement in their voices when they get into the car, sharing all they learned at school and the adventures they had outside at recess, is a testament to their growth and happiness.
Gratitude for a Unique Educational Experience
The Payne family feels incredibly grateful for the Schoolhouse community. It not only provides their children with a top-notch education but also offers a nurturing environment where high morals, Christian values, and the joy of play are deeply embedded in the learning process. For the Paynes, this balance of structured education and unstructured play is exactly what childhood should be about—exploring, growing, and having fun.
The Paynes’ story is a beautiful reminder that education isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about finding what aligns with your family’s values and embracing it wholeheartedly. For Joshua, Jordyn, Atticus, Thatcher, and Poppy, that means a life filled with learning, adventure, and plenty of playtime.
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