In this episode of The Ex-Homeschoolers Club, I'm sitting down with Tess Ulrey, Executive Director of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education (CRHE). Tess shares her experience growing up homeschooled across multiple countries, transitioning in and out of public, private, and international schools, and how those experiences shaped her work advocating for homeschool children today.

Together, they unpack the privilege embedded in homeschooling, the blurry lines between homeschooling and unschooling, the challenges many homeschool alumni face in college and adulthood, and why responsible oversight matters—not to punish families, but to protect kids.

This conversation explores the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable realities of homeschooling, including abuse, neglect, and the gaps that exist in state laws across the U.S.

Key Topics Covered

• Tess’s experience being homeschooled in Michigan, Japan, and Germany

• Homeschooling vs. unschooling—and why the line is blurrier than ever

• The role of privilege in homeschooling decisions

• Transitioning from homeschooling to college and adult life

• Why many homeschool alumni hide their education background

• How public schools and community organizations fill critical support gaps

• The mission and work of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education

• The reality of abuse, neglect, and lack of oversight in homeschooling laws

• Current legislation impacting homeschool children in the U.S.

🔗 Resources & Links

• Coalition for Responsible Home Education: https://crhe.org
• Homeschooling's Invisible Children Database: https://hic.crhe.org

Connect with Me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com
• Newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/

If you’re a former homeschooler, your story matters. Consider connecting with CRHE to support research, advocacy, and responsible policy that centers the lived experiences of homeschool alumni.

Chapters

00:00 Coming Up

00:44 Meet Tess Ulrey

01:43 Tess's Homeschooling Journey

04:12 Transitioning Between Education Systems

08:14 Defining Homeschooling and Unschooling

10:17 Challenges and Benefits of Unschooling

14:09 College and Career: Post-Homeschooling Life

18:18 Nonprofit Work and Community Support

23:03 Public Schooling Decision for Tess's Kids

26:41 The Coalition for Responsible Home Education

33:05 How to Get Involved with CRHE

44:42 Conclusion and Call to Action