by Angela Lasch
Jan. 26, 2026
2026 marks America's 250th anniversary, making this a pivotal moment to reflect on what liberty means to families who choose to educate their children privately at home. We live in a unique moment in American history, one that calls us to be intentional about what we believe and why. The freedoms homeschool families enjoy today didn't happen by accident. These freedoms continue to face pressure and challenges, especially as our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.
Throughout January, we've been looking back at the history of homeschool freedom in California through a blog post summarizing Michael Smith's book The Battle for Homeschool Freedom in California, a California Homeschool Podcast episode titled "Defending Liberty: Nathan Pierce on Homeschool Freedom in California," and a webinar with HSLDA on "The State of the Nation," which provided an overview of recent threats to homeschool freedom. We also published "In Defense of Homeschool Kids and Families" by Will Estrada to explore where we are now and what challenges we may face ahead.
Why have we placed such emphasis on homeschool freedom? Because understanding where we've come from gives us a better sense of where we are going.
After much prayer and discussion, we decided upon the theme for this year's annual Parenting & Homeschool Convention: Preserving Liberty, based on 2 Corinthians 3:17b.
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."
Preserving Liberty
Parents have a God-ordained responsibility to direct their children's education. The Lord did not give this responsibility to the state. We aren't only defending this freedom; we're living it out as faithful stewards. Homeschooling allows us to follow God's plan of family discipleship.
Our upcoming Convention is more than "how to homeschool." It's about equipping families to understand their calling in family discipleship and to defend the rights of those who choose to homeschool privately.
And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
Building Faith
Nothing builds faith more than homeschooling during trials. I've never met a homeschool family living a "perfect" life without hardship. Whether your trials are financial, health-related, family-related, or simply the busyness of life (homeschooling multiple ages while caring for an aging parent or working outside the home), one of the most significant benefits of homeschooling is that your children get to experience the reality of life, the ups and downs. All the while, you're modeling what it means to live out your faith by trusting the Lord in good times and bad.
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
Transforming Families
What do you envision for your family this year? More quiet time on the couch, reading together? Digging deeper into God's Word? Less screen time and more time outdoors? Whatever your vision, CHEA wants to help you succeed.
But more importantly, what do you envision for your family in 20 years? 40 years?
The foundation you lay today is what you will build upon to reach the family you envision in the future. Now that we have completed our homeschool journey and we’ve added a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren, I see that as our family grows, this is exactly what I had prayed our family would become. My adult children have personal relationships with the Lord, serve in the church, are responsible citizens with steady jobs, etc. Not everyone who homeschools is perfect, and homeschooling is not a “magic pill” that ensures your children will grow up to love the Lord and stay in communication with you. As a family, we have had our share of trials, but our family’s foundation is strong, and even if one of us is going through something, the others are there to strengthen and encourage.
In 2026, spend time with the Lord asking Him to give you a vision for your year and your “future family.” Then, when times get tough, remember the vision the Lord gives to you and focus on what you want your family to be like after your youngest graduates.
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9
Why You Should Attend CHEA's Annual Parenting & Homeschool Convention
Imagine spending a weekend surrounded by families who share your values, your vision, and your commitment to raising children who know Christ and understand what it means to be free. Join us in July as we equip families to understand, protect, and celebrate the liberty God has given us, and as we reflect on 250 years of American freedom. Together, we'll preserve liberty, build faith, and transform families.
Members-Only Early Bird registration opens on February 9, 2026. If you aren’t a member, join today!
________________________________
Angela Lasch is the Executive Director of CHEA. She and her husband homeschooled their three sons. She is now "Nana" to two granddaughters. Grateful for her own homeschool journey, she now dedicates herself to encouraging and supporting homeschool families throughout California.
