“But What About School for the Kids?”
Part 2 About Schooling and What Are We Up To Next?
Worldschooling isn’t a curriculum—it’s a mindset and a lifestyle. For our family, it means using the world as our classroom.
My children have learned first hand how to build ovens out of mud in Egypt, soaked up history while standing in the ancient ruins in Mexico and Egypt, learned how to navigate uncertain situations (not speaking the local languages) in Southeast Asia, and learned Spanish by talking to neighbors and children at the schools they have spent short time periods at. It’s learning through lived experience, not just textbooks.
As a nurse practitioner entrepreneur, I’ve designed our life with intention—one where learning is integrated into daily adventures, not confined to a classroom.
Why I Chose Worldschooling
Traditional school models didn’t align with the life we were building. My kids are curious, adaptable, and globally minded. I didn’t want to dull that spark with standardized routines or one-size-fits-all lesson plans.
Our approach to worldschool includes:
A flexible online curriculum- we use Miacademy but only as a supplement to their learning
Project-based and interest-led learning
Cultural immersion
Real-life application of math, science, and language
The Benefits of Worldschooling for Entrepreneurial Families
Worldschooling has allowed us to experience growth and education as a family. These are the biggest rewards I’ve seen firsthand:
1. Cultural Fluency and Global Citizenship
My children are comfortable in unfamiliar environments. They adapt, connect, and understand that “normal” looks different everywhere—and that’s a beautiful thing.
2. Flexibility & Freedom
We're not bound to school calendars. We travel when it works for us, and learning doesn’t stop when we board a plane.
3. Stronger Family Bonds
As we navigate new countries and cultures together, we build tight-knit connections and shared memories that last a lifetime.
4. Real-World Life Skills
My kids are gaining skills in problem-solving, adaptability, language, and empathy. These lessons are shaping who they are becoming.
5. College
Believe it or not, worldschool kids are more likely to get scholarships and get into their choice of university! Universities WANT global citizens. Keep in mind though that these children are more likely to take bold steps and perhaps become entrepreneurs.
The Hard Truths of Worldschooling
I won’t pretend it’s all sunshine and perfectly planned itineraries. Worldschooling while running a business isn’t always smooth. Here are some of the real challenges:
Creating structure on the go: Some kids thrive with routine, so it is important to balance structure and flexibility.
Finding community: We intentionally seek out local classes, expat networks, local communities, and travel families to help our kids maintain friendships and social growth. But this absolutely can be challenging, at least initially.
People come and go: The harsh reality of traveling is that, well, other people do too. It can be hard to say goodbye but I find that modern technology allows my children to stay connected to those they love.
Handling criticism: Not everyone understands our lifestyle. And that’s okay. I’ve learned to stand confidently in our values.
Balancing business and teaching: Some days are seamless; others feel like survival mode. But even those days teach resilience. I am not the world’s greatest teacher and I acknowledge that. Fortunately, many families “unschool” and believe that our children seek the information they need to accomplish their goals. This gives kids an incredible chance to problem-solve and learn in a real-world way and learn things that really matter.
Why It’s Worth It
My children are growing up with a sense of wonder that most lose along the way or may never experience. They’re not afraid of change, and they’re not tied to one idea of how life or learning “should” be. They’re gaining a global education, not just academically—but emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
This lifestyle is far from traditional. But for people with families like mine, who want more than just a vacation lifestyle, who are building long-term global freedom—it works. And it works beautifully.
We Do Things a Little Differently
Right now the children are in public school, gasp! I had returned to Ohio for a number of reasons last summer and the kids wanted to try out school while we are here. We cannot say we have been thrilled despite living in a “top rated” school district but it has been a valuable experience nonetheless. I know most families would think moving around schools (unless you are military) is a bit absurd but for us it is all part of the fun and lends to our ongoing list of things to learn from. The children are now 10 and 12 and entering 5th and 7th grades (U.S. grades, they are different in Mexico) and have tried schools in several countries-how fun! All have offered us something valuable. We are moving to Indiana briefly to open another clinic and the kids want to try out a STEAM school there as well. After that? Probably back to world schooling or whatever the kids choose. They routinely are meeting “expected” objectives for their grades and ages so we are grateful to continue to have the ability to let the children choose what works for them.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a nurse practitioner entrepreneur who dreams of building a location-independent business while raising global citizens, worldschooling might be the key that unlocks that next level of alignment. It takes courage, planning, and flexibility—but the payoff is immeasurable.
Nurse practitioner entrepreneurs cross borders not just with their passports, but with their mindset. And our children are right there with us, learning how to live boldly and intentionally in every corner of the world.
