A family with seven kids is defying the odds by not just homeschooling all their kids, but sending them to college at the age of 16. The Henderson family, a black family living in Colorado has done things their way for many years. Wayde and Janelle Henderson have seven children, and have homeschooled them all for the past 21 years.
Making education a priority
As homeschooling is just now becoming more acceptable, the Henderson’s were doing it in the early 90s. At one point Janelle worked at night and homeschooled in the day, and Wayde currently works three jobs to provide for their family.
Their seven children: Jayde, Jeven, Jhia, Jarec, Jake, Jenna, and Jordan, all share a love of learning in addition to the letter “J.” All are expected to get college degrees, and all are excited about it. Jarec, now 18, said, “I’ve been excited for college since I was probably three or four.” In the meantime his mother is studying for her masters degree in mechanical engineering. Yes, this family is about their business!
Not letting anything get in the way
Now, you are probably thinking, how in the world does a family send seven kids and mom to college? They’ve even gone against the grain in this area as well. A method Janelle believes is not only a natural transition from homeschooling, but is also saving them “hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
Going against the odds like this takes a special resolve. Our family homeschools, and we’ve face many doubters, haters, and just inconsiderate people. Sometimes that is the toughest part, dealing with the negative feedback of those closest to you. This doesn’t seem to bother the Hendersons though. Janelle just doesn’t listen to them, saying,
“What people say is impossible really isn’t.” [Tweet this]
I couldn’t agree more!
Below is an excerpt from a news article covering their story:
Janelle tries to play the role of mom and teacher while drilling her kids on math equations and spelling tests. She says the homeschooling happened by accident. While shopping at a school supply store, she heard the store owner talking about it, which piqued her interest. That’s when she decided, homeschooling could work for her family. “I just took it very seriously that I really have to make sure they’re getting everything they need to know,” Janelle said.
Read the complete article and watch a TV interview of them at NBCs Affiliate Station, 9 News in Colorado.
BMWK — What do you think about the Henderson’s homeschooling all seven of their children?
T.Baptiste says
Proud of this family and we all can learn so much from them. Would love to hear more about this family of how they did it & tips on what what worked for them. They seem well organized & goal oriented.
Jackie Bledsoe, Jr. says
Yes, they are a great example and probably have a ton of the finer details that other families could benefit from. Thanks for your comment T.Baptiste!
Vernetta R. Freeney says
I read about this family yesterday. I wish more people actually learned about homeschooling before they make judgement on those who make that choice. I loved the fact the mom took time to educate herself on other options to educate her own children. All of the children attending college goes to show that her plan for her family is preparing them for a bright future.
Jackie Bledsoe, Jr. says
Vernetta, it would be good for more people to learn about homeschooling before judging. There are some wonderful benefits to homeschooling, one being children who are intelligent and prepared for life.
Josie Jackson says
I am preparing to homeschool my children in September, do they have a website or blog for reference? I’d appreciate any help or contact info.
Candice says
http://www.homeschool.com is a good place to start. I really would like to homeschool my children but am hesitant because I don’t want to put my husband in a precarious position.
Entro says
I homeshooled through k12 virtual school and its very portabtle, so you dont have to teach at one place or a specific time. It can even be done while you work full time, anywhere where you have a computer and internet access youu can use their system and curriculum which is the same as your state requires, Im in california and i believe its in other states as well. Good luck to you, I hope you find what your looking for
Jackie Bledsoe, Jr. says
Josie, I have several posts about homeschooling on my blog. Feel free to check them out: https://jackiebledsoe.com/category/homeschooling/.
Another site where you can get some good homeschooling resources is The Educator’s Room. Here is a link to the homeschooling section: https://theeducatorsroom.com/category/parents-corner/home-schooling-101/
Sommer says
I hope that this is a glimpse into my future! I am an African-American mom of seven, currently in my second year of homeschooling. My husband and I are very encouraged by this story. Thanks for sharing.
Shon B says
This is an excellent story I am homeschooling my 5 girls ranging from she’s 9 to 1 with a little one on the way! It’s been a challenge and I would really like to converse with the mom to see if she has any good tips for me. I have also encountered the super negative feedback from family but as she stated you begin not to care. Because we as parents have there very best interest at heart and we want them to succeed and be beacon of lights for thier Saviour Jesus Christ!!!! Again excellent story!!!!
Jackie Bledsoe, Jr. says
Shon B, thanks for sharing! One additional suggestion is to find other homeschoolers in your area to connect with. They can serve as a source of encouragement when those around you are discouraging.
Tjblake says
The had the motive,method,and opportunity to be the best they Can be and are doing it guess she will set up a national how to when her children are grown and gone, suppose the children all got into the home school business an uplifted the whole nation? Thinking too big???
Dominica says
Well done! It is wonderful to see black families doing positive things! Our community can’t improve until families improve. I am a black mom that home-schools our four children. My husband and I didn’t have the opportunity to home-school; we MADE the opportunity to home-school. If you are a homeschooling family you probably have to sacrifice the typical things that society says makes you successful (new cars, new clothes, dining out, a prestigious career, etc.) in order to do what is best for your children. I applaud this family’s generosity in sacrificing material things in order to ensure their children get a good education (and I suspect good morals and good work ethic too). Many blessings to you and your family!
Interested says
I wonder what lessons and what spelling words she uses to teach the kiddos. I’m interested in home schooling but I don’t know what they need to know. Where does she find good lessons to give as homework? What are they actually doing?