9 Must-See Homeschooling Documentaries (and Where To Find Them)
Knowing real-life stories through a homeschooling documentary provides extraordinary first-hand insight into the benefits of this schooling method and what life as a homeschool parent looks like.
Most importantly, it may help you realize why homeschooling revolutionized the educational system.
If you don’t have enough time to read lengthy papers or research, you can look at this list of 9 must-see homeschooling documentaries.
They’re only one hour long, and I’m sure you’ll relate to many of the stories. They may even convince you to start your homeschooling journey sooner than later!
At Homeschool Spanish Academy, we provide parents important information to help them make informed decisions. We cover the advantages, disadvantages, and the best tools to start homeschooling. Learn more about our online K-12 Spanish programs we offer. ➡️
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Class Dimissed
- Weirdos: A Homeschool Documentary
- The Homeschool Awakening
- Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution
- Race To Nowhere: Transforming Education From the Ground Up
- Life Is: A Look Into the World of Unschooling
- The Story of Three Homeschoolers: A Documentary On Homeschooling
- Yen’s World: Living and Learning In a Community of Learners
- Why Would They Do That? A Documentary About Homeschooling
1. Class Dismissed
- Watch the trailer
- (2019)
- Director: Jeremy Stuart
This film follows the journey of a family in L.A through their decision to pull their two children out of the traditional school system after having frustrating experiences.
The journey is not easy. These parents must adapt to new schedules and habits while struggling with their new homeschool life.
Despite the challenges, they find joy and realize that homeschooling is an excellent opportunity to get closer as a family without losing the children’s independence.
This film examines what it means to be a homeschool student (and parent) in this century.
Class Dismissed is an excellent source for anyone interested in leaving the traditional education system and exploring alternative learning methods.
If you are a parent and still unsure about homeschooling yet, this film is what you need to make a decision.
You can rent it here or watch it on Amazon Prime
2. Weirdos: A Homeschool Documentary
- Watch the trailer
- (2020)
- Director: Matthew Black
If you’re already part of the homeschooling world, you may have heard the word “weird” plenty of times. But is it a “bad word”?
This film claims that there is nothing wrong with being a homeschool weirdo.
This documentary explores the reasons why many families choose to homeschool. For them, homeschooling is not only a learning method but a lifestyle.
Parents in this film demonstrate that being involved in their children’s education is a powerful way to express their love for their children and community.
The film is an in-depth look into the benefits and misconceptions about individualized learning and the struggles surrounding it. A perfect example of what it means to “teach and learn through love.”
The film is ideal for parents and homeschooled students who feel frustrated about this lifestyle. But, of course, parents in Homeschool Co-ops will love it too.
The documentary is available on Amazon Prime.
3. The Homeschool Awakening
- Watch the trailer
- (2022)
- Director: Caleb Price
This film, presented by the Hollywood star Kirk Cameron (Growing Pains), has quickly become one of people’s favorites.
This documentary explores the importance of parental leadership in children’s education in a fun and entertaining way.
Kirk Cameron dives into the lives of American families that have chosen the homeschooling life. The actor talks to people to understand their reasons and beliefs about education, values, and faith.
“Homeschool awakening” means taking advantage of the freedom and opportunities the real world provides.
In this documentary, parents will find honest answers about the pros and cons of homeschooling. It’s a film to break stereotypes about educating your children at home.
“The Homeschool Awakening” is in theaters now.
4. Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution
- Watch the trailer
- (2021)
- Director: Garritt Hampton
This documentary is great for families who’ve started to consider homeschooling or are already on the journey but have doubts.
The film is intended to encourage and equip families with the necessary tools to decide. It’s also a great option for Christian or religious families.
Schoolhouse Rocket follows Ivette Hampton, a Christian homeschool mom.
Ivette and her family make a trip and meet other families, religious leaders, education experts, curriculum developers, and college administrators to understand every aspect of homeschooling.
The film explores the challenges of homeschooling. It also provides real-life advice to those who struggle to balance family responsibilities with school time.
You can watch the Schoolhouse Rocket on the film’s official website.
If you rent the movie, your money will help other homeschooled families in need.
5. Race To Nowhere: Transforming Education From the Ground Up
- Watch the trailer
- (2010)
- Director: Vicki Abeles
This film is not a homeschooling documentary per se.
It is, instead, a wake-up call to parents, educators, and all who care about children to rethink the traditional education system and what it does to our kids.
Race to Nowhere is, as some have said, “an inconvenient truth.”
The director Vicki Abeles interviews students that deal with stress-related illnesses, depression, or perform poorly in school. Vicki said she wanted to understand what’s the problem with the American school system.
Through the student’s testimonies and many others, such as teachers, psychologists, and parents, the director also explores why cheating is becoming commonplace in the traditional system.
Don’t miss it!
You can watch it here or here.
6. Life Is: A Look Into the World of Unschooling
- Watch the documentary for free
- (2019)
- Director: Samuel Butler
Unschooling is a form of homeschooling that focuses on children’s education at home or other places rather than at school.
It involves teaching children based on their interests rather than setting a curriculum.
With this documentary, the director, 18-year-old Samuel Butler, explores the unschooling universe and its methods—unschooling famously is based on individualized learning and can improve children’s skills and freedom of choice.
Through interviews and testimonies, this documentary explains the benefits of unschooling. It also delves into its origins and how this method is becoming more popular in the US.
You can watch it for free on YouTube!
7. The Story of Three Homeschoolers: A Documentary On Homeschooling
- Watch it for free on YouTube
- Director: Fatima Saldan Siddiqui
This documentary, produced by the Educational Resource Development Centre, follows the story of three homeschool students.
They share their experiences, and stepping away from the traditional educational system has been crucial for their learning process.
The kids also mention useful tools and sources for homeschooled students and some of the most frequently asked questions regarding individualized education.
Being able to hear children’s testimonies could help not only parents but could also encourage children of all ages to follow their dreams and face problems without fear.
Also, the film is only 15 minutes long, and you can watch it for free on YouTube!
8. Yen’s World: Living and Learning In a Community of Learners
- Watch the documentary for free on YouTube
- (2020)
- Directed and produced by Yen’s World
This short film is about the origin of a community of learners aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
In this community, students of all ages learn through a “play and do” method. They also practice meditation and learn about emotional skills to face life problems with wisdom.
The Yen community aligns its lifestyle to nature’s needs.
The story is told through the voice of Yen’s first learner as she explores the community’s beliefs and philosophy. I think this film could be very useful for parents who want their children to have an eco-friendly lifestyle and are willing to prepare them for success.
The documentary is available here.
9. Why Would They Do That? A Documentary About Homeschooling
- Watch it for free on YouTube
- (2016)
- Director: Allison Gibson
This film focuses on real-life stories about gifted children and children with disabilities that find homeschooling the perfect method to improve their skills.
After a series of frustrating and hurtful experiences in the traditional system, the parents of these children decided to take them out of school.
The homeschooled children in this documentary became great professionals and had great success in their lives. Amazing, huh?
The documentary honestly explores the fears and joys of being a homeschool parent. I believe that this emotional film could show parents that being involved in their children’s education is a sign of love.
Watch it here!
Hit Play On Your Homeschooling Journey!
How often have you spent hours watching Netflix or scrolling down your phone? You could still do that with these documentaries and learn amazing things about homeschooling that can help your kid in school and life!
Now it’s time to grab some popcorn, lay on the bed, and start watching these homeschooling documentaries that will help you to make a life-changing decision!
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