A Deep Dive Into Military Homeschooling Life with Samantha Brush

We’re stopping in the heart of the South — sweet home Alabama — to chat with Samantha Brush, a military homeschooling mom currently stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base. With three years of homeschooling under her belt and gearing up for her fourth, Samantha offered an honest and insightful look into what homeschooling in Alabama is really like for military families.

Let’s dive into her story!

Samantha and her family have been homeschooling for three years. When asked what led her down this path, she didn’t hesitate: “This upcoming school year will be our fourth year homeschooling, and it’s been an amazing journey so far.”

When comparing Alabama to other states they’ve lived in, Samantha noted that homeschooling here is relatively simple:

“There’s no oversight from the government, which leads to simplicity when it comes to paperwork and conditions. As a military family, it’s helpful that there’s not a formal notification system to follow.”

But she did mention that while the laws are easy to follow, they can also be a little confusing, especially for new families:

“Alabama used to require a cover school, but that’s no longer the case, which has caused some confusion. Thankfully, there’s a great Facebook group called Homeschool Without Cover Alabama that’s full of helpful information.”

When the Brush family arrived at Maxwell, they weren’t sure what to expect. But what they found was a thriving homeschool network:

“There’s more here than I was expecting. The homeschool network near Maxwell AFB is much larger than I anticipated when we PCS’d here.”

From libraries and church small groups to homeschool nature classes and even YMCA homeschool PE, the family stays active and connected through local programs. They’re also eyeing a homeschool art class for the fall.

According to Samantha, extracurriculars like sports and music are readily available in the area, but there’s one category where Alabama could step it up:

“There’s a serious need for more STEM options, especially for younger children. At our previous base, we had a lot more choices. That’s something this area is lacking.”

When it comes to direct military support for homeschoolers, Maxwell AFB does offer a STEM ****camp, but Samantha’s kids are too young for it just yet. She’s heard great things, though!

As for the school liaison, Samantha mentioned she hasn’t interacted much beyond confirming that no cover school is needed in Alabama.

“We live about 30 minutes from base and have found most of our support through our local community.”

There is a strong homeschool community in the area where the Brush family lives, and they’ve found social groups and co-ops easily. Connecting with other military families, however, has been a little more organic:

“I’ve connected with a few mostly by chance through other activities.”

This upcoming year, Samantha and her family will be using the Alabama CHOOSE Act ESA (Education Savings Account) for the first time:

“I haven’t received the funds yet, but I plan to use them for a computer, printer, curriculum, and books for the upcoming year. The school liaison at Maxwell encouraged me to apply and walked me through the eligibility.”

She’s happy to report back later with how it all goes!

When asked what she wished she knew before homeschooling in Alabama, Samantha offered this honest reflection:

“Not to be intimidated by the lack of oversight. It can feel overwhelming because there’s so much freedom, and that can be a bit scary. But after living here for the last year, we’re loving it. My kids are thriving.”

She loves the slower mornings, abundant outdoor time, and the hands-on learning that homeschooling in Alabama allows.

Samantha’s advice is simple and encouraging:

“Get plugged in with your local community. People here are wonderful and welcoming. Find something your kids love to do, and I bet there’s an activity for it — either locally or nearby.”

The biggest challenge the Brush family has faced in Alabama?

“The lack of STEM programs for my elementary-aged kids. Montgomery doesn’t have a children’s museum or larger STEM spaces, so there are fewer options in that area.”

Samantha lights up when talking about this:

“The year-round ability to be outside. Plus, we’re just a few hours from the beach, ****Dauphin Island, Redstone Arsenal, or the mountains. It’s fun to build unit studies around these places. Last fall, we did a space unit and wrapped it up with a visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville!”

Homeschooling in Alabama might seem intimidating at first glance — especially with its “do-your-own-thing” vibe — but as Samantha Brush has shown us, it’s a state full of potential, flexibility, and freedom.

If you’re a military homeschool family headed to Alabama, take heart: the community is strong, the resources are richer than you’d expect, and there’s no shortage of adventure.

Linda Bendall Partnerships Program Director Military Homeschoolers Association

Know a military homeschool family we should feature next? Let us know at [email protected]!