The Homeschool Experience Presents

Homeschooling Unleashed
2024

The Unapologetically Secular Convention

June 14th to 16th
40+ Sessions
Durham, North Carolina
CLICK HERE to Register Now
welcome

Welcome to the unapologetically
secular homeschooling convention.

Tired of feeling like the black sheep at homeschooling events? This conference is for you!

We’re proud to serve a diverse population of secular homeschoolers. We're purposefully seeking out speakers who are supportive of the LGBTQ community, people of color, and people with disabilities. This event isn't what you might expect of Southern homeschoolers. We have an ex-priest turned LBGTQ and disability rights activist as a keynote speaker, a drag queen presenting a science demonstration, a comedy show, grown up arts and crafts, and we're hosting a happy hour for the adults and a family friendly mixer.

This convention is anything but conventional. We want to learn, have fun, and build community. We’ll spend the weekend embracing the magic of homeschooling. We’ll get support from people who’ve been there. We’ll laugh together, play games together, and raise our glasses to the bright futures of our children.

With as many as six presentations per hour, we’ll have something to offer, no matter where you are in your homeschooling journey. From those just starting out, to those preparing for graduation, we will have resources tailored to your diverse needs. The vendor hall will also cater to all ages.

Join us for a weekend of community, growth, and fun!

This event is presented by The Homeschool Experience. Supporting secular homeschoolers in the Raleigh area since 2015.


For more information, follow us on Facebook!

Why We’re the Best Homeschool Convention on the Block!

Secular

All content will be 100% secular. This includes presentations and the materials sold in our vendor hall.

Inclusive

We welcome homeschoolers from all backgrounds and affiliations, and we do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, or any other characteristic.

Community

We want to bring homeschoolers together! This event will help you connect with homeschool families.

Growth

It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out on your homeschooling journey or if you have a highschooler. We have sessions to help your homeschool flourish.

Fun

This isn’t your mother’s homeschool convention! While we’ll have plenty of educational presentations, we’ll also have games, crafts, happy hour, a comedy show, and more!

Childcare

Activities for kids and teens so they don’t have to hang out with the boring grown-ups. Limited space available.

tickets

Choose a Ticket

Vendor Only Pass

$30 - 50

  • Single Ticket - 35.00
  • Family Pack - 50.00
  • Unlimited Vendor Hall Access Saturday
  • Unlimited Vendor Hall Access Sunday
Buy on Ticketsource.us

Full Access Pass

$120

  • Full Convention Access
  • Saturday Night Happy Hour
  • Comedy Show
  • Unlimited Vendor Hall Access Saturday
  • Unlimited Vendor Hall Access Sunday
Buy on Ticketsource.us
Limited Availability!

VIP Pass

$ 195

  • Full Convention Access
  • Comedy Show
  • VIP Early Vendor Access Friday Night
  • VIP Happy Hour Friday Night
  • Saturday Night Happy Hour
  • Unlimited Vendor Hall Access Saturday
  • Unlimited Vendor Hall Access Sunday
  • Preferred Seating
Buy on Ticketsource.us
speakers

The Speakers

Nathan Monk

Keynote Speaker

Dyslexic author. Former priest. Depressive humorist. Homeschooling dad.

David McAfee

Closing Keynote Speaker

Author and Journalist.

J.R. Becker

Presenter

Author, lawyer, philosopher.

Stacy Lyerly

Presenter / Organizer

Founder of The Homeschool Experience.

Stephenie Wilson Peterson

Presenter / Organizer

Children's Author, Founder of My Learning Adventure, Veteran Homeschooling Mom.

Stormy Daie

Presenter

Science Educator. Entertainer. Drag queen for social justice.

Amy Bodkin

Presenter

Amy Bokin Consulting - Advocate for those with special needs. Autistic adult.

Tahira Goldson

Presenter

See.Mom.Learn. Homeschooling Podcast.

Liz Pratt

Presenter

Assistant Director, Southeast Nashville Homeschool Enrichment.

Meagan Tauber

Presenter

Founder of Hub of Curiosity.

schedule

Event Schedule

Tentative schedule, subject to change. More events are being added all the time.

  • Day 02

    Saturday

    June 15, 2024

  • Day 03

    Sunday

    June 16, 2024

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

VIP Only Access to Vendor Hall

Shop our secular vendor hall in peace before the crowds arrive. Details subject to change.

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

VIP Happy Hour!

This VIP exclusive happy hour will allow you to chat with other homeschooling parents and experts. Two drinks and hors d'oeuvres are included with your happy hour ticket. Additional drinks can be purchased at the bar. Childcare available for an addition cost. This is a 21 and over event.

8:30 AM

Registration Begins

Registration is open! You can register in the lobby outside of the Imperial ballroom. ID required for registration. Vendor hall is open!

9:00 AM

Meet and Greet

Chat with other homeschoolers, presenters, and convention staff.

9:30 AM

Presentations

  • Tahira Goldson - See.Mom.Learn Podcast:
    “Homeschool Plan Like An Engineer”
  • Jamye Elise Carr:
    “Teaching STEM Skills Using Aquariums”
  • Crystal Pullen, NCVPS:
    “Online Learning- Choosing the Right Fit”

Activity

Snow Yoga - Hosted by Amy Bodkin
Beat the Heat with Snow Yoga! A yoga session for the whole family with winter themed music and activities.
10:30 AM

Keynote Presentation with Nathan Monk

Nathan Monk's Keynote begins at 10:30 AM. You won't want to miss this! Best selling dyslexic author, former priest, former homeschooler, and disability/ LGBTQ activist Nathan Monk will start our convention off with a bang!

Acitivity

Grown-Up Coloring Hour
Need a break from the busy convention? Relax, color, and chat with other homeschoolers.
11:30 PM - 12:30 PM

Lunch Break

Enjoy a lunch break on your own, at the hotel restaurant, or take advantage of one of the many options nearby. See the FAQ section for some local options.

12:30 AM

Presentations

  • J.R. Becker - Author of Annabelle and Aidan Series:
    "Cultivating Critical Thinkers, & Why It Matters"
  • Laverne Allison:
    “Homeschooling Through Tragedy and Trauma”
  • Jen Ahern:
    “Flourishing with Quirky Kids: Navigating Life with ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, and Beyond”
  • Elvin James - Wake Tech Community College:
    “The Promise of Free College: Career & College Promise”
  • Stormie Daie:
    “Science with Stormie"

Activity

Trivia
Compete in a trivia challenge for fun prizes!
1:30 AM

Presentations

  • Stephenie Wilson Peterson - Author and Creator of My Learning Adventure:
    "Encouraging Reluctant Writers"
  • Meghan Tauber - Hub of Curiosity:
    “Translating Your Unique Homeschooling Experience into the Language of Transcripts”
  • Caitlin Clineff - NC 4-H Internation Exchange Programs:
    “International Exchange Opportunities: Communication, Culture, and Growth!”
  • Angela Ruth, Inclusive Education Resources, LLC
    -

Activity

Painting
Create your own masterpiece! You’ll be guided through an easy painting project.
2:30 AM

Presentations

  • Vivian Meyers - Curiosity Chronicles:
    “Beyond Heroes and Villains: How to Teach Authentic History”
  • Liz Pratt - Nashville Homeschoolers:
    “Finding, Establishing, or Rebuilding Community After Global Shutdowns”
  • Joshua Jernigan:
    "Prioritizing Inclusive Homeschool Spaces”
  • Stormie Daie
    “Drag's History and Culture of Activism”

Activity

STEM Challenge
Grown-ups should get the chance to play, too! Compete in STEM challenges for a prize!
3:30 AM

Presentations

  • Stephenie Wilson Peterson - Author and creator of My Learning Adventure
    “The Role of Diverse, Modern Literature in Your Secular Homeschool”
  • Welcome Stokien - Prism Homeschoolers:
    “Exploring the Role of Confidence in Homeschooling: Strategies and Insights for Empowered Parents”
  • Cindy Gaddis:
    “Understanding the Right-Brained Child”

Activity

Upcycled Glass Etching
Give new life to old glass objects with glass etching!
4:30 AM

Presentations

  • Stacy Lyerly - Founder of The Homeschool Experience:
    “Establishing a Secular Homeschool Community”
  • Dr. Kim Johnson - The Lukeion Project:
    “Math History Might Make You a Genius”
  • Bobby Dixon, Director of the NC Department of Non-Public Education:
    “Meet the Director of the NC DNPE”

Activity

Find a Friend
Like “speed dating,” but for homeschool friendships!
6:00 PM

Family-Friendly Mixer

Drinks and hor d'oeuvres served.

7:00 PM

Vendor Hall Closes

Vendor Hall will reopen Sunday at 8:30 am.

7:30 PM

ComedyWorx Improv Show

Enjoy a family friendly show put on by Raleigh's own ComedyWorx.

8:30 AM

Vendor Hall is Open

Shop our wide selection of secular homeschool materials.

9:00 AM

Presentations

  • Meghan Tauber - Hub of Curiosity:
    “Neuro-Allies: Why We Should All Know More About Neurodivergence”
  • Jamye Elise Carr:
    "Teaching Critical Thinking Skills to Reluctant Teenagers”

Activity

Trivia
Compete in a trivia challenge for fun prizes!
10:00 AM

Presentations

  • J.R. Becker - Author of the Annabelle and Aidan Series:
    “Musical Storytime, A Presentation for Kids and their Grown-ups.”
  • Welcome Stokien - Prism Homeschoolers:
    “The Art of Self-Care in Homeschooling: A Wellness Roadmap for Parents"
  • Amy Bodkin - Amy Bodkin Consulting:
    “Special Needs Kids are People, Too.”
  • Suzy Frigo - Everybody's Doggy:
    ”Companion Paws: Enhancing Children's Educational and Emotional Skills with Family Pets”

Activity

Father's Day Craft
Bring home something special for dad!
11:00 AM

Closing Keynote Presentation

  • David G. McAfee
    Bestselling author and journalist David G. McAfee will provide an engaging closing presentation.

Activity

Grown Up Coloring Hour
Need a break from the busy convention? Relax, color, and chat with other homeschoolers.
12:30 AM

Vendor Hall Closes

Last chance to shop our secular vendor hall!

Get your seat before the price goes up!

Register Now! >
Questions?

Have Questions?

Get Answers :)

What is secular homeschooling?

Secular homeschoolers choose to homeschool without religious materials or teachings.

Where is the event located?

Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Conference Center 4700 Emperor Blvd I-40, #282, Durham, NC 27703

When is the event?

June 14-16 2024

How can I contact you?

Find us on Facebook or email us at secular.homeschool.convention@gmail.com

Can I book a hotel room at the event venue?

Yes! We have a block of rooms set aside at The Sheraton Imperial Hotel. You can follow this link click here to reserve your room with a 20% discount.

What kinds of products can I expect to see in the vendor hall?

All products sold in the vendor hall must be secular. We also will not allow the sale of any items that are discriminatory in nature. Items available will all be educational in nature and will include secular curriculum, educational materials, and information on secular classes and camps.

I’m LGBTQIA+. Am I welcome?

Absolutely! We welcome the queer community with open arms.

I’m an atheist. Am I welcome?

Absolutely. This is not a religious event.

I’m religious. Am I welcome?

Everyone is welcome to attend the convention. We know that a lot of homeschoolers of faith prefer to homeschool secularly. Please understand that no materials or presentations will be from a religious world view.

Are there restaurants nearby?

Many restaurants are nearby, including one inside the hotel! Others include:

  • Mez Contemporary Mexican - 0.6mi
  • Farmside Kitchen- 0.8 mi
  • Starbucks- 0.8 mi
  • Page Road Grill- 0.8 mi
  • Jimmy John’s- 0.8 mi
  • Lulu Bang Bang- 0.8 mi
  • Moe’s Southwest Grill- 0.9 mi
  • Panera Bread - 0.9 mi

I have a disability and need accommodations. Can I attend?

Yes! Please email us at secular.homeschool.convention@gmail.com so we can ensure a positive experience for you.

What are you doing to ensure safety at this event?

We’ve hired security for the safety of all attendees, speakers, and vendors. We’re also requiring I.D. upon check-in.

What is the behavior policy?

At Homeschooling Unleashed: The Unapologetically Secular Convention, we are committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all vendors and attendees. Inappropriate behavior, including but not limited to harassment, discrimination, verbal abuse, physical aggression, or any other conduct deemed unacceptable by convention organizers, will not be tolerated. Any vendors, speakers, staff, and attendees found engaging in such behavior may be immediately removed from the convention premises without refund. We reserve the right to take appropriate action to address any behavior that threatens the well-being or comfort of others. By attending the convention, all participants agree to abide by this behavior policy and to contribute to a positive and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

Does my child need a ticket?

All kids over the age of three need a ticket. Children under three may attend for free, but must stay on the lap of a paying adult. Potty trained children ages 3-17 may go to the kid or teen zone for $150 for the weekend. Activities will be provided by Seed, Art, Share for these kids. Kids over 3 may also attend regular sessions, but require a full event pass to do so. Children who are causing a disturbance will be asked to leave with their caretaker until they can be calmed.

If I get a teen zone ticket for my teen, may they also attend presentations?

Yes. but you’ll have to sign them out of the teen zone or fill out a form to allow them to sign themselves out. Only kids over 13 who have a form may sign themselves out of the teen zone. You are responsible for the actions of your teen or child at all times.

We look forward to seeing you!


© Copyright 2024
The Homeschool Experience &
Homeschooling Unleashed