Homeschooling for the Military Family: From PCS to Phonics

  “Between complex educational needs, frequent moves, and drastic differences in special-needs supports from state to state, homeschooling seemed to be the best option to allow my son to thrive.”

Homeschooling was never off the table, but I doubted my ability to teach my special needs child.
After a rough start in public school and challenges in private school, homeschooling became our only option.

As a military family with frequent moves, I’ve learned that transitions often bring out behaviors and occasional regressions. Somewhere in the middle of it, a child is going with the flow, the best they can. As parents, our job is to advocate for and support our children through the ups and downs of military life.

My son is what they call twice exceptional or e². The educational support he needs is complex. Some needs offer opportunities to learn beyond grade level, while others stem from his disability.

Why it’s Working

Like many things, homeschooling is a journey, and not one everyone should take. If my spouse were not in the military, maybe a brick-and-mortar school would be best, but right now, it’s not. It took some creativity, but we found a way to educate and support my e² kiddo. With complex educational needs, frequent moves, and varying special-needs supports across states, we faced many challenges. Homeschooling seemed the best option to help my son thrive.

What has made the largest impact on our journey to homeschool is the school liaison here at Naval Station Newport. With deep roots in the community, she has established a volunteer homeschool liaison. We have an added resource in the homeschool community. I have access to everything, from templates of the forms that need to be submitted to the local district to a comprehensive list of all the resources and support groups in the state. The volunteer Homeschool Liaison has given us the support and resources that a family new to the area needs. “Because what’s good for military kids is good for all kids,” according to Pam Martin, the School Liaison Officer at Naval Station Newport. We know that from a family standpoint, but my spouse knows that from a mission standpoint. When all our families are supported, our service members can stay mission-focused when it counts the most. 

Looking On

With homeschooling becoming more mainstream and a solid option for families with high mobility, such as military families, the establishment of a volunteer homeschool liaison has been a tremendous layer of support. We are grateful for the support we have encountered along our journey. Because without the help of nonprofits and support systems like the School Liaison, our kids would never have the chance to thrive.

About the Author – Amanda Larimore

Amanda Larimore is a mother of two and a dedicated Air Force spouse. With over seven years of experience as a critical care Registered Nurse in Indiana, Maryland, and Texas, she brings both clinical expertise and deep empathy to her current work in military family advocacy.

Amanda became actively involved as a Parent Stakeholder with the Department of Defense’s Child Collaboration Study following her son’s Autism diagnosis. Her personal journey navigating the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), TRICARE, and various military support systems—especially while stationed at joint-service installations—has fueled her commitment to improving policies and access to care for families across all branches.

Since stepping away from direct patient care, Amanda has served as a Key Spouse and Key Support Liaison for two squadrons and one detachment, where she established and led support programs reaching more than 200 Airmen and their families. You can connect with me on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/amandal-connects.