Nola and her husband, Don, have two adult daughters whom they homeschooled all the way through high school. Nola was a teacher for several years before their first daughter was born. Homeschooling wasn’t initially the plan for their family, but because their children needed to be with them a little longer, and because of observing such good fruit in the lives of other homeschooling families, the Hutchinsons made the decision to try it for a year. It wasn’t always easy, but once they experienced the benefits for their girls and their family life, they were convinced they were on the right path and they continued through to high school graduation.
Having time together to really talk about anything and everything is the huge benefit of homeschooling. Choosing what to focus on in our education plans is so appealing, as we can customize learning to meet the needs and interests of our children. The Hutchinsons discovered that they really liked the rhythm of learning at home, not rushing off in many different directions. There was time in the day for piano practice and studying so that the evenings were open for other pursuits. When all four members of the family were in musicals, they would have very late nights during performance weeks, so homeschooling was such a blessing as they were able to adjust the schedule as needed. There was less striving to meet the expectations of others and more leaning into what was best for the family.
Nola and Don live in Camrose, AB. They are active in their church community and they enjoy participating in local theatre, watching sports or live theatre performances, travelling in Canada, and trying to make each other laugh. Nola also enjoys singing in a choir, reading, sewing, plotting home improvements, riding her bike, going for walks, and chatting with friends.
Nola & Don Hutchinson, Camrose
780-781-2527
nola@wisdomhomeschooling.com
nola.hutchinson@gilbertineinstitute.com