For many homeschool dads—especially those stepping into the role of stay-at-home parent—the search for a meaningful alternative to public school can feel overwhelming. You want your kids grounded in truth, surrounded by godly families, and shaped by something more lasting than test scores and deadlines.
Maybe you’ve felt the pull to do more than just support your wife in homeschooling, though that role is vital and praiseworthy. Maybe you’ve wondered: Can I lead too?
Phil Rosenberger, a stay-at-home dad and Director in his Classical Conversations community, asked the same questions. His story offers insight, encouragement, and a powerful reminder: when dads step into the rhythm of home education and embrace their role as disciples and learners alongside their children, entire families are transformed.
In a culture hungry for strong, present fathers, we need more men who are willing to walk the road of classical education at home. If you’re a father exploring homeschool alternatives or searching for a Christian homeschool community, read on to learn from Phil’s journey.
“I Will Never Homeschool” — How God Changed My Heart
“I will never homeschool my children,” I once said. This may be surprising, as I myself received a homeschool education. Shortly after my first child was born, I became a stay-at-home dad and started realizing the significance of my role in the family. Everyone’s journey is different, but becoming a parent is what really shaped me into an adult.
Fast forward five years, and now, I would rather lay down my own life than hand over my children to the government’s version of education. God knew what He was doing. Just a couple of days after discovering Classical Conversations existed, my wife and I prayed, acted in faith, and committed to homeschooling. We did not know the destination, but we trusted the journey.
From Stay-at-Home Dad to Family Discipler
When my family joined CC, we knew almost nothing about the curriculum, the classical method, or even what a day in a CC community looked like. At the time, none of those things mattered. When we chose to homeschool our kids, we chose to share this journey with families we could trust, families we wanted our kids around. We desired to be shoulder to shoulder with families who acknowledged God as the North Star and center of everything.
Why We Joined Classical Conversations
THE FIRST YEAR IN CLASSICAL CONVERSATIONS WAS BEAUTIFULLY OVERWHELMING.
We quickly fell in love with and memorized “The Timeline Song.” My son started practicing weekly presentations. I tapped into my Director and Local Representative’s knowledge and started glimpsing the vision of what we were building. The aptly named Foundations program lays the groundwork for all future conversations. This grammar is fundamental to life, not just CC! I am increasingly aware of this as I slowly redeem my own education.
Only recently could I confidently describe something else with words. Like most modern students, I was traditionally taught with subject-based textbooks. Like many children, I would force myself to finish my assignments just to be free to play. I learned to memorize content simply to pass a test. In short, I came to see my education as an annoyance that came between me and what I really wanted to do. I was falling into the trap of prioritizing the destination over the journey.
Understand the difference between Classical and Modern Education
Relearning How to Learn: Why Grades Aren’t the Goal
THE LOVE OF LEARNING IS NEVER WORTH SACRIFICING FOR GOOD GRADES.
A child’s natural state is one of curiosity and play. They want to learn. They are like little sponges, soaking up everything around them. The practice of the classical method is more than memorizing Latin or practicing math equations. We do those things, of course, but not merely for their own sake. The real goal is to use such content to model how to learn. In this way, we prioritize the journey before the destination. If students master the art of learning, they can apply its skills for life.
Listen to find out how Dads are Lead Learners Too
Leading by Example: Taking on Homeschool Leadership
In our second year, I committed to leadership as my local community’s Foundations and Essentials Director. More recently, I took on the role of Local Representative for our area. As a child, I often went to work with my father and witnessed his strong work ethic. Classical Conversations provides me with a similar opportunity to model leadership, organization, and communication skills for my kids. It’s how I invest in our community. Although I am aware it isn’t necessary, I feel more validated as a stay-at-home dad.
Homeschooling as a Father: Stewardship, Freedom, and Faith
As a stay-at-home homeschool dad, I see myself as a temporary steward of God’s children. It is the honor of a lifetime. Homeschooling gives us the freedom to treat the world as our classroom. Being a father allows me to integrate a moral message into any situation. Homeschooling, community, and the classical method are all part of our journey. I can’t wait to see how it shapes us!
Read more encouragement for fathers:
- For Dads: What is Classical Conversations?
- A Homeschool Dad’s Perspective on Classical Conversations
- Homeschool and Classical Education Resources for Dads
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