Tag: Education

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Outschool Review: Flexible Learning Options for Families

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In today’s fast-changing digital world, education is no longer confined to traditional classrooms. One platform leading this shift is Outschool, an innovative online learning marketplace designed specifically for children and teens. This platform is for students who are home schooled, traditionally school, and anything in between. The classes have small ratios, they include one on one courses and are largely interest driven, although many adhere to common core standards. For me and my family, I’ve found Outschool to be not only a great platform to teach on, but also a wonderful place for kids to explore classes that genuinely interest them. It’s an excellent supplement to any educational program. I originally joined as a teacher, but I quickly realized it’s also a vibrant space for children to socialize, expand their knowledge, and build community.

What Is Outschool?

Founded in 2015, Outschool is an online platform that connects learners aged 3 to 18 with independent educators from around the world. Unlike conventional e-learning programs that follow a fixed curriculum, Outschool operates as a marketplace. Teachers design and list their own classes, and parents can browse and enroll their children based on interests, age range, schedule, and budget.

The platform hosts live, small-group classes conducted over video chat. These sessions are interactive rather than pre-recorded, allowing students to engage directly with teachers and peers. Class sizes are intentionally small, which encourages participation, discussion, and personalized attention.

What Subjects Does Outschool Offer?

One of Outschool’s biggest strengths is its diversity of topics. While it certainly covers core academic subjects like math, science, reading, and writing, it truly shines in enrichment and niche interests. Students can take classes in coding, creative writing, foreign languages, art, music, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and even unique topics like mythology, marine biology, or game design.

There are also social clubs and ongoing classes, such as book clubs, gaming groups, and debate circles. This makes the platform appealing not just for academic growth but also for social interaction and community-building, especially for homeschoolers or children seeking peers with shared interests.

Who Is Outschool For?

Outschool is designed for families who want flexibility and personalization in their child’s education. Homeschooling families often use it to supplement their curriculum or outsource certain subjects. Traditional school families may enroll their children in after-school enrichment classes or summer learning programs. It’s also popular among parents looking to nurture a specific talent or passion their child may not be able to explore in a standard school environment.

Because classes are live and interactive, students who thrive in discussion-based settings tend to benefit the most. However, the variety of teaching styles available means parents can find classes suited to different learning preferences.

I can personally vouch for the language lessons, theater, art, gaming club, coding and science. Right now, Outschool is sending out civics’ lessons and materials to families who use the platform. My daughter is starting a self-paced Mars class this week, and I have found the gaming club to be a great way to socialize for introverts.

Maryland and FSA Funding, Why They Don’t Qualify

Maryland’s education system is built on a “public dollars stay in public schools” philosophy. The state does not offer ESAs, vouchers, or flexible education accounts, and it does not allow public funds to follow students into private, online, or supplemental learning platforms. Because Outschool is considered a private, parent‑selected enrichment marketplace—and Maryland does not fund private educational services—there is no legal pathway for families to use state money on the platform. In short, Outschool is ready, but Maryland’s funding structure isn’t designed for it. What do you think of that? Do you think your child could benefit from a supplemental learning space like Outschool? Let me also add, that most teachers have advanced degrees and a wealth of knowledge on any topic you can imagine. If you try it, let me know.

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Is It Right For You? Modern Challenges and Opportunities in School Choice

boy in blue shirt with black backpack standing on the doorway
boy in blue shirt with black backpack standing on the doorway
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

If the country is moving to a merit-based society, that is great. However, there are some places that will need to modernize their infrastructure. But in the meantime, we like to get in motion as much as we can until the pendulum swings in our favor. 

As a child, my parents chose where we lived based on the school district alone. When my mother was just starting out in her career and had to work nights at the hospital, she would do something that I actually could not do: she would drive from the city to the suburbs—a forty-minute commute to Ann Arbor just so I could go to school where she felt I would get the best education. The irony was that there was a school right on the corner where my grandmother lived, but my mom wanted a school where I could be creative and thrive. I actually moved around quite a bit as a child, but each choice was made based on education. Admittedly, no one should have to deal with those extremes, but throughout history, parents have made sacrifices whenever they could to ensure their children’s success. Today, you have that opportunity with school choice—if that is the choice you would like to make.  It is not for everyone, but it is an option that could shore up a need for your child. Also, there are all kinds of reasons a parent may want to change their kids schools. Maybe their gifted, play an instrument, are inclined to science, or need special education; the list goes on. But I don’t personally believe you should be caged in for any reason. School choice is not solely economic to me, it’s about access and exposure because we all learn and thrive from each other.  

A Trajectory of Choice 

We often think of “School Choice” as a modern political debate, but in the 18th and 19th centuries, it was the only reality. Before the “Common School” movement of the mid-1800s, education was a decentralized tapestry. Families “chose” through homeschooling, private academies, or community-funded one-room schoolhouses. 

Notably, in many underserved communities, the most effective models were the women-led, Black-led schoolhouses. These weren’t just buildings; they were centers of self-determination where the curriculum was tied to the community’s survival and success. When the public system was eventually standardized, many of these intimate, effective models were lost in favor of a “one-size-fits-all” factory model. 

The Equity Gap Post-Brown v. Board 

The landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision was a victory for desegregation, but its failure was the lack of equanimity. We integrated the students, but we didn’t integrate the resources. Decades later, a child’s zip code still largely determines the quality of their school’s roof, the depth of their library, and the safety of their halls. 

This is where the agency of choice shores up the gaps. Choice should work both ways: we must invest tax dollars to build up and modernize our neighborhood schools so they become places of pride once again. But while that infrastructure is being rebuilt, parents need the “motion” of choice to ensure their child isn’t left behind in a failing building. 

Diversity as an Asset 

True diversity is not just racial—it is a diversity of thought, talent, and pedagogical approach. Some children thrive in a traditional classroom; others need a vocational-heavy environment or a specialized arts curriculum. When we allow funding to follow the student, we encourage a marketplace of ideas that benefits everyone. Choice isn’t a mandate; it’s an option that respects the diverse needs of the modern family. 

The Landscape in Maryland Today (2026) 

In Maryland, this “motion” is happening through programs like BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today). As of 2026, BOOST provides scholarships to nearly 3,000 low-income students, allowing them to attend participating non-public schools that fit their specific needs. 

While Maryland is currently making historic $10 billion investments into public school modernization via the “Blueprint for Maryland’s Future,” the BOOST program acts as a vital bridge. It offers immediate relief and equity for families who can’t wait a decade for a building to be renovated. 

How it works in MD: 

  • Eligibility: Primarily based on Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FARMs) status. 
  • The Process: Parents submit Federal 1040 tax returns to verify income. 
  • The Outcome: The scholarship follows the student to an eligible private or community-led school, covering or significantly offsetting tuition. 

Education is the engine of a merit-based society. By supporting both our public infrastructure and the individual right to choose, we ensure that the next generation doesn’t have to drive forty minutes away just to find a fair start. 

Here are some tips:

StepAction Item
1. Find Your FundsCheck if your state has an ESA (Education Savings Account) portal.
2. Audit the FitVisit at least three schools. Look for “Shadow Days” where your child can attend for a day.
3. Verify LogisticsCan you handle the transport? Does the school offer after-care?
4. Watch DeadlinesMany choice programs require applications 6–9 months before the school year starts.
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Celebrate Chinese New Year 2026: Fun Traditions for Kids

Exploring new cultures is the best thing. If you can’t leave your hometown, the good news is you can use social media and your local community to explore things around you. In our home, we love Chinese New Year. We love the bright red decorations, the exciting traditions, and most of all… the red packets! Chinese New Year is a special celebration that marks the start of a new year based on the lunar calendar, and in 2026 it begins on February 17. This year welcomes the Year of the Horse, an animal that represents energy, adventure, and confidence. Even kids can feel that exciting “fresh start” feeling when Chinese New Year arrives.

Chinese New Year is also called Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, and it’s celebrated by families all over the world. Before the holiday, people often clean their homes to sweep away old luck and make room for good fortune. Homes are decorated with red and gold because red is believed to bring happiness, luck, and protection. During the celebration, families gather to eat delicious food, spend time together, and wish each other health and joy for the year ahead.

One of the most exciting traditions for children is receiving red packets, also called hongbao. These are bright red envelopes usually given by parents, grandparents, or other adults. Inside is money, but the most important part isn’t how much is inside, it’s the loving wish for good luck, happiness, and success in the new year. Kids often wait eagerly for these envelopes and opening them feels like a little burst of magic and celebration.

The Year of the Horse makes this Chinese New Year extra fun to talk about with kids. Horses are known for being fast, strong, and adventurous, so it’s a great time to encourage children to be brave, try new things, and run toward their dreams. You can even ask kids what kind of year they hope to have — a year full of fun, learning, kindness, or exciting adventures.

To celebrate at home, a simple and meaningful craft kids can do is making their own lucky red envelope. Using red paper, fold it into an envelope shape and glue or tape the sides, leaving the top open. Kids can decorate their envelopes with drawings of horses, gold designs, sparkles, or even try writing the Chinese character 福 (fú), which means good luck. Inside, they can place a handwritten wish, a drawing, or a pretend coin. It’s a lovely way for kids to understand the tradition while creating something personal and festive.

Chinese New Year is a celebration filled with color, joy, and hope, and sharing these traditions at home helps children learn about the world while making warm family memories. Whether it’s opening red packets, making crafts, or simply talking about the Year of the Horse, it’s a beautiful reminder that a new year always brings new possibilities.

There are several celebrations happening in Montgomery County:

In Rockville, Richard Montgomery High School will have cultural performances, interactive displays, and kid-friendly activities. Safeway’s 5th annual celebration features lion dances, live music, face painting, and food samples from Asian brands like Fly By Jing and Kikkoman.

In Bethesda, Westfield Montgomery hosts the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center’s celebration with dragon and lion dances, calligraphy blessings, clay dumpling crafts, and red envelope giveaways. Strathmore’s Music Center offers a festive concert with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, while Connie Morella Library invites children to storytime, crafts, and songs.

Gaithersburg brings a unique twist with the Mintd Card Show at the Marriott Washingtonian Center—featuring Pokémon vendors, raffles, and Lunar New Year-themed prizes. Across the county, you can also support local Asian restaurants, bakeries, and bubble tea shops to keep the celebration going.

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Unlocking The Hidden Educational Benefits of Gig Work for SAHMS

Gig work is often dismissed as “extra cash.” But for moms, especially stay-at-home moms preparing to reenter the workforce, it can be much more.

It can be a bridge back to professional life, toward education, into entrepreneurship, and even to a debt-free future for your children.

Platforms like Uber and DoorDash offer more than flexible income. They offer access, benefits, and leverage — tools that can quietly change a family’s trajectory.

Here’s how:

A Gentle Return to the Workforce

Reentering work isn’t hard because of the job — it’s hard because of the transition.

Gig work eases that shift:

  • You choose your hours
  • You control your workload
  • You work around school, naps, and activities
  • You avoid committing to full-time work before you’re ready

It’s a low-pressure way to rebuild confidence, update your resume, and reestablish a professional rhythm, without being penalized for being a mom. And for artists, these are essential perks including Uber’s vision and dental benefit that can’t be denied. Especially with the ongoing healthcare debacle that is happening. It is imperative to use logic for your life.

Education Benefits Most Moms Don’t Know About

Uber offers free tuition at Arizona State University after 3,000 completed trips.

That benefit can be used:

  • For you
  • Or toward your child’s education (with family tuition options)

With consistency, a mom could earn a $40,000–$60,000 debt-free college education over time — on her own schedule.

The Timeline (It’s More Manageable Than You Think)

This isn’t about grinding — it’s about consistency. It’s about securing a $40,000-$60,000 gift you can impart to a family member. That leaves more money in your pocket. More focus on maintaining your home after retirement.

  • ~20 trips/week → about 3 years
  • ~40 trips/week → about 1.5 years
  • ~60 trips/week → about 1 year

Most moms fall into the first two categories, and that’s fine. This is a long game meant to position your family, not exhaust you. Driving all day is not necessarily for the average person. But two hours? You can listen to YouTube or an audiobook and make your quota.

The Hidden Perks That Lower Expenses

Both platforms offer benefits that quietly stretch household dollars.

Uber perks include:

  • Gas and maintenance discounts
  • Car rentals and discounted purchases
  • Rosetta Stone
  • Uber Pro rewards
  • Vision and Dental Insurance
  • Venmo cashout

DoorDash perks include:

  • 2% cash back on gas with DasherDirect
  • Daily payouts
  • Maintenance discounts
  • E-bike and scooter options in some cities

These benefits make gig work more sustainable, especially for moms.

Gig Work as a Launchpad

Gig work also reconnects you to the world.

You’re learning your city, meeting people, spotting opportunities, and building community — often while funding what comes next:

  • Certifications
  • Small businesses
  • Creative careers
  • Extracurriculars
  • Savings or a move

For many moms, gig work becomes seed money for the next chapter.

For the Woman Who Feels Stuck

In life, bad things often happen to good people. But each day you can do the best you can to rise out of a not-so-great situation. If you’ve been isolated, underestimated, or quietly carrying more than anyone sees, this matters. Take it from someone that has lived it. People lose family members, jobs, get sick and just downright overwhelmed and this can be a gentle reentry.

Gig work can be a pathway to freedom: one delivery, one ride, one hour at a time.

These platforms don’t judge your past or your résumé.
They reward consistency, professionalism, and effort.

And there is power in earning your own money, even if it’s modest at first:

  • Power to cover medical costs
  • Power to pay for your child’s needs
  • Power to fix a roof, replace a tire, or finally chip away at debt.
  • Power to save for a move, a degree, or a new beginning.
  • Power to make choices
  • Gig work won’t solve everything, but it can open the first door.
  • It can be the first step toward stability, dignity, and independence.
  • It can be the first time in a long time that a woman feels like she has options.

That’s not extra cash.
That’s options, and options are freedom. You just have to decide what freedom means for you.

And don’t forget you keep all your tips.

A Side Hustle That Doesn’t Own You

The healthiest relationship with gig work is simple:

Don’t rely on gig work. Strategize with it.

Gig work is at its best when:

  • You treat it as an option, not a lifeline
  • You use it to unlock benefits
  • You let it support your long-term goals
  • You take advantage of the perks without burning out

It’s an innocuous side hustle on the surface but beneath that surface is access, leverage, and opportunity.

You’re not just delivering food or giving rides. You’re building a bridge toward your family’s future.

I am big on evolution. Everything is a season and cycle. When this season is over, help your sister or your brother out. I also discovered a great book that made me think of not paying for college at all. It’s called Debt Free Degree. I hope that my neighbors will read it. I want all of us to continue to watch our kids grow and have a little less stress.