2026 New Braunfels Session Schedule

From Unschooling to Classical: Understanding Homeschool Styles

Explore the wide world of homeschooling styles, from the structure of Classical education to the freedom of Unschooling, the charm of Charlotte Mason to the creativity of Unit Studies. You’ll get an inside look at how each approach works in real life, plus the unique benefits (and challenges) they bring. Whether you’re just starting your homeschooling journey or ready to breathe new life into your current routine, you’ll leave inspired, informed, and ready to create a learning lifestyle that truly fits your family. 

11am in Education Hall A

Holly & Jennifer are the hosts of The Happy Homeschooler Podcast. They have both homeschooled their children in Texas for 20+ years and ran a homeschool enrichment academy together. Holly also works for Transcript Maker and writes homeschool blog posts, while Jennifer is also the founder of Texas Hill Country Homeschoolers and a board member for Anyschoolers.

Tools to Help Your Children Think Well and Develop Understanding

Dive into the classical model of education and focus on the tools to model thinking and understanding skills for our students. 

12pm in Education Hall A

Adrienne is a local representative for San Antonio Area Classical Conversations. A former homeschool student herself, she now homeschools her five children using the classical model with a Classical Conversations community. 

Homeschool High School 101

Homeschooling through high school is not only doable, but can be enjoyable too! Discover how to confidently homeschool your teen through high school, create a transcript, earn high school credits, and meet diploma requirements. We’ll cover crafting a 4-year plan for college-bound or non-university paths, organizing schedules, and documenting coursework. Explore creative ways to earn credits through extracurriculars, pursue dual enrollment for college credit, and design accelerated programs or IEPs. Gain practical tips for college admissions and scholarships. With a focus on planning with purpose, this talk will empower even the most hesitant parents to make homeschooling high school rewarding and successful! 

1pm in Education Hall A

Carrie is an author, speaker, podcaster, homeschool coach, and "retired" home educator.  She homeschooled for over 20 years, created and led a homeschool co-op for over 12 years, and taught a range of classes. She has hosted the Coffee With Carrie Homeschool Podcast for 9 seasons.

High School Record Keeping? You Can Do It!

The thought of keeping adequate high school records can be daunting, but don’t let that fear keep you from experiencing the joy of homeschooling through high school. Learn how to document your child’s high school educational journey to be competitive for college admissions. Take away tools you can use like a homeschool-friendly high school digital transcript template, a list of important support documents to back up that transcript, and information about how to calculate the high school GPA. We’ll also discuss how to use Texas graduation requirements to make sure your child’s application is competitive. 

2pm in Education Hall A

Cheryl is a certified science teacher with almost 40 years of public, private, and homeschool science teaching experience. For the past 16 years she has taught college-prep homeschool science courses through Taylor Made Science. 

How to Create Stories Editors Want to Publish

If you want to write to publish, you must learn what editors and agents are looking for. This workshop provides a clear overview of how to ensure you've covered the basics. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned author, this workshop includes a checklist of items to help you succeed as a writer. It also provides links for places where students can submit articles for contests and publication followed by a Q&A session to discuss principles explored in the workshop.  

2pm in Education Hall B

Marie is a published author of children's literature since 1998, and previously taught middle school and high school for fifteen years.

Preparing Younger Students for High School Science Success

Let’s face it... science is expensive! Between science kits and microscopes, glassware and chemicals, the cost to teach science each year can really add up. How much science background does your child really need to be successful in high school science courses? Come hear from a veteran science teacher about what younger students really need to know and experience for future science success. She’ll also share ideas for inexpensive (and free!) resources and give advice on the expensive items that just aren't necessary.  

3pm in Education Hall A

Cheryl is a certified science teacher with almost 40 years of public, private, and homeschool science teaching experience. For the past 16 years she has taught college-prep homeschool science courses through Taylor Made Science. 

What Will You Obtain?

The world is full of possibility... which can sometimes be overwhelming! During this session, learn how to "Obtain It" and get the future your students want. We will do an overview of the choices your students have from college to career to military, followed by a brief overview of how to research for these options.   

3pm in Education Hall B

Leslie is a college coach with 19 years of education experience. She worked for Texas A&M University's Scholarships & Financial Aid for 10 years, then with Comal ISD for 9 years as a college and career advisor.

Demo: Witte Museum 

The Witte Museum inspires people to shape the future of Texas through relevant and transformative experiences in nature, science and culture. As San Antonio’s most-visited museum, the Witte reaches a diverse audience of hundreds of thousands from within Bexar County and beyond. Learn about their programs and offerings, and how to utilize them for your homeschooling family.  

11am in Education Hall B

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Demo: Life Skills Reimagined

Life Skills Reimagined is an online curriculum that equips youth and adults with practical skills for real-world success. It covers personal finance, getting & keeping a job, independent living, communication skills, and resiliency, helping learners build confidence, independence, and self-sufficiency. The program also includes Spanish content and a wide range of accessibility features to support every learner. Discover more about this curriculum and how to use it.   

12pm in Education Hall B

Stephanie is the founder of Lyft Learning, the creator of Life Skills Reimagined.

Demo: iUniversity Prep Virtual Academy

iUniversity Prep is a tuition-free, online public school serving Texas students in grades 5–12. Designed with flexibility in mind, it provides a rigorous, accredited education through the Texas Education Agency while allowing families the freedom to learn from home. All teachers are Texas-certified and experienced in supporting students who thrive outside of a traditional classroom setting. Explore this alternative education option for your family. 

1pm in Education Hall B

Nicole is the Community Outreach & Marketing Specialist for iUniversity Prep. 

STEM Smiles: Flossing Fun for Little Scientists

Floss Like a Boss! Kids will explore the science behind healthy smiles in this fun, hands-on dental STEM activity! Using play-doh “plaque” and ice cube trays as “teeth,” children will learn how flossing helps clean the spots a toothbrush can’t reach. Through play and problem-solving, they’ll strengthen fine motor skills while discovering how science, health, and teamwork come together in dentistry. Perfect for curious young learners who love to get their hands messy and their minds engaged!    

For ages 4-8.

1pm in Activity Hall

Christy is a board-certified pediatric dentist and mom of 3.

STEM Smiles: The Mirror Challenge

Put your brain and hands to the test in this fun, hands-on STEM activity! Participants will use full-size mirrors to draw and copy shapes—just like a dentist who must work while looking in a mirror. It’s trickier than it sounds! Through this engaging challenge, kids will explore spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and the real-world science behind dental work. Perfect for curious tweens and teens who love puzzles, precision, and a good challenge—while discovering how STEM skills shine in unexpected careers!   

For ages 9+.

1:30pm in Activity Hall

Christy is a board-certified pediatric dentist and mom of 3.

Martial Arts in Action: Confidence Through Movement

Experience the excitement of martial arts with instructors from Extreme Martial Arts! This engaging class introduces kids to the fundamentals of movement, discipline, and focus through fun, interactive drills. Students will discover how martial arts builds confidence, respect, and perseverance—skills that extend far beyond the mat. Designed for homeschool families, this session promotes physical fitness, self-control, and a positive mindset in a supportive environment. No experience needed—just bring your energy and enthusiasm for an action-packed session of learning and fun!   

For ages 5-17.  

2pm in Activity Hall

Garrett is the owner of Extreme Martial Arts and Extreme Gymnastics, with over 20 years of experience in martial arts and double black belts in kickboxing and jiu-jitsu. He and his wife homeschool their 2 children.

Dancin' Thru the Decades

Hey parents, bring the whole family and join in this interactive social dance class! It’s a whole lot of fun, as we get everyone movin' and groovin' through time learning the #1 dances to the #1 songs from each decade. How does the Swing, Twist, Old School, Macarena, Cha-Cha Slide and Boot Scootin' Boogie sound?  With easy dance instruction and fun trivia, get ready for a great time and finish off your day at the Expo with some great new moves!      

All ages!

3pm in Activity Hall

Christy is the owner of Dare to Dance, an instructional social dance company she founded 20 years ago to promote wellness, empower students, and enhance physical education programs.

Details Pending

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11am in Education Hall A

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Homeschooling FAQ: What Every Parent Wants to Know

Homeschooling sparks curiosity—and sometimes downright nosiness—from curious parents, skeptical relatives, and strangers in the grocery store aisle. What exactly is it? How does it work? Will my kid turn out weird? (Spoiler: only in the best ways.) In this lively, myth-busting session, we’ll tackle the top homeschooling FAQs, share real-life stories, and leave you with answers, clarity, and maybe even a few laughs. 

12pm in Education Hall A

Holly & Jennifer are the hosts of The Happy Homeschooler Podcast. They have both homeschooled their children in Texas for 20+ years and ran a homeschool enrichment academy together. Holly also works for Transcript Maker and writes homeschool blog posts, while Jennifer is also the founder of Texas Hill Country Homeschoolers and a board member for Anyschoolers. 

Homeschooling Strategies for Every Family Size

Whether you’re homeschooling one child or managing a household full of learners, every family size brings its own unique challenges—and rewards. In this session, we’ll explore practical strategies for making homeschooling work smoothly no matter your family’s size. From keeping an only child engaged without sibling distractions to juggling different ages and learning styles in a big family, you’ll walk away with real-life tips, encouragement, and inspiration to create a joyful, effective homeschool environment tailored just for you. 

1pm in Education Hall A

Holly & Jennifer are the hosts of The Happy Homeschooler Podcast. They have both homeschooled their children in Texas for 20+ years and ran a homeschool enrichment academy together. Holly also works for Transcript Maker and writes homeschool blog posts, while Jennifer is also the founder of Texas Hill Country Homeschoolers and a board member for Anyschoolers.

Today, Did We...? 9 Questions to Ask for a Balanced Homeschool Day

Keep your homeschool days simple & your expectations realistic! Are my kids doing enough? Will there be gaps in my child's education? Will I mess them up? How do we stay on track and not fall behind? If you’ve asked these questions, this session is for you! This session will help you transform your overwhelming daily academic "To Do List" or weekly "Lesson Plans" into an easy, manageable, and meaningful checklist. 

Carrie offers 9 simple questions to reflect on daily. If a mom can answer "yes" to each, she can feel confident her children are learning and growing. Every day can be a great homeschool day. This session will help you shift your mindset from doing "school at home" to embracing a true home education experience. 

2pm in Education Hall A

Carrie is an author, speaker, podcaster, homeschool coach, and "retired" home educator.  She homeschooled for over 20 years, created and led a homeschool co-op for over 12 years, and taught a range of classes. She has hosted the Coffee With Carrie Homeschool Podcast for 9 seasons. 

Starting Off Right in Math, or Getting Back on Track

Learn tips and tricks of teaching your child the essentials of math, how to avoid common pitfalls, and which concepts are considered essential for higher-level math classes and why.  This talk will also address how to get back on track if your K-8 student is struggling in math or is discouraged about their math ability.  Parents who are not confident in their own ability to teach math will get resources, tips, and encouragement from this talk as well.  

2pm in Education Hall B

Kelly grew up being homeschooled alongside her brother in the 80s, and has been passing on her love for numbers to children for over 20 years. She is now a full-time math teacher at Campbell Academy Online and the author of Pure Math. 

Gameschooling: Put the FUN Back into the FUNdamentals

Discover gameschooling, an exciting approach to homeschooling that makes learning fun! In this session find out how to seamlessly integrate games into lessons, ensuring kids learn essential skills while enjoying themselves. Not only will attendees play a few games, but they will also explore budget-friendly gameschooling strategies and discover ways to make education engaging again. 

Carrie shares game recommendations tailored for all grade levels and subjects, including math, music, art, and geography. Parents will leave equipped with practical ideas to incorporate play into their homeschool, transforming learning into a joyful adventure for their children!   

3pm in Education Hall A

Carrie is an author, speaker, podcaster, homeschool coach, and "retired" home educator.  She homeschooled for over 20 years, created and led a homeschool co-op for over 12 years, and taught a range of classes. She has hosted the Coffee With Carrie Homeschool Podcast for 9 seasons. 

Teach Reading to Your Young or Struggling Reader

Learn tricks for teaching basic reading, math, and grammar! June will encourage discouraged parents, overwhelmed beginners, and parents trying to discern between curriculums. A focus on mastering the basics and making reading and math the foundation of any great homeschool environment will help parents not get lost in the mire of myriad homeschooling options.  

3pm in Education Hall B

June has been teaching children to read for over 40 years. She is the author of Pure Phonics and founder of Campbell Christian Academy, which has expanded into Campbell Academy Online. 

Demo: Angela Ware & Associates Dream Vacations

Angela Ware & Associates Dream Vacations is a travel agency with agents dedicated to supporting homeschooling families. They specialize in blending adventure with education through affordable, fun travel experiences that incorporate cultural immersion, historical tours, and other hands-on learning experiences.  Explore how you can add travel to your homeschool.

11am in Education Hall B

Angela is an experienced travel specialist and the owner of Angela Ware & Associates Dream Vacations. 

Demo: Superhero Training Academy

Superhero Training Academy is an online fitness and exercise program for children that is superhero themed. It provides kids with flexible, on-demand workouts and encourages a lifestyle of strength, courage, and growth. Learn more about how the program works. 

11:45am in Education Hall B

Adam is the founder and owner of Superhero Training Academy.

Demo: Beyond the Page

Beyond the Page is a curriculum company that features core subjects for grades K-8. It provides a unique, literature-based approach to learning with hands-on activities that develop critical and creative thinking skills. See how to use this curriculum and get your questions answered.  

12:30pm in Education Hall B

Jen has been with Beyond the Page for over 5 years and is currently the Director of Operations. 

Demo: Forge Forward Homeschooling Solutions

Forge Forward Homeschooling Solutions provides personalized tutoring, curriculum coaching, and student assessments, supporting families in creating engaging and effective learning experiences. They support both homeschooled and traditionally educated students. Discover how these services can enhance your homeschool. 

1:15pm in Education Hall B

April spent more than a decade as a teacher and leader in the education field before homeschooling her daughter in high school. That experience led her to create Forge Forward to bridge the gap between traditional education and faith-based homeschooling.

Let's Build with the New Braunfels Public Library

Reach for the sky and join Children’s Librarian Madeline Nezat with a construction-centered story time, followed by a staff-led STEAM experiment where you can build with friends! 

For ages 5-10; siblings welcome to join in.

11am in Activity Hall

Madeline is a children’s librarian at the New Braunfels Public Library, with past experience at the San Antonio Public Library and with Thinkery: Austin’s Children’s Museum. She is joined by Tam Morris, a Texas-certified teacher with over 30 years of experience.

Explore the Adventures of Ekpen

Enjoy live readings of the Adventures of Ekpen stories by author Mary Brown. The series is designed to foster self-esteem while sparking curiosity in early readers. Originally created as stories to soothe Mary’s son, they now help children around the world develop social-emotional learning skills. 

After the book reading, Mary will host a Q&A with the children to answer questions about becoming an author.      

For ages 3-10.

12pm in Activity Hall

Mary is a children's book author with a background in early childhood education.

ASL Trayn Presents: Beginner Sign Language

Let your child explore American Sign Language! In this interactive mini-lesson, students will learn the ASL alphabet and basic introductions using fun activities and guided practice. No prior ASL experience is needed. 

For ages 8-12.

1pm in Activity Hall

Amy is a Texas certified American Sign Language instructor with over 20 years of experience in public, private, and homeschool instruction. She homeschooled two daughters.

ASL Trayn Presents: An Introduction to American Sign Language

Introduce your child to American Sign Language! In this interactive mini-lesson, students will learn the ASL alphabet and practice introducing themselves using basic ASL signs. This fun, hands-on session is perfect for beginners and gives students a chance to begin communicating right away. No prior ASL experience is needed. 

For ages 12-18. 

1:30pm in Activity Hall

Amy is a Texas certified American Sign Language instructor with over 20 years of experience in public, private, and homeschool instruction. She homeschooled two daughters.

Confidence Lab: Speak, Lead & Shine

This interactive, high-energy session helps teens build confidence, communication skills, and leadership through fun, fast-paced activities. Students will participate in teamwork challenges, short speaking prompts, creative problem-solving games, and positive peer interaction designed to stretch their comfort zone in a supportive environment. 

The Confidence Lab is welcoming for all personalities, whether you are shy or outgoing, and emphasizes practical skills teens can use immediately at home, in co-ops, and in real-life settings. Participants will leave feeling encouraged, capable, and empowered to speak up, lead well, and shine with confidence in everyday situations. No experience needed, just bring a smile and good attitude!    

For grades 6-12. 

2pm in Activity Hall

Evelina is an international best-selling author, educator, youth mentor, and founder of Shine Your Light Youth Leadership Camp and Enrichment Programs. She has 20 years of experience working with middle and high school students, and is currently homeschooling her teen.

Dancin' Thru the Decades

Hey parents, bring the whole family and join in this interactive social dance class! It’s a whole lot of fun, as we get everyone movin' and groovin' through time learning the #1 dances to the #1 songs from each decade. How does the Swing, Twist, Old School, Macarena, Cha-Cha Slide and Boot Scootin' Boogie sound?  With easy dance instruction and fun trivia, get ready for a great time and finish off your day at the Expo with some great new moves!    

For all ages!  

3pm in Activity Hall

Christy is the owner of Dare to Dance, an instructional social dance company she founded 20 years ago to promote wellness, empower students, and enhance physical education programs.