From Homeschool to the Big Red Bus: Family Finds “Gem” in Hillsdale Academy

Written by Monica VanDerWeide, ’95

Michael and Jessica Perry were ready to send their oldest of six children to high school after he completed eighth grade in their K-8 classical homeschool cooperative. They explored both public and private high schools in Jackson County but didn’t feel at peace with any of the options.

“My husband wanted to visit Hillsdale Academy,” recalled Jessica. Although she doubted the feasibility of that option due to the distance from their home to the school, she was convinced after meeting with Headmaster Mike Roberts, as well as talking to current students, that the Academy was the right choice for their family.

The Perrys enrolled their two oldest children for that first year. “From Day 1, they fell right into place,” she said. “They never felt like the ‘new kids.’” The next year, the third Perry child enrolled, and this year, all six Perry children are attending the Academy.

“This is a testament to the school and how much we believe in it,” Jessica said. “I was ready and willing to give up everything I know and love with our homeschool community to send the kids to the Academy.”

And what of the distance to the school? “God has provided completely,” Jessica said. A Hillsdale College professor who lived in Jackson County drove the Perry children, and many other students from that area, to and from school in a 15-passenger red van that quickly became known as the “big red bus.”

Jessica has joined her children at the school this year, working as a part-time aide in third grade. She “sings the praises” of the school and encourages anyone interested in a Hillsdale Academy education—even if not geographically close—to consider the school.

“Pray about it,” she said. “God worked out all the details for us. Parents are so willing to help each other out. We feel like we’ve found this gem of a place that is so rare.”

Monica VanDerWeide is Director of Marketing Content for Hillsdale College. She graduated from Hillsdale in 1995 with a degree in English and German.

Published in September 2024