Faith at the Heart of Homeschooling
Hello, World!
Chaldean families find community
By Jenna Abro
Today, families have more educational options than ever, from traditional public schools and Catholic or other religious-based schools to homeschooling. The right choice often depends on each family’s individual needs, priorities and values. For many families in our community, finding an education that incorporates faith into everyday lessons is especially important.
One local option is the enrichment and co-op programs offered through the St. Thomas Chaldean Diocese. In fall 2024, I had the opportunity to interview several families participating in the co-op program at Holy Martyrs Church. Since then, enrollment has grown, and enrichment programs have been introduced at additional parishes. I recently had the opportunity to speak with parents from both programs to hear more about their experiences, the benefits of homeschooling and how they incorporate faith into their children’s education.
Building a Village
Angela Jamoua, leader of the co-op program, shared the many exciting additions and developments the program has seen since our last interview. In addition to the two enrichment programs at St. Thomas and Sacred Heart, the co-op has grown in membership and expanded its extracurricular activities. Families gather weekly for field trips with the children, organize evenings for parents to connect and have even hosted a successful moms’ retreat.
Jamoua speaks warmly about the sense of community the program has fostered. “There is nothing like being surrounded by our own culture. It feels like we are living out the two greatest Catholic commandments. We have been truly blessed and given the confidence to let God’s light shine through,” she said.
The co-op currently has eight families committed to the program, which meets every Wednesday, with an additional two or three families from the enrichment program occasionally joining them. The connections extend beyond weekly meetings, creating a support system that families continue to rely on even when circumstances change.
Patrice Aboona previously enrolled her children in the co-op but had to step back this school year for personal reasons. Although her family plans to return in the future, they remain involved by attending many of the group’s field trips and events.
“We have built such an amazing bond with the other families and are a great village to each other. With families who have like-minded values, we are so lucky to have encouragement and support all around us from the parents, to the kids, and their friends,” Aboona said.
Learning with Purpose
Ashly Abdo, director of the enrichment programs, offered insight into how the programs are structured and how they support families in their homeschooling journeys. The programs at St. Thomas and Sacred Heart parishes offer classes twice a week, with children receiving instruction from certified teachers and educational professionals. Staff members use standardized, accredited, faith-based curricula to review material with students and develop lesson plans for parents to use at home.
Abdo commends the families who have chosen this educational path and are “willing to make the sacrifice to follow the Holy Spirit.” Designed for elementary school-aged children, the programs find engaging and educational ways to incorporate faith into everyday learning.
One challenge Abdo has observed is “closing the academic and behavioral gaps that the students had from the previous schools.” However, she is confident that smaller class sizes and more individualized attention will help students catch up. She has also noticed that, as students adjust to their new schedules and routines, they become more confident and independent in their schoolwork.
Faith in the Everyday
Shay Orow has two of her four children enrolled in the St. Thomas enrichment program, and they are now beginning their third year. Her children previously attended Catholic school, but Orow had been considering homeschooling for some time before feeling that “God called my heart to it.”
She admits that managing her time while teaching four children across different grade levels and subjects can be challenging. “The hardest part is keeping the kids on a schedule and getting their work done in a timely manner,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Orow has seen her children become more independent and grow to appreciate the flexibility that homeschooling allows. She also praises the sense of community within the enrichment program, which has helped support her family along the way.
For other parents considering homeschooling, Orow offers this advice: “Know your why. If you feel ready for this big commitment, follow your heart and follow God. Reevaluate year after year too to see what is best for your family.”
Amy Garmo shared many of the same sentiments. Her 9-year-old son attends the St. Thomas enrichment program, where she has watched him thrive. Garmo has noticed that he is more comfortable in his own skin and has developed meaningful friendships with other children in the program.
“I am happy that he is in a place where he can learn our native language and learn about our faith,” she said.
Garmo also praised the program’s interactive projects, which invite a parent or family volunteer to lead an activity with the children at the end of each session. Her son’s favorite activities included making sushi rolls together as a class and preparing dolma on another day. These hands-on experiences give the children opportunities to learn new skills while building connections with their peers and families.
For parents considering the program, Garmo encourages them to ask questions and explore whether it is the right fit for their family. She also reminds parents to be mindful of “how fast their childhood goes. Our role as their parents and main caregivers is so important.”
Learning at their Own Pace
Laura Hanna’s 10- and 7-year-old children are beginning their second year in the St. Thomas enrichment program after previously attending Catholic schools. Hanna appreciates the flexibility the program offers and has noticed positive changes in both children, particularly in how they approach learning.
Her daughter has responded well to the more relaxed pace, with less pressure when transitioning between subjects. She has also become more confident in asking for help when needed. Hanna is grateful that she “knows where my kids’ world is at” and can take a more active role in guiding their learning. Her older child has also grown more confident and often talks about how much she enjoys learning again in a less stressful environment.
Hanna plans to continue evaluating the experience one year at a time, always keeping her children’s happiness and well-being in mind. She offers this advice to other families: “We will take one school year at a time, and always make sure our kids are happy with this choice. We all have to do what’s best for our families, it won’t all look the same and that’s okay! The best thing to do is bring God into everything so His message is helping me teach and raise my kids.”
Although each family’s homeschooling journey is unique, one common thread runs through all their stories: a deep commitment to faith. Whether through a co-op, an enrichment program or another educational path, these families strive to make God a part of their children’s learning and everyday lives. Their experiences serve as a reminder that there is no single approach to education that works for every family, and that faith can remain a guiding force along the way.
Registration for fall 2027 begins Jan. 1. For more information about joining the co-op or enrichment programs, visit chaldeanchurch.org.