We just wrapped up our homeschool year, and I’m diving into something I’ve wanted to do for a long time… reading through some of the most iconic books on education and homeschooling. I decided to call this series Homeschool Stack, and while this is a mild deviation from everything DISNEY, it is 100% HOMESCHOOL (I’m resisting the millennial urge to insert a smiley face here). First up is Rethinking School by Susan Wise Bauer.

This book was both eye-opening and affirming. Bauer takes a hard look at the traditional school system and breaks down how it came to be (this surprised me), how it functions today, and why it often fails to meet the needs of individual children. One of her key insights is that the current structure of school wasn’t designed to support learning in the first place. It was modeled after the old Prussian military system, built to produce obedience and order, not curiosity or creativity. Cue creepy music, because let’s face it… childhood is ALL ABOUT curiosity and creativity.

But this isn’t a book that ONLY critiques the system. It offers real tools and encouragement to help parents recognize when the system is failing their child and what they can do about it. I love a plan of action!

Who Should Read Rethinking School?

This book is a great read for:

Homeschool parents re-evaluating their approach or philosophy
Families with children who are frustrated, anxious, or disengaged in traditional school
Parents curious about alternative education models, including unschooling or hybrid learning
Those who feel called to do something different but worry about judgment or "doing it wrong"
Educators and caregivers who want a deeper understanding of how children actually learn

Five Key Takeaways from Rethinking School

The system was not designed with learning in mind
Traditional school structures are deeply rooted in outdated political and social objectives, not child development.
You are allowed to step away
Bauer gives parents permission to question what is not working and reassures them that doing so is not failure… it’s wisdom.
You are the expert on your child
No teacher, administrator, or test can replace your lived understanding of what your child needs to thrive.
There are multiple paths within homeschooling
In Part V: Opting Out, Bauer outlines different homeschooling styles, steps to get started, and how to develop independence in learning. She provides straightforward, actionable advice without overwhelming new homeschoolers.
It’s okay to stop explaining your choices
One of the most refreshing messages in the book is that you don’t have to justify your decision to homeschool to people who are still deeply entrenched in the system. The focus should be on what works for your child, not on pleasing critics. How many times as a homeschooling parent have you found yourself in this situation?

A Closer Look at the Homeschooling Section

The final section of the book, Part V: Opting Out, is where Bauer shifts from critique to clear, practical guidance for parents who decide to leave the traditional school path. This part includes chapters on how to choose a homeschool method, how to investigate what will work best for your family, and how to get started in five manageable steps. She covers how to build independent learners and even shares “out-of-the-box” strategies that push beyond what most curriculums dare to try.

Bauer’s tone in this section is calm, confident, and generous. She doesn’t assume you know all the answers… she walks alongside you and reminds you that your instincts are valid. If you’ve felt the pull toward homeschooling but have been held back by fear or social pressure, this section is especially encouraging.

Time to Reflect: 3 Questions to Ask Yourself While Reading

What ideas about education and success have I accepted without questioning, and how do those ideas influence the way I view my child's experience?
What signs has my child shown that traditional school may not be serving them well, and how have I responded so far?
If I removed the pressure to "keep up" with everyone else, what kind of learning environment would I create for my child? (this was a big one for me… in a time where we are constantly facing the urge to COMPARE COMPARE COMPARE to everyone else around us)

Final Thoughts

Rethinking School isn’t just a book about leaving the system. It’s a book about understanding it, recognizing its limits, and choosing what’s best for your child with confidence. Whether you’re already homeschooling or just starting to wonder if there’s a better way, this book offers a rare mix of thoughtful critique and practical support. Susan Wise Bauer doesn’t shame, push, or prescribe. She equips.

In true homeschool mom fashion, I created a parent graphic organizer for this book. It’s a tri-fold, so print it on front and back. And it’s FREE :) (There’s that smiley!)

I’ll be sharing more reviews this summer as I work through my homeschool reading list. If you’d like a printable version of these reflection questions or a homeschool planning checklist inspired by the book, simply click the image above!