Celebrating Exceptional Learning

For 30 years, we’ve shared our mission to inspire learning through hands-on science with over 1.7 million homeschoolers. Thank you for letting us be your partner in education that goes beyond textbooks or classrooms.

Meet three members of our HST alumni who have gone beyond the books and used science to achieve their goals.

Dan Schaner

Meet Dan, a self-employed mechanical engineer specializing in industrial automation and custom machine building for small businesses. As a child, Dan dreamed of becoming a naturalist, inspired by a book he read about a man who spent his life exploring nature. This early fascination led him to investigate critters and catch bugs, igniting a lifelong curiosity about the world around him. Dan’s homeschooling experience played a crucial role in nurturing this curiosity, allowing him to explore his interests freely and deeply at every stage of his life.

One of Dan’s most vivid memories from his homeschool days is a project he tackled when he was around 8 or 9 years old. Armed with a book on electrical projects, he learned how to turn on a lightbulb, a simple yet profound experiment that sparked his interest in electronics. Homeschooling allowed Dan to immerse himself in subjects that excited him, with support from his parents, who encouraged his pursuits. This hands-on learning approach made him fearless in the face of new challenges and comfortable with experimenting and problem-solving.

Dan’s early experiences with basic electronics and soldering proved invaluable during his college years. While working on a senior project for a NASA robotic mining competition, Dan and his team faced a critical malfunction. Drawing on his homeschooling background, Dan quickly devised a solution, scribbling his idea on a napkin. This pivotal moment, where he confidently applied his knowledge to solve a real-world problem, was a proud achievement for Dan. His love for problem-solving and entrepreneurial spirit led him to build his own business. Today, Dan runs a successful business that builds machines to solve unique pain points for his clients.

Sophia Barthel

Meet Sophia, a dedicated chemistry and economics double major at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. She’s spending her college summer break conducting research in a chemistry lab. Sophia’s passion for science was ignited early on. Reflecting on her homeschool science experience, she shares, “I have loved science from a very early age, whether it was playing with science toys or going to science museums.” Her parents, especially her dad, nurtured this interest by providing her with science experiment kits and encouraging her explorations. This foundation led her to participate in the virtual Stanford Online High School program, where she excelled in AP chemistry and AP biology.

Sophia’s journey through science has been marked by perseverance and passion. One of her core memories from middle school is the thrill of conducting an experiment that confirmed her hypothesis and the satisfaction of writing up her lab report. These formative experiences have fueled her enthusiasm for undergraduate research, where she is actively involved and plans to complete an honors thesis. As she prepares for graduate school applications, Sophia’s long-term goal is to obtain a PhD in Chemistry. She envisions a future in academia or the science industry, and is also passionate about bridging the gap between scientific research and society through public policy.

Homeschool science has imparted invaluable life skills to Sophia, particularly the importance of perseverance and learning from her failures. She recalls transforming her basement into a makeshift lab bench, equipped with everything she needed for her virtual science classes. This hands-on experience taught her that success often comes after many trials and errors. “Keep trying and don’t give up after initial failure,” she advises. Sophia’s journey exemplifies how a strong foundation in homeschool science can inspire curiosity, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge, shaping a bright future in the scientific community.

Hannah Kirtley

Meet Hannah, a devoted stay-at-home mom who is excitedly anticipating the day she can start homeschooling her own children. Growing up, Hannah dreamed of being a florist and a mom. Reflecting on her childhood, she shares a vivid memory of visiting the Minnesota Science Museum with her aunt. While she was there, she swabbed the inside of her cheek and prepared a slide to view her skin cells under a light microscope. This hands-on experience brought the microscopic world to life, solidifying her understanding of what she had learned in school. Later, using her grandfather’s small microscope, she continued to explore by comparing her hair to sheep’s wool. She was amazed by the intricate details she saw.

Hannah’s love for science didn’t end there. She recalls an experiment where she tested soil using both electronic and manual soil testing kits. This fascination with soil science carried into her adulthood, where she now uses a manual soil testing kit to check the pH of her tomato plants. These experiences have instilled a deep appreciation for the natural world and God’s creation in Hannah. She enjoys reading creation science magazines and observing the diverse insects and birds in her home state of Montana. Hannah believes that her scientific curiosity and critical thinking skills, honed through these experiences throughout her early years, have enriched her life in countless ways.

As Hannah looks forward to the day when she gets to homeschool her children, she reflects on the advice she would give her younger self: “Don’t be so stressed about choosing a career to pursue. Keep working hard in school and enjoy learning! Seek to develop skill sets you can apply to your life whether you work outside the home or stay at home with your children.” Her journey underscores the value of hands-on science in fostering a lifelong love of learning and curiosity about the world, proving that these skills are not just for professional scientists but for anyone who seeks to understand and appreciate the world around them.