We're continuing our family spotlight series with a story sent in by a homeschool mum about her son, Jordan, 14, homeschooled since he was nine and the eldest of four. We loved this one so much we asked her to tell us more, in her own words.
Tell us a bit about Jordan and your homeschool life.
Jordan's growing up in a learning environment shaped by faith, family and opportunity. I lead Arrows, a Christian homeschool co-op in Frankston, and Jordan's done courses there like photography and business entrepreneurship, experiences that really helped him explore his interests, build confidence and discover new skills.
We heard Jordan's been through a few different passions. Tell us about that journey.
He's always been the kind of learner who commits fully to whatever he loves. When he discovered videography, he saved diligently until he could buy a $2,000 drone, which is a huge achievement for a young teen. He filmed Move, Connect and Thrive's sports carnival last year and produced a video families still talk about. Anyone interested in their sports programs, or in seeing the video, can check out moveconnectandthrive.com.au.
When he later found out under-16s legally can't be paid for drone work, even by friends, he made the responsible decision to sell it. That moment really showed his maturity.
From there his focus shifted to pool. He practised for hours every day, studying angles, refining his technique, and even looked into playing in tournaments. At one point he was saving toward a $1,000 cue, which tells you how seriously he took it.
But passions evolve, and his heart has settled into something deeper now: piano.
Tell us about his piano journey.
He started piano around age seven, though it's only become one of the strongest passions in his life more recently. He's taking two lessons a week now and will be sitting his Grade 7 exams next year. He's just hit a big milestone too, he's performing two solo pieces at an upcoming concert. Families who'd like to come along and support him can grab tickets:
Knox Community Arts Centre, 25th September 2026 @ 7pm, trybooking.com/DNAMT
Wesley of Warragul, 26th September 2026 @ 7pm, trybooking.com/DNAMX
He dreams of owning a baby grand piano one day. If he could fit one in his bedroom right now, he would, space is really the only thing standing between him and that dream.
He's also started teaching beginner piano lessons himself, in South East Melbourne, and keeps them intentionally affordable for homeschool families, just $10 for 30 minutes.
What does his learning look like outside of piano?
He's up to date with his maths, and like a lot of teens, finds some of the other subjects harder to stay engaged with. He attends AT Guided Growth, a life-skills program supporting teens with identity, communication, emotional regulation and practical decision-making, and between the maturity he's building there and steady structure at home, we're confident the rest will fall into place over time.
He's also completed a barista course, which has given him real workplace skills and confidence, and enjoyed a term of woodwork at Wood Play Studio, where he created some genuinely impressive pieces. As a family, we're always looking for things that stretch him and help him grow.
One thing that's meant a lot is how he engages with elderly members of our community during home visits through our church. He listens well, asks thoughtful questions, and brings real warmth to those conversations. We're actually considering volunteer opportunities where he could play piano at aged-care homes, a lovely way to combine service with his music.
And basketball, we heard his team's doing well?
Basketball's a big part of his life. His team's currently top of the ladder and through to the grand final. His coach describes him as reliable, disciplined and encouraging, the kind of teammate who lifts everyone else up. He also works as a Junior Sports Coach at Move, Connect & Thrive, helping younger kids build confidence, coordination and a love of movement, which has been a great role for his own growth in leadership and responsibility.
Any recognition come from all of this?
Yes, actually, his commitment across sport, music and community service has led to his nomination for the 2026 Casey Youth Award, which recognises young people showing leadership, character and positive impact. We're so proud of him.
What do you hope other homeschool families take from Jordan's story?
Jordan's journey is really a reminder of what homeschooling can nurture: space to explore passions, freedom to grow at your own pace, and the chance to build character alongside academics. Whether he's practising piano or riding his bike around the block doing wheelies and stunts, he approaches life with enthusiasm, discipline and heart. He thinks he might like to be an electrician one day, but he doesn't need to have it all figured out, despite what the world seems to expect kids to know about their future.
Hopefully his story is an encouragement to other mums too, a reminder that all children learn differently, and that's more than okay.
Want to Share Your Story?
If your family, or your child, has a homeschool journey worth celebrating, we'd love to hear about it. Email us at hello@homeschoolcentral.com.au.
Homeschool Central is Australia's dedicated platform connecting homeschool, unschool and world school families with local classes, camps, events and providers.