The annual Alaska Statewide Homeschool Convention is slated for April 8-9. Hosted by Alaska Private and Home Educators Association (APHEA), the event is the state’s largest gathering of independent homeschoolers – families that choose to forgo state programs to maximize educational freedoms.
APHEA is a coalition of parents and others who work to further educational excellence through alternatives to state-operated public schools. The group actively resists any attempt by the government to infringe on the freedom to exercise parental rights in education.
For more than 30 years the non-profit group has worked to empower parents who wish to educate their children in accord with their faith and core values without any state interference.
This year’s event takes place in Big Lake at Faith Bible Fellowship. It includes a lineup of national and local speakers who will give keynotes and breakout workshops related to myriad aspects of homeschooling.
“Come learn about curriculums, teaching tools, youth organizations, and even camps and colleges,” a statement for the event notes. “We’ll also have a Silent Auction with dozens of items available for all ages.”
Headline speakers for this year include Dr. Kathy Koch, Tricia Goyer, and Melissa Hannigan from Celebrate Kids. There will also be talks by representatives from the Home School Legal Defense Association, a group that partners with 100,000 families, donors, homeschool leaders, legislators, and others across the nation to protect homeschool freedoms in the courts, legislatures and the court of public opinion.
The event includes a vendor hall featuring a wide variety of businesses and organizations – both local and national. They will provide vendor workshops, educational demonstrations and special events.
There will be a nursery and play area for younger children and a nursing mother’s room. Childcare is not provided, and parents are responsible for their children at all times, but childcare helpers are welcome to attend as part of a family’s registration.
All pastors, widows/widowers, and grandparents can attend the convention for free, and there are sponsorships for families in financial need.
For more information or to register, click here or email convention@aphea.org.
