From medicine to education

One mother's journey from cardiovascular specialist to homeschooling son

  • Corrine Haley homeschools her son Josiah, 11, in Arnoldsville, GA. Josiah is part of Compass co-op where he attends enrichment classes once a week. (Sophia Bobo/The Oglethorpe Echo).
    Corrine Haley homeschools her son Josiah, 11, in Arnoldsville, GA. Josiah is part of Compass co-op where he attends enrichment classes once a week. (Sophia Bobo/The Oglethorpe Echo).
  • Josiah Haley, 11, is homeschooled by his mother throughout the week. Corrine teaches his lessons at the kitchen table, where they are surrounded by education posters that cover the walls. (Sophia Bobo/The Oglethorpe Echo).
    Josiah Haley, 11, is homeschooled by his mother throughout the week. Corrine teaches his lessons at the kitchen table, where they are surrounded by education posters that cover the walls. (Sophia Bobo/The Oglethorpe Echo).
    Homeschool is increasing in Georgia, according to Johns Hopkins School of Education, 21 states self-report homeschooling data. (Data created by Sophia Bobo).

    Homeschool is increasing in Georgia, according to Johns Hopkins School of Education, 21 states self-report homeschooling data. (Data created by Sophia Bobo).

    Although she doesn’t teach in a school setting, Corrine Haley is an educator. Her home in Arnoldsville is decorated from floor to ceiling with educational posters, handmade history timelines and shelves packed with books.

     

    That’s because she’s homeschooling her 11-year-old son, Josiah. 

     

    Corrine’s background is in medicine. She was a cardiovascular invasive specialist in the Cathlab at ARMC (now Piedmont) before making the decision to start a family. When Josiah was born, she decided to stay at home and educate him.

     

    Corrine is among a growing trend in the state. 

     

    According to the Johns Hopkins School of Education, Georgia is a homeschool “growth state” and reported more than 89,000 homeschooled students in the 2024-2025 school year. 

     

    Corrine said growth has been a bit slower in Oglethorpe County.

     

    “The vast majority (of Oglethorpe County) is public school,” Corrine said. “When we first started, there were very few homeschool students.” 

     

    At home, a typical day for Josiah starts around 10 a.m. and ends around 1:30-2 p.m. He also completes a series of standardized tests through Family Learning Organization to gauge his progress. 

     

    “There’s several different tests that as a Georgia homeschooler you’re required to do,” Corrine said.

     

    Beyond the at-home learning, Josiah is part of a cooperative, which is a group of homeschooled students. 

     

    They are members of Compass Co-op, which is Christian-based and located in Athens. Corrine said it offers academic classes, as well as enrichment classes for social skills and engaging activities.

     

    He attends co-op enrichment classes that include public speaking, sign language, conversation Spanish and a time travelers history class.

     

    “It’s just like a traditional brick and mortar school in that, you know, they switch classes, they can’t be late and they’re required to test and make good grades,” Corrine said.

    Corrine said being at home has allowed Josiah’s personality to flourish.

     

    “I am very blessed, I feel like I’ve been called by God to do this; it isn’t always easy, but it allows me time with him,” Corrine said. “Time to focus on what is most important for us, and that is our faith, learning and having fun together.”

     

    Josiah said he enjoys the connection he has with his mother through the homeschooling they do together.

     

    “I definitely like homeschooling,” he said. “I mean, if I ever had to go to public school to make life easier on her, it’s definitely made a better connection.”