From Public Schools to Homeschooling: Why Millions of Parents Are Choosing a New Path
Main Street Matters with Elaine Parker and Alfredo Ortiz explores the intersection of small business and government policy. With more than 90 million Americans either owning or depending on small business for their household income, policies like taxes, regulations, and access to credit have a huge effect on the American Dream. Elaine and Alfredo talk with small business owners, government officials and office holders, and experts about everything from education to the labor market on this interesting and entertaining podcast.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Are America’s public schools failing students—or working exactly as designed?
In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Robert Bortins, CEO of Classical Conversations and co-author of Woke and Weaponized, to explore the growing debate over public education, homeschooling, and school choice in America.
They discuss the rapid rise of homeschooling—from just thousands of students decades ago to millions today—and why more parents are questioning traditional public school systems. Bortins shares the origins of Classical Conversations, how classical education differs from modern schooling, and why many families are turning to alternative education models after COVID-era classroom disruptions.
