Today we’d like to introduce you to Clary Torres
Hi Clary, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story began in 2013 when I found myself homeschooling my son unexpectedly. It was not something that I planned on doing but I found myself without other options. Back then there weren’t a lot of resources like there are now for homeschoolers. And I found myself having to learn as I go. I did receive some negative comments from friends and family about the idea of homeschooling but I also did receive some support, especially from my mom who helped me financially to be able to dedicate the time to my son; to sit with him on a day-to-day basis and provide one-on-one instruction. Taking responsibility for my son’s education is the best thing that could have ever done for him and myself.
I say this was the best thing that I could have ever done for my son because I eliminated the obstacles that he was facing in a public school setting and we focused on his academics. We took the time to learn what he wanted and needed to learn and the way that worked best for him. He discovered a whole new love for lifelong learning. And as for myself, I discovered a love for teaching and mentoring young adults. After going through the struggles of homeschooling my son and having very few resources at hand, I realized that I wanted to help others through this journey of homeschooling. Not only would I want to advocate for homeschooling but I also wanted to be the resource that many parents need.
I got the opportunity to do so by helping a mom in need. In 2018 someone I knew whose son is on the spectrum was expelled from a special needs school. A school, that I feel, failed to protect him. At the time, I was still homeschooling my son after work and I offered to help her with her son. She agreed and shortly after that the word got out and within a few weeks I had a handful of students that I was tutoring and helping with homeschool classes. That’s when I realized how great of a need there was that needed to be filled. Shortly after that I quit my job and began International home education.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was not a smooth road at all. My biggest struggle was not having any money to start. When I decided to start International Home Education, I was completely broke and had very little knowledge of how to start a business. But, I was determined to do it anyway. I could not lease a commercial space, therefore I started it in my living room. The living room of a mobile home. I converted it into a classroom. When I shared my idea with a close childhood friend, she said to me that I was being illogical and that no one would take their kids to “my home”. She did not expand on what she meant. But I knew that she meant that no one would take their child to a “mobile home” for their education. Well, I decided to do it anyway. As it turned out, no one had a problem with my home. And like I said earlier, before I knew it, I had a handful of students waiting for me in my living room.
Curriculum and textbooks cost money that I was not able to afford. I started with whatever online resources I could get my hands on and invested the money as it came in. Luckily word of mouth was enough to get me started but it was not enough to make a living off of it. I was blessed once again with the support of my mom to help me financially while I got this business off the ground.
Covid was another obstacle we had to face and overcome. We had less than a week to go from an in-person learning center to an online one. Again we just search the internet for online resources that we can use such as Google Classroom and online curriculums. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise because we were able to expand our services outside the central Florida area, even in other states. Our services are now nationwide and have had the pleasure of even servicing some students in other countries.
It was a humble beginning for International Home Education. I still feel like it’s still in its infancy and we still have many goals to reach but we have come a long way. I have been blessed enough to be able to move and take my mom with me. None of this would have been possible without the support of my mom and now is my turn to take care of her.
As you know, we’re big fans of International Home Education LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At International Home Education, we provide live online classes for homeschooled children K-12. and in-person tutoring in the central Florida area. What is special about our program is that we truly cater to each child’s needs and academic goals. Every child is assessed and based on what level they are at, and their needs we do an academic plan to reach their academic goal. We do not have a one-size-fits-all-all curriculum like other homeschool programs out there. We work with multiple resources to make sure we can customize each child’s education.
Some of the children that we work with have special needs such as learning challenges or are diagnosed with ADHD, ASD, etc. Others are simply looking for a work-life balance that fits their families’ lifestyles.
But most of our families seek us out because of the lack of attention their child is receiving in traditional schools and are looking to make a positive change in their child’s life. Families have stayed with us because they have seen the transformation and improvement in their children, academically and in their mental health.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I would like to say to anyone considering homeschooling their child that if the thought so much enters your mind, then it is worth seriously inquiring about it. My only regret is not doing it earlier in my son’s life. There are so many resources out there nowadays, take advantage and do not be afraid of taking responsibility for your child’s education. We are one of those many resources, if you decide to reach out to us, I will personally take the time to help you navigate any uncertainty you may have in homeschooling.
Pricing:
- Private Tutoring $65 per hour
- Special Need Tutoring $75 per hour
- Online Homeschool 4+ Classes $550
Contact Info:
- Website: https://inthomeeducation.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthomeed/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntHomeED
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/73956724/admin/dashboard/
