Joyful Learning, Kerry McDonald
Joyful Learning, Kerry McDonald
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Joyful Learning
How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling

Author: Kerry McDonald

Narrator: Kerry McDonald

Unabridged: 10 hr

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: PublicAffairs

Published: 08/19/2025

Categories: Nonfiction, Education


Synopsis

From the bestselling author of Unschooled, an exploration of new, low-cost K–12 learning models that favor individualized, learner-centered education

Across the United States, parents, teachers, administrators, policymakers, and ordinary citizens are increasingly frustrated by the rigidity and standardization of modern schooling, and they are seeking alternatives. Openness to different learning models reached new heights during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to accelerate. Entrepreneurial parents and teachers are responding to the growing demand for learning models that challenge the status quo. They are creating micro schools, learning pods, homeschooling collaboratives, online learning networks, and other flexible educational models that provide specialized, individualized education, often at a lower cost than traditional private schools. Joyful Learning shares the experiences of these everyday entrepreneurs who are reimagining learning in their communities, showing parents what is possible for their children and encouraging aspiring school founders to take their own enterprising leaps. Blending fresh storytelling with straightforward advice, Joyful Learning is an inspiring, relevant, and timely book for parents looking for different education options for their children, as well as would-be education entrepreneurs hoping to launch their own creative learning solutions. 

About Kerry Mcdonald

Kerry McDonald is an education policy writer whose articles have appeared in Forbes, Newsweek, Reason, Education Next, City Journal, and Natural Mother and Green Child magazines and on NPR, among others. She has a BA in economics from Bowdoin College, a master’s degree in education from Harvard University, and is a board member at the Alliance for Self-Directed Education. The mother of four never-been-schooled children, she blogs at WholeFamilyLearning.com and lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Whitney on September 21, 2025

This book was very informational and geared towards parents newly looking for alternative education out there for their children. I think it could be a great resource if you are looking to explore your options and learn what opportunities are out there. As a homeschool mom myself, this book didn’t re......more

Goodreads review by Sue.the.very.busy.reader on October 02, 2025

Book Review: Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling As someone who believes deeply that every child is a unique learner, I was immediately drawn to the title and cover of Joyful Learning. The image of children running with pinwheels—so full of energ......more

Goodreads review by Taylor on September 02, 2025

I found this book incredibly enlightening. I had no idea this other world of alternative education existed. So much of my in-law side of my family has been involved in homeschooling and I knew I didn’t want that for my kids, but now with my oldest in school, my husband and I are a little at a loss a......more

Goodreads review by Francis on September 07, 2025

If you ever wished for a book that’s half parenting manual and half entrepreneurial pep talk—this is your jackpot! “Joyful Learning” splits its mission: one side for parents who want to homeschool, the other for anyone who’s ever looked at a classroom and thought, “I could build a better school…or a......more

Goodreads review by Charell on August 19, 2025

This book offers a comprehensive look at micro schools, speaking to both parents and education entrepreneurs. I especially appreciated the real-life stories that illustrated the process and benefits of smaller learning communities. The section on launching a micro school stood out to me. The step-by-......more