Fort Hood CYS homeschool fair connects families with local resources
Photo By Janecze Wright |
Allie Colby, parent ambassador for Hill Country Arts Academy in Killeen, Texas, shares......read moreread more
Photo By Janecze Wright | Allie Colby, parent ambassador for Hill Country Arts Academy in Killeen, Texas, shares resources with families during the Homeschool Resource Fair Aug. 28, 2025 at the Bronco Youth Center at Fort Hood. (U.S. Army photo by Janecze Wright, Fort Hood Public Affairs) see less
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Fort Hood CYS homeschool fair connects families with local resources
FORT HOOD, Texas — The Fort Hood Child and Youth Services program connected military families with essential support and learning tools during its Homeschool Resource Fair Aug. 28 at the Bronco Youth Center.
The event featured 16 vendors from local and regional organizations who offered educational tools, curriculum options and support tailored to the needs of homeschooling families.
“The goal is to provide partner information for those families that homeschool here on Fort Hood to ensure that they know they have a community and supports available to them,” said Kristine Caparco, Fort Hood CYS school liaison officer. “We hope that when they come to this event, not only are they going to get information about curriculums and opportunities to do homeschool activities with their families, but they’re all coming out here together and having that opportunity for them to make that connection and communicate.”
Caparco emphasized military families often need flexible educational options to adapt to frequent moves and changing duty assignments.
“When we do the Homeschool Resource Fair, our goal is always to have new partners that are coming out to keep it current for the families,” she said. “We want homeschooling to be a viable, reliable option for families, because we know the transitions that are happening so much when you’re homeschooling.”
Among the families attending was military spouse Sarah Sherlock, who shared that homeschooling had been the best solution for her child with special needs.
“It works better for our lifestyle,” she said. “(Children) all learn differently, and it can be difficult trying to find out what helps them learn the best. It’s the best I can give my kids and be involved with them.”
Caparco noted consistency is key — especially during permanent change-of-station, or PCS, moves — and events like this help families build a strong local support network.
“It’s going to provide a little consistency with the transitions that we know are going to happen with PCS. So, this is a great way to provide a little bit of consistency,” she said.
Sgt. Anthony Garcia, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, said stability is one of the most appealing aspects of homeschooling.
“It’s something that works for a military family,” he said. “Moving place to place, not sure that you’re going to be in one spot forever, it gives you the reassurance that you can always stay on top of your studies without necessarily being on a school regimen,” he said.
Homeschooler Tony Frame, 14, agreed, sharing he enjoys the real-world experience homeschooling offers.
“In homeschool, you can go anywhere, you can be outside all day learning,” he said. “You get ready to go out in the world by yourself, and you’re ready for anything you need to do. It’s easier for you because you’ve kind of been out there already.”
Caparco reiterated meeting the needs of the military community is always at the forefront, and CYS is always eager to hear feedback from Soldiers and families.
“We’re open to ideas. We want families to tell us what their family needs and wants so that we can make it happen for them,” she said. “We want to ensure that they know they have a community here.”
The next Homeschool Resource Fair is scheduled for May 2026. For more information about homeschool program resources, call the School Liaison Office at 254-288-7946 and check facebook.com/forthoodmwr for upcoming events.
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