Home School with Heart

How Chaldean families are shaping their children’s education

By Jenna Abroo

Education is a crucial aspect of life, whether it occurs in school, at home, or continues into adulthood. Embracing this responsibility, The Chaldean Catholic Diocese, with full support form Bishop Francis Kalabat, launched a co-op (cooperative) homeschool program for the 2023-2024 school year hosted at Holy Martyrs Church. For the 2024-2025 school year, the co-op will move to Sacred Heart Chaldean Catholic Church in Warren.

This innovative program is parent-led, allowing students to learn core subjects in person while socializing with other homeschool families in the community. Most of the students’ studies are completed at home, and parents serve as instructors for their own and others’ children.

In the past year, the program served 12 families and 20 children, ranging from preschool through 8th grade. It also includes a nursery classroom for younger siblings.

For the 2024-2025 school year, an additional enrichment program will be hosted at St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church in West Bloomfield. This program will offer a hybrid learning plan, combining home education with traditional classroom settings. It will feature qualified teachers and a full range of subjects and electives, available twice a week for kindergarten through 8th grade students.

When people think of homeschool families, they might imagine outdated stereotypes. However, these misconceptions are often unfounded, particularly among families involved in Our Lady of Wisdom Homeschool Program.

Homeschooling for Catholic families offers a unique opportunity to integrate religious education with traditional academic subjects, creating a holistic learning environment centered around faith. For many Chaldean parents, homeschooling is more than just an educational choice—it’s a way to ensure that their children grow up with a deep understanding of Chaldean values and Catholic teachings. By incorporating religious studies into the daily curriculum, parents can nurture their children’s spiritual development alongside their academic growth.

In a homeschooling setting, parents have the flexibility to tailor their educational approach to align with their family’s faith and values. This often involves using religious curricula that integrate scripture, Catholic doctrine, and moral teachings with subjects like history, literature, and science. Homeschooling allows families to emphasize the importance of sacraments, prayer, and church teachings, making faith an integral part of everyday learning rather than an add-on.

Moreover, Chaldean/Catholic homeschooling communities often provide a supportive network for families. These communities offer opportunities for socialization through co-ops, where children can participate in group activities, religious education classes, and field trips with other Chaldean/Catholic families. This environment not only fosters academic and spiritual growth but also strengthens the bonds between families who share similar values and beliefs.

I interviewed five homeschool parents from the co-op to gain insight into their lives and educational approaches. Many of these families did not initially plan to homeschool but found the opportunity presented itself.

Each mother described feeling a calling from God to integrate faith deeply into their children’s education. They prayed about their decision and felt guided by “The Holy Spirit.” While their backgrounds vary, all share a commitment to their faith and to their children’s upbringing.

Dr. Claudine Jaboro-Giorio, mother of three children aged 13, 12, and 9, was introduced to homeschooling by a cousin. She has used Seton Home Study, an accredited Catholic curriculum, from the start. Jaboro appreciates the program’s flexibility and the ability to tailor lessons to her children’s needs. The Giorios have formed close friendships with other families in the co-op, which has also facilitated socialization for her children.

Dr. Jaboro-Giorio stated that she liked how she could tailor their lessons to her kids and their own specific engagement, and how convenient the flexibility was. This was one of the most common responses from all the parents. All 5 families use Seton along with the co-op and piece together other curriculum subjects and topics that are relevant to their children’s studies.

Each family has its own daily routine but manages to fit in a full day of schoolwork. The co-op also organizes at least one educational field trip per month. The main benefits cited by families include flexibility, more one-on-one time, and the integration of faith into daily life. These families are building a supportive community around their children through faith and education.

Angela Jamoua, with six children ranging from 15 years to 4 months old, views homeschooling as a divine calling. She feels that their commitment to raising their children close to The Holy Spirit was guided by prayer.

Soneata Rayes, who began homeschooling her four children this year, finds the one-on-one environment beneficial; all her kids are thriving. She values the opportunity to spend more quality time with her children and sees it as a blessing.

Patrice Abona has 4 children in the program, (5 total) and says her family is also doing great with the slower pace of life. The flexible schedule and ability to see her children adapt well with this new environment are bonuses. Mrs. Abona says it’s all about “God’s divine timing” and trusting that He calls all of us to do different things; but to believe in His plan.

Christine Jiddou, who started homeschooling her oldest child this year and plans to transition all her children to homeschool in the fall, has noticed positive changes in her oldest child’s demeanor and independence.

Surrounding themselves with like-minded, faith-driven families has strengthened their commitment. When asked for advice for families considering homeschooling, all the mothers agreed: “Pray on it.” They recommend trusting in one’s heart and seeking divine guidance when considering this educational path.

The key takeaway from these conversations is to trust in one’s heart and faith. If God leads you to homeschool, lean on your faith and community to support your children, taking it one day at a time.

Ultimately, homeschooling for Chaldean families is about creating a nurturing environment where children can develop a strong moral foundation and a personal relationship with God, while also achieving academic excellence. By weaving faith into the fabric of their education, these homeschooling families aim to raise children who are not only knowledgeable but also deeply committed to their faith.

Co-op field trip to the farm.

Co-op field trip; Preschool; Dress rehearsal;

Adoration at the first diocese Eucharistic Procession;

Teaching in a classroom setting.