Home-Schooling Gains Popularity Among Pittsburgh Families

Flexible schedules, special needs, and values-based education drive the home-schooling trend in the region.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Home-schooling has been on the rise in recent years, with the United States having the highest population of home-schoolers in the world. In the Pittsburgh area, local families are choosing home-schooling for a variety of reasons, including flexibility, meeting special education needs, and instilling their own values. The article profiles three Pittsburgh-area families who have opted for home-schooling and explores the pros and cons of this educational approach.

Why it matters

The growing trend of home-schooling in the Pittsburgh region reflects a broader shift in how families are approaching education, with more parents seeking alternatives to traditional brick-and-mortar schools. This story highlights the diverse motivations and experiences of local home-schooling families, providing insight into the factors driving this movement and the implications for the education landscape.

The details

The article profiles three Pittsburgh-area families who have chosen to home-school their children. The Tellish family in Moon Township has a 5-year-old daughter who attends a private, hybrid school four half-days a week, with the remaining time spent learning at home. The Estochin family in Greensburg home-schools their 14-year-old daughter Peyton, who is a competitive golfer, allowing for more flexibility. The Lee family in Mt. Lebanon owns a nonprofit home-schooling resource and community center called Home Away from Home-school (HAFHS), which serves about 150 students from the region.

  • Home-schooling has been on the rise in recent years.
  • HAFHS opened in 2021.

The players

Natalie and Nathan Tellish

Moon Township residents who home-school their 5-year-old daughter Emmalyn through a private, hybrid school model.

Jessica and Stephen Estochin

Greensburg residents who home-school their 14-year-old daughter Peyton, who is a competitive golfer.

Samantha Lee

The owner of Home Away from Home-school (HAFHS), a nonprofit home-schooling resource and community center in Mt. Lebanon.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The school is very selective, and students have to be evaluated. Because of the hybrid model, the school ensures that students are prepared for the nontraditional structure.”

— Natalie Tellish, Parent (pittsburghparent.com)

“Any parent can write their own curriculum. I use a mix — Khan Academy for Algebra. For History, I tie in Bible lessons. I'm big on business, life skills and forming an opinion with facts.”

— Jessica Estochin, Parent (pittsburghparent.com)

“The home-school community needs a place to get together. You need that space. I wanted it to be a soft place for parents to land.”

— Samantha Lee, Owner, Home Away from Home-school (pittsburghparent.com)

What’s next

The article does not mention any clear next steps or future newsworthy moments related to the home-schooling trend in the Pittsburgh region.

The takeaway

The growing popularity of home-schooling in the Pittsburgh area reflects a broader shift in how families are approaching education, with more parents seeking alternatives to traditional brick-and-mortar schools. This story highlights the diverse motivations and experiences of local home-schooling families, underscoring the flexibility, personalization, and values-based approach that are driving this movement.