Member Showcase: Mary Arnold

A support group in the home

For Mary Arnold, the homeschool journey began in 1998 with, of all things, an infomercial. “I was working full time as a nurse supervisor,” the St. Petersburg resident and mother of four sons recalls, “and my oldest son was enrolled in a wonderful public school near our home. We loved his teacher and the kids in his class, but he was struggling academically. He was unable to retain his letter and letter sounds.”

That’s when Mary flipped upon an infomercial for a phonics program she decided to try. To her amazement, in less than four days her son learned all his letter and letter sounds, which he had not done in nearly seven months in a traditional large classroom situation. “It became very apparent that my child thrived working one on one,” Mary declares. “I decided to attend a local homeschool orientation, and the rest is history!”

More than a decade later, the Arnolds continue to practice their brand of what they call “strengths-based homeschooling,” meaning they help their children pursue their passions while equipping them in other areas. Part of this process has involved overcoming some obstacles. “I had no idea that three of my four sons would be diagnosed with significant learning disabilities,” Mary acknowledges. “But we have learned to help our children pursue their unique giftings while equipping them in those areas of struggle. It has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done with my life.”

Mary has returned the reward to other homeschoolers through serving in various leadership roles, including in the Pinellas Parent Educators Association support group. “I am so grateful for the FPEA as both a member and a leader,” says Mary, who especially appreciates the role of the FPEA Florida Homeschool Convention in her experience. “It is the place I go to have my cup filled so I can pour out to my children. I love that the Convention brings in speakers who deal with everything I could ever hope or desire to learn about.”

The FPEA publications also help equip Mary in her homeschool journey. “My favorite part is when families from all over the state share their stories,” she testifies. “It’s like bringing a support group meeting into my home.”

Above all, Mary is passionate about encouraging fellow homeschooling families to forge an interconnection both locally and statewide. “I think it is so important for homeschoolers to be aware of what’s going on in their hometown and what’s going on across the nation,” she declares. “The FPEA helps me stay connected to the bigger political agenda so I can pray. I believe information is power. We need to stay connected and not divided.”