Cheryl Carter

Cheryl R. Carter is an American educator, author, and homeschooling advocate. With over 30 years of experience as a homeschooling parent of five children, she is the founder of Collegiate Learning, now rebranded as The Capable Scholar, an organization dedicated to preparing students for college success, with a particular focus on writing, college admissions, and supporting struggling learners and students with learning differences.^[1][2]

Early life and homeschooling journey

Carter has been married to her husband, Derek, for over 36 years. She began homeschooling her five children from the beginning, a decision she describes as a calling. The family briefly tried public and Christian school for a year each but returned to homeschooling to ensure their children loved learning and would not "be a statistic."^[3] Over her long homeschooling career, she has witnessed the evolution of the movement, from limited curriculum options to an overwhelming abundance of choices today.^[3]

Carter's five children have achieved significant academic and professional success. Her oldest is a doctoral candidate working full-time, her second is an adjunct professor, her third is a missionary, and she has continued to homeschool her younger twin boys through their elementary and middle school years.^[3][4] Her experience as a mother of special-needs twin boys has deeply informed her professional work and advocacy for students with learning differences.^[5]

Career and advocacy

Carter's professional background is extensive, combining roles as a homeschooling parent, college professor, and educational consultant. Her work is driven by a belief in education as a form of empowerment and a commitment to helping every student succeed.^[2][5] She has a particular passion for assisting Black families in adopting homeschooling, believing it has the potential to level the educational playing field.^[3][6]

Collegiate Learning and The Capable Scholar

Carter is the founder and CEO of Collegiate Learning, an academic company that was rebranded as The Capable Scholar. The organization provides a range of resources, including a comprehensive writing curriculum for grades 6-12 and into the first year of college, online classes on platforms like Outschool, personalized tutoring and support, and opportunities for students to get published.^[7][8] The Capable Scholar is particularly known for its focus on helping students with learning differences, disabilities, and those who struggle academically, with Carter believing that every student is capable of success.^[7][8]

A key aspect of Carter's approach is teaching grammar through the students' own writing, a method she has found to be especially effective for learners with special needs.^[7] She also emphasizes the importance of building a strong thesis and creating a compelling theme, describing writing as "simply thinking on paper."^[1] She prides herself on pushing students to get published and to develop a Christian worldview that allows them to reason effectively in secular academic settings.^[3]

Writing and publications

Carter is a prolific author of over 80 books, covering topics such as writing instruction, ADHD, homeschooling, college admissions, and special education.^[2][5] Her works include Writing Success: Essential Writing Skills for the College-Bound Student, Organize Your ADD/ADHD Child, and Inspire the Writer in Your Child!^[5][6] She has also authored Getting College Credit in High School: The Revolutionary Roadmap for Black Families to Save Money and Jump-Start University Success and The Homeschool Advantage in College Admissions: How to Turn Personalized Learning into Powerful University Success.^[9][10]

Beyond her own books, Carter has contributed a chapter to a scholarly book on Black homeschooling in America, published by Information Age Publishing, and has been a freelance writer on parenting and education topics for various publications.^[2] She is also a contributor to an anthology of writing by Black female authors.^[2] A book she co-authored with her husband, Derek, titled "Why We Homeschool And Why It Is Not School at Home," details their family's vision and practical strategies.^[11]

Public commentary and media appearances

Carter is a frequent speaker and commentator on homeschooling and education. She has been a guest on numerous podcasts, including the "Homeschool Highschool Podcast," where she has discussed college-prep writing and resources for struggling students.^[1][7] She has been a featured speaker at conferences and events, such as the Thrive! Conference by North Carolinians for Home Education (NCHE) and a virtual teach-in for Black Family Homeschool Educators and Scholars.^[6][12]

In her commentary, Carter often addresses the unique challenges and motivations for Black homeschooling families, including overcoming a societal narrative that suggests they are "not good enough" to educate their own children.^[3] She has also spoken openly about her children's experiences as some of the only Black students in homeschool settings, which has led her to be more intentional about seeking diverse and inclusive environments.^[3]

References