Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling

by Kerry McDonald

From the bestselling author of Unschooled, an exploration of new, low-cost K–12 learning models that favor individualized, learner-centered education—“the roadmap for anyone tired of the status quo and ready to make a difference in how we teach the next generation” (John Mackey, New York Times–bestselling author of Conscious Capitalism)

Across the United States, parents, teachers, administrators, policymakers, and ordinary citizens are increasingly frustrated by the rigidity and standardization of modern schooling, and they are seeking alternatives. Openness to different learning models reached new heights during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to accelerate.

Entrepreneurial parents and teachers are responding to the growing demand for learning models that challenge the status quo. They are creating micro schools, learning pods, homeschooling collaboratives, online learning networks, and other flexible educational models that provide specialized, individualized education, often at a lower cost than traditional private schools. Joyful Learning shares the experiences of these everyday entrepreneurs who are reimagining learning in their communities, showing parents what is possible for their children and encouraging aspiring school founders to take their own enterprising leaps.

Blending fresh storytelling with straightforward advice, Joyful Learning is an inspiring, relevant, and timely book for parents looking for different education options for their children, as well as would-be education entrepreneurs hoping to launch their own creative learning solutions.   

Genres: Nonfiction

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2025

Reviews

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very informational and geared towards parents newly looking for alternative education out there for their children. I think it could be a great resource if you are looking to explore your options and learn what opportunities are out there.

As a homeschool mom myself, this book didn’t really do anything for me because I didn’t learn anything I didn’t already know. I could see this being very informative for moms and dads looking to take the leap to the homeschool or alternative school community.

I want to thank NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the opportunity to read the Audio ARC for the book. As always, I appreciate the opportunity.

[Sue.the.very.busy.reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review: Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling
As someone who believes deeply that every child is a unique learner, I was immediately drawn to the title and cover of Joyful Learning. The image of children running with pinwheels—so full of energy and freedom—perfectly captures the spirit of what I hoped the book would explore. And it delivered in many thought-provoking ways.
This book takes a comprehensive, in-depth look at alternatives to traditional education, including micro schools, learning pods, homeschooling collaboratives, and online learning communities. It offers real-life examples and technical insights that would be especially helpful for anyone interested in starting their own educational program or exploring innovative schooling models.
While I personally was hoping for more hands-on homeschool activity ideas—especially with my focus now on learning with my grandchildren—I still found the book enlightening. One of the most impactful points for me was the way the author addressed the post-COVID shift toward smaller, more personalized learning environments. More and more families are seeking educational settings that honor a child’s natural development, curiosity, and need for movement and nature-based experiences.
If you're looking to build or expand a learning community—or simply want to learn more about the growing world of alternative education—this book is full of valuable insights and inspiration.
For those interested in beautiful examples of small-scale programs and play-based learning, I recommend following some of my favorite accounts on Instagram:@mulberry_house_playschool,
@littlebugsnaturallearnandplay, @inspiremyplay,@nantucket_lighthouse_school.
Thank you to @NetGalley for the advance listening copy that is narrated by the author. This audiobook is already available where you purchase audiobooks. All thoughts are my own!

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book incredibly enlightening. I had no idea this other world of alternative education existed. So much of my in-law side of my family has been involved in homeschooling and I knew I didn’t want that for my kids, but now with my oldest in school, my husband and I are a little at a loss at how to navigate her immense resistance to the school structure. She even came out of the Goddard School for daycare, so she’s used to structure! But public school has been an uphill battle since the middle of last year, and homework has always been a fight.

The more my husband’s learned about public school, he’s confident he wouldn’t have done well either, and he’s recognizing just how good of a fit homeschooling was for him and his creative, entrepreneurial personality. She’s so much like him we’re a bit worried things might continue to go south as they are. We’re worried because we run our own company and we don’t have the capacity to homeschool as he was. This was SO helpful exposing me to all the new and different hybrid styles of school, micro schools, specialty private schools, so on and so forth. We have a lot to explore right now and this was a monumental help pointing in the right direction and providing resources. Definitely recommend. If you’re needing alternatives but are only aware of public school, catholic school, or Christian based homeschool programs (the big three in the mid-west), then this book is for you, it’ll offer possibilities you couldn’t even imagine.

[Francis Tapon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever wished for a book that’s half parenting manual and half entrepreneurial pep talk—this is your jackpot!

“Joyful Learning” splits its mission: one side for parents who want to homeschool, the other for anyone who’s ever looked at a classroom and thought, “I could build a better school…or at least manage the snack schedule.”

Kerry McDonald’s book is like having two books in one.

Warning: if you’re a parent who just wants to keep your kid out of public school and the wildest thing you’ll ever build is a pillow fort, nearly half of this book might have you daydreaming about lunch.

But if you secretly harbor school-starting ambitions (for-profit or not), you’ll get so many tips, anecdotes, and how-tos, you’ll feel ready to launch “Harvard: The Home Edition” from your living room.

All in all, whether you’re looking to homeschool or moonlight as an education mogul, “Joyful Learning” will either make you cheer...or check the page number every few minutes. Either way, it’s a great read—just decide which half is your jam!

I listened to the audiobook. She's a podcaster, so she's an excellent narrator.

[Charell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers a comprehensive look at micro schools, speaking to both parents and education entrepreneurs. I especially appreciated the real-life stories that illustrated the process and benefits of smaller learning communities.

The section on launching a micro school stood out to me. The step-by-step approach, combined with anecdotes, made the information practical and engaging. At times, though, the book felt like it was trying to do too much—covering both the entrepreneurial and parenting perspectives in one volume. Splitting it into two books might have made it less overwhelming.

Overall, I found this audiobook valuable and insightful. The narration was clear and easy to follow, and I’d recommend it to anyone curious about micro schools—whether as a parent or as a founder.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced listening copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a gifted print copy from the PublicAffairs and woww am I glad I got the opportunity to listen to the ALC as well. This wasn't nearly as impactful in print, for some reason. The audiobook felt more accessible and less bogged down. & as expected, hearing the author read their own book is really neat.

I'm not sure where the idea stemmed from, but I was under the impression this was rooted a bit more in science? I was a bit disappointed I didn't come across more research studies vs research Kerry's done, but that's likely just the result of my oversight when checking out the synopsis.

Thank you bunches to PublicAffairs, HachetteAudio, Kerry McDonald & NetGlley for the ALC in exchange for my honest review!

[Jae (spoiler free reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to Joyful Learning as an audiobook, but quickly realized this is a book I’d prefer to have in physical form. There’s so much valuable information packed in that being able to reference it on the page would be incredibly helpful.

The author does a great job of speaking to both parents curious about alternative education options and entrepreneurs considering starting a microschool.

The author's narration was excellent—clear, steady, and engaging throughout.

Overall, widely applicable, but the organization made it harder to follow as audio.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced listening copy. This book is out now!

[Rachel Mayes Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine. Even though I am someone who currently works for a virtual charter school and attended private school all my life, I did learn about some different schooling options, and it was fun to hear from a variety of families, founders, and educators. The book did seem to lack depth and specificity, and I think having each chapter focused on a school and what it's doing rather than on a topic could have made it more memorable.