Homeschooling mom, Co-op founder/director, and entrepreneur—Felicia Wright McCoy
We were able to catch up with Homeschooling mom, Founder and Director of World Changers Leadership Academy, Felicia Wright-McCoy recently. As one of the seasoned homeschoolers within the community, we asked her a few questions about homeschooling, the homeschool co-operative she founded, and tips and tricks for the new-to-homeschooling family.
As the saying goes, “every homeschool is different” which I find to be one of the most beneficial aspects of homeschooling. Could you tell us a little bit about how you chose to homeschool and what a typical homeschool day looks like for you and your family?
We have a very relaxed homeschool. We focus on the core subjects and everything else is experiences, experiments, and fun. We don’t have a set time to complete school work everyday because it depends on what we are doing, but it gets done. We do alot of independent work, we have a lot of debates, and we focus on interest. The way we homeschool changes from year to year. We adjust every year depending on interest and what works best for our family.
World Changers Leadership Academy
When you're not homeschooling, you are quite the busy woman as the creator of World Changers Leadership Academy (WCLA)! What is WCLA exactly and what are the services available through the organization?
WCLA is a Non-Profit homeschool organization. We focus on developing our children to be future leaders who will go on to become leaders and changemakers in our world. We are a Co-Op where we work as a community to educate our children. We offer a fun and safe space where our children can gather weekly to build relationships and learn something unique with their peers. We offer field trip opportunities where our students can explore their world around them with friends. We offer parent support—homeschooling can be a lonely journey, and joining a community of like minded individuals where we can learn from each other benefits all of our children. We provide opportunities where our parents can learn, network, and have fun. We offer Leadership Training for our Teens. We have partnered with Empowered to Win who will help us provide our teens with individualized leadership training, volunteer opportunities, entrepreneurship training, building relationships and so much more. We have an awesome team of homeschool mom’s who are dedicated to not only their own individual homeschool obligations but they are working to better our entire community of homeschool families’ homeschool experience.
WCLA group photo during their End of Spring Semester Celebration
In what part of your journey did you decide you wanted to create a homeschool co-operative and what has been the driving force behind the programs and services provided by WCLA?
I began homeschooling my then preschooler back in 2018. I did not have any intention of starting anything. I was just navigating the space myself. After my first co-op experience and some field trip experiences I was left feeling like we did not belong in those groups. We did not feel welcome and it made me feel like I didn’t want to do anything anymore outside of my own homeschool. During the downtime of Covid it got pretty lonely and we made a few friends. When things were beginning to open up I thought it would be a good idea to have classes with friends. Thus the co-op was born. I have a background in social work, administration, and working with children through the Boys & Girls Club so it just worked. I spent so much time thinking to myself, “why did I get this degree in a field that I am not using and why do I keep getting jobs that don’t have anything to do with social work?”But when I begin to get into this co-op—this non-profit, I see now how it all fits together. Something that I did just so my child can have a better homeschool experience is now my life’s passion to help other homeschool families have a successful homeschool experience.
Homeschooling is already a full-time job that requires quite a bit of time and commitment. The daily operations of a homeschool cooperative are surely an added level to that responsibility. Can you share with our readers some tips for homeschool parents balancing outside obligations such as career and entrepreneurship with home life?
I may not be the best person to ask this question because this is an area that I am still learning and growing in. First, I would say be patient with yourself, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you are late getting somewhere or you don’t finish your curriculum exactly the way you planned it. As our child’s educator we already have a lot on our plate but then we add in-house work, field trips, social activities, our marriage, and then on top of that —we have our own personal business. It can be alot and everything may not go the way we plan but just keep going, things will get better as you move forward. Secondly I would say, get organized and stay organized. Running my home, our homeschool, two non-profits, my own business, and projects that I do for my church and family has a lot of moving parts. Everyday there is something that needs to be done. I'm still working on my organizational skills but that is the secret sauce to making everything work. If you can home educate, you can do anything. Lastly I would say, never be too proud to ask for help. Although we as home educators are very special people, we can not do it all. If you need help, advice, just someone to talk to please don’t hesitate to use all of the resources you can. It will only make you better in the long run. I have been homeschooling since 2018 and I am always seeking better ways to get better and do better. I not only help the families I serve but they help me on my journey as well.
As families gear up for the new year, what can they expect from World Changers Leadership Academy for the fall 2023-24 school year?
This fall we are so excited about all of the wonderful things that we have planned. We have a separate team focused on curriculum, we have a team for events and field trips, we found that team focus will make a much smoother program. Everyone involved will work together using their strengths and talents to benefit all of our children. We have partnered with Empowered to WIN to help us with our Youth Leadership Component where our children will have wonderful opportunities when it comes to college prep, volunteer opportunities, service learning projects, leadership development and so much more. This semester we will be offering Public Speaking , African Art, Guitar, Intro to Computers, PE, Biology, and our youth leadership training program. We are accepting 60 students this semester so register as soon as possible! When we fill up, we will close registration until spring semester registration.
World Changers Leadership Academy Fall Schedule 2023-24
Felicia‘s final thoughts on World Changers Leadership Academy:
At WCLA we are a secular inclusive community of homeschool families. We work together for the betterment of the community. We welcome suggestions, thoughts, requests, and critiques. The door is always open for our parents to contribute and be a part of the organization. Our organization does not belong to me or any one person, WCLA belongs to the families we serve. If you are looking for a community who values each and every family please don’t hesitate to reach out to ask any questions you may have. You can visit the organization’s website:
Or connect with someone via email at Worldchangersleadershipacademy@gmail.com
Thank you, Felicia, for taking the time to share your story with us! It is because of women like yourself that our community grows and homeschooling families can find the support they need. Keep shining your light my dear! We’re looking forward to all that you have in store. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors.
The McCoy Family
On another note, Felicia’s personal endeavors outside of WCLA include President of Legacy Builders Homeschool Associates, Owner/Teacher at Little Keys Keyboarding, Owner/Baker at KKs Cakes and Catering, and a devoted member of Windsor United Methodist Church. If you have questions about any of her businesses and the services she provides, you can contact her by phone, (803)269-4749 or via email at the following:
Shamay Oware, executive director of Akoma Cares