Tumeka Slaton, an EPIC parent, first encountered EPIC Homeschool Network by chance during a visit to the South Cobb Library after a librarian mentioned a homeschool group that met weekly in the same location. Quickly EPIC became one of the most important parts of her family’s life. For the past several years, 3 of her 4 children have grown and thrived through the support and community found in EPIC’s programs. 

Hands-On Learning & Real Opportunities

Before homeschooling through EPIC, her eldest son Tyree struggled in public school and lost his love for learning. After joining EPIC, this all changed. With encouragement, parent and student workshops, and hands-on learning opportunities all within a close community, Tyree rediscovered his motivation. 

Tumeka says EPIC gave her children the confidence to learn in new ways that aren’t always available in traditional public school environments and take ownership of their education.  

When their family decided to renovate a school bus into a learning space, Tyree stepped up as project manager—organizing demolition, ordering supplies, budgeting for the project, and even earning a project management certificate. This experience gave him leadership and planning experience that ultimately helped prepare him for a career. Today, he serves in the Navy as a network engineer.

Her daughter Sanaa, for example, won aviation scholarships using the writing skills she developed through the IEW Writing curriculum that the Slaton Family found through EPIC. 

Confidence, Creativity, and Community

Tumeka’s EPIC students have experienced growth in their ability to lead others confidently and form a community with one another. Sanaa. Leads her own STEM camps for younger students. At the same time, Tyree has led his workshops covering topics like financial markets and literacy for both students and parents. Another son, Tyler, went from drawing stick figures to creating elaborate art, thanks to EPIC’s dedicated art classes. From robotics teams, Beta Club, music classes to college tours and public speaking workshops, EPIC has opened doors and sparked passions. There is no shortage of enriching experiences for students and parents.

Beyond academic successes, the Slaton family found a true sense of belonging within the EPIC homeschool community–connecting with other parents and students who became like family. Between graduation ceremonies, home school yearbooks, field days, and a plethora of field trips, EPIC stops at nothing to make families feel celebrated, seen, and part of something larger. Tumeka praised EPIC’s inclusivity, stating that there was no gatekeeping, just opportunity.

The Future

So what would Tumeka say to a family considering EPIC?

“If you want someone to walk with you, to hold your hand through the homeschool journey, EPIC is for you. You’ll find a place to grow, to celebrate, and to succeed—together.”