When Lauren Mayfield thinks back to how she first found EPIC Homeschool Network, the details are a little fuzzy—but the impact is unforgettable. What started as a simple Facebook event posting turned into a life-giving support system, a learning community, and a source of strength during her family’s homeschooling journey.

Tumeka S, another EPIC parent, had posted about a field day event on Facebook and upon attending Lauren

Today, Lauren is the proud homeschool mother of four children, ages 3, 5, 9, and 10—all of whom have participated in EPIC programs, field trips, and academic opportunities. But her journey into homeschooling wasn’t always so clear-cut. In fact, it was the inspiration of other homeschooling mothers and the consistent support from EPIC that gave her the confidence to pursue a new kind of education—one centered on freedom to explore, faith, and family.

Why We Chose Homeschooling

Lauren’s desire to homeschool began years ago, while she was living in Philadelphia. There, she met a group of moms from her church who were homeschooling their children with incredible results. “They were thriving and intelligent,” she says. “I didn’t know a lot back then, but spending time with those women inspired me. They showed me it was possible.”

When she moved to Georgia and started homeschooling, she brought that inspiration with her—but also encountered a new set of questions. How do you comply with state laws? What does a curriculum look like? Where do you find resources? That’s where EPIC came in.

“Meeting the EPIC community helped me see how to navigate it all,” she says. “It helped me unlearn what I thought education had to be.”

Homeschooling gave Lauren and her family a chance to prioritize what mattered most. She wanted her children to learn the skills to live life, understand that the Most High is the most important, and she wanted her children to read his Word so they can live a life that reflects him

At one point, her older children attended private school, but Lauren could see it wasn’t working. “They weren’t thriving. They were overwhelmed and stressed,” she says. “Learning doesn’t have to be stressful all the time—and it shouldn’t be.”

EPIC’s Educational Impact

Since joining EPIC, Lauren has noticed a big shift in her children. Now they’re more relaxed and more excited about learning. Additionally she gets to be more of an active parent in their lives. She shares that, “We have time to talk through things—whether it’s a subject they’re struggling with or just how they’re feeling that day.”

Homeschooling at home has opened space for healthy communication, emotional growth, and teamwork. They’ve learned responsibility—how to think of others, work as a team, help each other out. They’re also learning practical skills like loading the dishwasher and doing laundry.

And it’s not just the kids who are learning. Lauren is learning right alongside them.

While visiting Children’s Museum of Atlanta with her children , she saw a quote: ‘Tell me and I’ll forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I’ll understand.” This quote really stayed with her and fueled her homeschooling philosophy. Now she says, “I learn so much with them. Sometimes I don’t know the answer, and I just say, ‘Let’s figure it out together.’”

Little Learners

Lauren says her first year with EPIC’s “Little Learners” program was vital. Through this program she met other EPIC parents and began to grow her community.

In those early classes, the kids would always pair lessons with crafts—like making a family tree while learning about relatives. “It helped my children engage academically, but it also helped me,” Lauren says. Other parents would share tips and tricks about homeschooling and parenting in general.

Lauren no longer feels limited in what homeschooling can look like. “EPIC opened up new pathways for me as a parent. It really changed the game.”

EPIC Trips and Activities

One of Lauren’s favorite EPIC memories was attending Southern Belle Farms with her children. “They got to go off on the hayride with other parents and kids we knew—it felt like family,” she says.

Even when they’re not able to attend every event, Lauren says the bond with the EPIC community is still strong. “It feels like a family reunion every time we come together. My kids recognize the faces. We have memories with these people.”

In addition to field trips EPIC offers fun and educational events that make learning a family affair. At the Children’s Business Fair, the Mayfield children had an opportunity to run a table for their dad’s juice business, “Blended Blessings.” In order to prepare for this event her children helped their father make juices and learn about running a business.

“My older child answered questions, another handled money and made change, and my youngest handed out cups,” she says. “They saw what it means to run a business. They even got to spend the money they earned” in addition to earning a prize”

EPIC Support for Parents

Lauren doesn’t hesitate when asked how EPIC has supported her personally.

From the very beginning, there was no mom-shaming—just encouragement, she says. Even if you were late or things weren’t perfect, there was understanding. Everyone was just trying to round up these kids together. She’s found curriculum recommendations, educational resources, and new friendships—all through the EPIC community.

Looking Ahead: A Lifeline for the Journey

For Lauren, EPIC has been more than just a homeschool network. It’s been a lifeline.

“These are people I don’t ever want to disconnect from. The support has been that meaningful,” she says. “Even when things change or life gets busy, I know EPIC is a constant. I hope my children always stay connected in some way.”

And to any family considering homeschooling or joining EPIC?

Homeschooling isn’t just about academics for the Mayfield family—it’s about learning life, honoring their faith, and finding joy in the journey. So finding a place that supports these principles was vital, and that is what EPIC does. It’s a place of comfort. A place where you can feel at peace and find answers,” she says. If you have questions—about report cards, curriculum, whatever—someone at EPIC has been there and will help.

Homeschooling isn’t just about academics for the Mayfield family—it’s about learning life, honoring their faith, and finding joy in the journey.