Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessie Thompson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Jessie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for The GLOW School wasn’t something I carefully planned. It was born out of real life — out of my journey as a mom of five, a home educator, and someone who saw the gap between what families needed and what was available. I wanted my children to have a faith-filled education that was hands-on, rich, and rooted in real connection — not just memorization or worksheets. Yet, as I searched for programs and resources, I found very little that brought it all together in one place.

What I longed for was a part-time program designed for homeschool families — one that allowed parents to remain central and engaged in their child’s education at home, while also offering the structure, community, and support needed to help children and parents thrive. Families like mine needed more than curriculum; we needed encouragement, connection, and the convenience of having everything woven together in a way that still honored the heart of homeschooling. We also needed access to community resources that could enrich learning, provide real-world connections, and strengthen the homeschool journey.

That vision quickly grew: What if there could be a school that partnered with parents — recognizing them as the primary educators — while also offering qualified teachers, mentors, and access to community resources to provide enrichment, and expertise, A place where academics and community were woven together, and where parents felt supported instead of isolated.

When I began sharing this vision, other parents immediately resonated. They wanted the same thing: to remain the central influence in their children’s education while also having access to trusted teachers, supportive peers, and community-based opportunities. Families longed for a safe, faith-filled, academically strong, family-centered program. something that wasn’t rigid like traditional schooling, but also not scattered like piecing together random resources and activities.

And so, The GLOW School — God Leads Our Way — was born. Today, GLOW is more than a program — it’s a partnership and a community. Parents remain at the heart of their child’s education while we come alongside them with encouragement, support, guidance, mentorship and access to professional enrichment resources. It’s a place where children discover their God-given gifts, where parents and students are equipped, and where education becomes a shared journey of faith, growth, and community.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Jessica Thompson, and I am the founder and director of The GLOW School — a faith-centered homeschool resource program. GLOW stands for “God Leads Our Way”, which is not just our name but our guiding principle.

I came into this work as a homeschooling mom of five children. Over the past decade of homeschooling, I discovered both the joys and the challenges that families face. Many parents are deeply committed to educating their children at home but often feel the weight of carrying it all alone. I realized there was a need for a place where families could find support, encouragement, and resources while still keeping the parent as the primary educator. That vision is what led to the birth of The GLOW School.

At GLOW, we provide a Resource Day program and hybrid microschool community designed to strengthen homeschool families.
Our hybrid program blends faith-based instruction, project-based learning, and The Good and The Beautiful curriculum. Children engage in subjects such as Bible, math, Language Arts, History, Science, and STEM while also gaining opportunities to collaborate, think critically, and develop a love for learning. Parents benefit from the structure, accountability, and support of a community that understands their calling to homeschool.

Resource Day is a special day each week when homeschool families come together for classes, enrichment, and fellowship. It provides a structured yet flexible environment where children can learn alongside peers, explore enrichment classes that are easier or more fun in a group setting, and build lasting friendships within a supportive, faith-based community.

Students have the opportunity to take classes à la carte, choosing from options such as Sewing, Art, Photography, Musical Theatre, Drama, Writing, Spanish, and Reading Support. We are continually growing and hope to add even more opportunities like PE, Cooking, Baking, STEM, and Tutoring in the future.

I am most proud of the way The GLOW School has become a place where homeschool families feel seen, supported, and encouraged. Watching children walk into Resource Day excited to learn and leave with new friendships and confidence reminds me why this work matters. It’s not just about academics — it’s about nurturing hearts, fostering creativity, and strengthening families in their homeschool journey.

I’m also proud that we’ve been able to grow from a simple idea in my living room to a structured program that is blessing multiple families, while staying true to our mission that “God Leads Our Way.” The fact that organizations like the Vela Education Fund have recognized our impact through grant support shows that what we are doing is meeting a real need in our community.

At the heart of it all, I want families to know that The GLOW School exists to support, uplift, and walk alongside them — helping shape not only their children’s learning, but also the homeschool community for generations to come.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I first stepped out to create The GLOW School, I knew the need for homeschool support was real, but I had no idea how families would respond. Would parents trust me with their children’s learning? Would teachers join the vision? Would anyone even sign up? There were moments I felt the weight of doubt and wondered if this dream would ever take root.

I’ll never forget praying over our space before our very first Resource Day, asking God to send the right families, the right teachers, and the right opportunities. Fast forward to today — in our very first semester, we already have over 50 students and 30 families enrolled. Seeing those classrooms filled with children learning, laughing, and making friends is a reminder that resilience is about showing up, trusting the calling, and pressing forward even when the outcome isn’t clear.

That growth in just one semester is proof that what we’re building matters. Every obstacle we’ve faced — from planning classes to balancing finances — has been met with perseverance and faith. And now, instead of empty classrooms, we have a vibrant community that keeps growing stronger each week.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I first met my co-founder and Assistant Director, Marissa, through our kids doing cheer together. What began as casual conversations at practice soon grew into a friendship, especially when we discovered that we each had three children all around the same ages and we both homeschooled. Our families bonded quickly, and as our kids grew close, so did we.

Beyond cheer, we realized we shared a deep commitment to faith, family, and homeschooling. When I began dreaming about The GLOW School, Marissa was one of the first people I shared the vision with. Her excitement, her natural gift for organization, and her heart for children and families made it clear she was meant to help lead the journey alongside me.

Today, as Assistant Director, Marissa plays a vital role in planning field trips, coordinating volunteers, and helping families feel welcomed and connected. What started as two moms cheering on our daughters at competitions has grown into a strong partnership that is shaping a thriving homeschool community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theglowschool.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564660138892