MPE History

In the fall of 1986, a group of 17 homeschool families gathered to provide encouragement and fellowship for one another. This was the beginning of the Johnson County Parent Educators (JCPE). In late 2001, the JCPE membership voted to change the organization’s name to Midwest Parent Educators (MPE).

JCPE/MPE has experienced growth commensurate with that of the homeschooling movement nationally. We serve homeschoolers in the greater Kansas City metro area, including many from Wyandotte, Miami, and Douglas counties in Kansas and from counties in Kansas City, Missouri.

Homeschool History in the Kansas City Area

Did you know it was once a huge risk to homeschool in the Kansas City area?

“In the early 1980s, a school district charged the Sawyer family with truancy even though they had formally withdrawn their children to open a non-accredited private school in their home.”

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to early homeschool pioneers, some of whom share their stories in the video below!

Learn more about MPE:

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MPE provides a central voice for encouragement and learning in the homeschooling community.
Respondent2018 Survey

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It is an excellent way to build confidence and endurance to follow this calling your life as parent homeschooler; physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Michala Johnston

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MPE was a great resource for me when we were new to the area. I know there are other avenues to find people but it was nice to have a "one-stop resource" for information. I would think that other people who are new to the area or new to homeschooling would lose a valuable resource if MPE did not exist.
Respondent2018 Survey

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Without MPE, I would feel much more alone on this journey. The annual convention is so important in inspiring me to continue homeschooling for another year.
Respondent2018 Survey

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If MPE did not exist I would not be homeschooling our son. Last year around February-March time frame I was struggling with whether to homeschool our son or send him to public school at the beginning of the next school year. A couple of homeschool moms encouraged me to attend the annual MPE Conference. I decided to go. I was amazed at all the opportunities Homeschooling children have in the KC metro area. I went to several workshops and was so encouraged. We joined a CC group in the Northland. It was confirmation homeschooling is the path the Lord has for us. If MPE did not exist I don’t think there would be as many homeschooling opportunities nor as many homeschooling families in the KC metro area.
Respondent2018 Survey

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Knowing MPE is 'out there' has actually given me the confidence I needed to say "I can do this". It is a huge benefit to this region to have such an awesome homeschool network!
Respondent2018 Survey

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MPE has provided so much information and connection for our family as new homeschoolers. As we contemplated making this step, MPE helped guide us to the life-changing decision with confidence. We're so excited to be a part of an organization that does so much for its members. Our GWL start was so fun and affordable. We may not have ever done it without MPE. We especially loved being around like-minded people. Even though we may have different reasons for homeschooling and different approaches, we love our kiddos. Thanks for helping us stay connected!
Wendy B.October 2022 Survey

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I love the amount of resources MPE offers, and the communication they send out. Tips and advice are so helpful, especially for first-time homeschool families.
Athena M.October 2022 Survey

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We are still in the elementary years of our homeschool journey and knowing that MPE is there for resources, homeschooling advice, and fun events is the best part. I have enjoyed attending events that MPE has organized and I look forward to more.
Sarah D.October 2022 Survey

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Great support in all areas of homeschooling especially the annual homeschool conference and women’s event they host each year.
Jennifer Walker Newsom

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Maintaining a group like MPE, which I feel is the communication “spine” for the homeschooling community, helps keep our freedom and right to homeschool. It can quickly make its members aware of the current political policies in our area that need attention. It helps keep us connected and encouraged, which everyone needs at some point so they can stay focused on our eternal perspective and not give up."
Respondent2018 Survey