Monalisa Harding (53) and Kip (53), high school sweethearts, homeschool all their children.
Every one of them has been taught the exact same syllabus, from Hannah (now 34) to Thunder (now 11), who is a freshman at Bellevue University.
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After having their first three children graduate high school at the age of ten, their family knew that they were on a good track.
Hannah earned her bachelor’s in mathematics at the age of 17 from Auburn University, Montgomery in 2004 – making her the first child prodigy.
Thunder, 11 year old, was able to pass his college entrance exams and join Lorennah, 13, in her second-year.
Eight siblings have graduated as teenagers, and eight of them went on to college.
Mariannah, a 16-year-old family graduate, is applying for her masters degree in horticulture in January.
The Harding siblings have all gone on to be doctors, lawyers, architects, spacecraft designers, and doctors.
Seth Harding (20), was the youngest of Alabama’s ten children. He graduated with a law degree and passed his professional exams during the pandemic.
Monalisa, however, insists that her children be educated “aren’t geniuses”- And said their success was down to homeschooling, which is more “efficient”Instead of going to school.
Monalisa, a San Jose, California resident, stated that “The nature and efficiency of homeschooling are so efficient – anybody can do it.”
It’s all about the parents putting in the effort and prioritizing education over everything else.
“We are not wealthy. To be able to teach each one individually, we had to make sacrifices.
“When your children are raised in a homeschooling environment, hard work and homeschooling is the norm, they will naturally adapt and learn to it as they grow up.
“They all worked and continue to work extremely hard, which is why they’re breaking new ground every day – I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
The couple released their book entitled “The Brainy Bunch” in 2014 detailing their methods and techniques, which have helped their children achieve great success.
This book provides advice and support to parents who are interested in homeschooling.
Monalisa’s husband Kip was in the military and is now working in government. They also offer private consultations to help families learn more about home schooling.
They have spoken at various conferences in the US, and even traveled to Japan to share their stories.
“We’ve had the best time travelling around and helping other families who want to homeschool their kids,” Monalisa added.
“It’s very fulfilling because we put all our heart and souls into our kids, and knowing that people admire it and want to do the exact same is a great feeling.
“It is important to strike a balance between not placing too much pressure on your children and ensuring that they reach their full potential.
“We only have Thunder and Lorennah left to get through college, then we can start thinking about taking some time for ourselves.
“It’s been a hell of a journey, but we wouldn’t change it for the world!”
Hannah, now 34 years old, received her BSc in mathematics from Auburn University, Montgomery at the age 17
Rosannah is now 32 and has a BA in architecture from California College of the Arts, San Francisco. Rosannah was born in 1885.
Serennah, now 30 years old, has a Bachelor of Arts in Cell Biology from Huntington College, Montgomery, Alabama. She graduated at 17 years old.
Heath, 26, is a Huntington College graduate with a BA degree in English. At the age of 15, he earned a master’s in computer science from Troy University.
Keith, 23 years old, earned a BA degree in music at Faulkner University in Montgomery Alabama. At the age 15 he then received his master’s in counselling from the same institution.
Seth, aged 21, received a BA degree from Huntington College in political science.
Katrinnah (18) received her BA in political sciences at Huntington college when she was 15. She is now enrolled in law school.
Mariannah, age 16, received her BA in Health Science from Bellevue University, Nebraska.
She is currently awaiting a response from Auburn University to her request for further education.
Lorennah, 13, studies second-year at Bellevue University.
Thunder James, 11, is a college freshman at Bellevue University.
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