Homeschooling is ‘so efficient’ say parents of 10 kids who all started university before 13

The parents of 10 children who all started university before the age of 13 insist their children are ‘not geniuses’ but credit homeschooling for their family’s academic success.  

High school sweethearts Monalisa Harding, 53, and her husband Kip, 53, from San Jose, California, homeschooled all their children from the same syllabus.

They knew they were on the right track after getting their first three children through high school aged 11.

Their oldest, Hannah, earned her bachelors in mathematics at the age of 17 from Auburn University, Montgomery in 2004 – making her the first child prodigy.

Last year youngest child Thunder, 11, passed his entrance exams to college, joining Lorennah, 13, who is in her second year.

Those of the Harding siblings who have already graduated from college have gone on to become doctors, architects, spacecraft designers and lawyers. 

Monalisa Harding and her husband Kip (both 53) homeschooled all 10 of their children using the same methods and techniques

The sixth Harding child - Seth (pictured with sister with Serennah) became Alabama's youngest lawyer at 19, after passing his degree and professional exams during the pandemic

The sixth Harding child – Seth (pictured with sister with Serennah) became Alabama’s youngest lawyer at 19, after passing his degree and professional exams during the pandemic

Monalisa says her children 'aren't geniuses'. She says that the efficient nature of homeschooling (and her children's hard work) guaranteed their academic success

Monalisa says her children ‘aren’t geniuses’. She says that the efficient nature of homeschooling (and her children’s hard work) guaranteed their academic success

Eight of the brothers and sisters have already graduated by either 15 or 16 – and all went to university before they were 13.

The most recent family graduate Mariannah, 16, is now applying to do her masters in horticulture in January.

Seth Harding, 20, child six of 10, became Alabama’s youngest lawyer at the age of 19 after getting his law degree and passing his professional exams during the pandemic.

But humble Monalisa insists her kids ‘aren’t geniuses’ – and said their success is down to homeschooling which is more ‘efficient’ than going to school. 

Lorennah (13) is a second year college student at Bellevue University. Katrinnah (18) earned her BA in political science at the age of 15 from Huntington college and is now in law school

Lorennah (13) is a second year college student at Bellevue University. Katrinnah (18) earned her BA in political science at the age of 15 from Huntington college and is now in law school

Sisters Lorennah, Katrinnah, and Mariannah Harding, 16, who earned her BA degree in health science from Bellevue University in Nebraska at the age of 16 and is planning to study further

Sisters Lorennah, Katrinnah, and Mariannah Harding, 16, who earned her BA degree in health science from Bellevue University in Nebraska at the age of 16 and is planning to study further

Lorennah is the ninth of the Harding family's 10 children - all of whom started university by the age of 13

Lorennah is the ninth of the Harding family’s 10 children – all of whom started university by the age of 13

Monalisa, said: ‘The nature of homeschooling is so efficient – anyone can do it. 

‘It’s just about parents dedicating the time to get it done and prioritising their children’s education above all else.

‘We’re not a wealthy family. We had to make sacrifices so that I had the time to teach each of them individually.

‘When you raise kids in an environment where homeschooling and hard work is the norm, then, as they grow, they’ll naturally adapt to it and take it in their stride.

‘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.’

In 2014, the couple released their own book titled ‘The Brainy Bunch’, detailing their methods and techniques which has brought their children so much success.

The book goes into detail about the intricacy of homeschool study and offers advice and support for parents wishing to do the same.

Monalisa and husband Kip, who used to be in the military before working in government, also offer private consultations for families about home schooling. 

Mariannah, who received her BA in Health Science from Bellevue University at the age of 16, is currently waiting for a response to an application from Auburn University for further studies

Mariannah, who received her BA in Health Science from Bellevue University at the age of 16, is currently waiting for a response to an application from Auburn University for further studies

Son Heath (left), now 26, earned his BA in English, aged 15, and a master's degree in computer science at the age of 17

Son Heath (left), now 26, earned his BA in English, aged 15, and a master’s degree in computer science at the age of 17

Thunder James, the youngest of the brood aged just 11, is currently a freshman at Bellevue University

Thunder James, the youngest of the brood aged just 11, is currently a freshman at Bellevue University

Mother Monalisa with her lawyer son Seth. She described homeschooling her children as 'a hell of a journey', but said they 'wouldn't change it for the world'

Mother Monalisa with her lawyer son Seth. She described homeschooling her children as ‘a hell of a journey’, but said they ‘wouldn’t change it for the world’

They’ve spoken at conferences across the U.S., and have even travelled to Japan to share their experiences. 

‘We’ve had the best time travelling around and helping other families who want to homeschool their kids,’ Monalisa added.

‘It’s really fulfilling because we put our hearts and souls into our children, and knowing people admire that and want to do the same is a really great feeling.

‘It’s important to find that balance between not putting too much pressure on your kids and making sure they’re reaching their full potential.

‘We just have Thunder and Lorennah to get through college now, and then we can finally think about making some time for ourselves.

‘It’s been a hell of a journey but we wouldn’t change it for the world!’ 

Homeschool success: The Harding children’s academic achievements

  • Hannah, now 34, earned her BS in mathematics at the age of 17 from Auburn University in Montgomery.
  • Rosannah, now 32, earned her BA in architecture from California College of the Arts located in San Francisco, aged 18.
  • Serennah, now 30, got a BA in cell biology from Huntington College in Montgomery, Alabama at the age of 17.
  • Heath, 26, has a BA in English, which he got aged 15, from Huntington College and then earned a master’s degree in computer science at the age of 17 from Troy University in Montgomery.
  • Keith, 23, earned a BA in music from Faulkner University in Montgomery Alabama at the age of 15 and then earned his master’s degree at the age of 17 in counselling at the same institution.
  • Seth, 21, got a BA degree in political science from Huntington College at the age of 16.
  • Katrinnah, 18, earned her BA in political science at the age of 15 from Huntington college and is now in law school.
  • Mariannah, 16, earned her BA degree in health science from Bellevue University in Nebraska at the age of 16. She is currently waiting for a response to an application from Auburn University for further studies.
  • Lorennah, 13, is a second year college student at Bellevue University.
  • Thunder James, 11, is a college freshman also at Bellevue University. 

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