Jenelle Evans, a former star of the reality television show ‘Teen Mom 2,’ is facing public scrutiny over her decision to homeschool her two youngest children. In a video shared on Instagram, Evans, 34, explained her approach, stating that she primarily utilizes online resources, saying, “I just put them on the computer.” She detailed several reasons behind this educational shift from traditional public schooling.
Reasons for Transitioning to Homeschooling
One of the primary motivations for Evans’ decision was to address bullying experienced by her 12-year-old son, Kaiser. Evans revealed that Kaiser had been struggling with bullying in previous locations, including Las Vegas and North Carolina, and that the issue persisted after enrolling in a new school. The bullying reportedly centered on his weight.
Another significant factor influencing the change is Evans’ recent diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). The condition, which she developed earlier this year following knee surgery, causes severe and prolonged pain, often following an injury or operation. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, CRPS can affect an arm or leg, with pain that is disproportionately intense and long-lasting compared to the initial injury.
Evans stated that her CRPS diagnosis makes it difficult to manage the daily logistics of traditional schooling. “So I literally cannot drive them to and from school because I am literally in too much pain,” she explained. “Their school is 40 minutes there and back morning and afternoon. I literally was taking two hours, three hours out of my morning and afternoon just to do drop offs and pick ups.”
Beyond these immediate concerns, Evans also expressed a desire to shield her children from negative influences. She mentioned that homeschooling allows her to avoid “any craziness being instilled inside their head.” Additionally, the flexibility of homeschooling means her children can accompany her if she needs to travel.
The Homeschooling Program and Initial Results
Evans indicated that the homeschooling program her children are using is called Acellus. She reported that the initial week had been successful, with the children completing their schoolwork within approximately two hours each day. Evans assured viewers that she remains available to assist them whenever needed.
Public Reaction and Online Commentary
The announcement of Evans’ homeschooling decision elicited a range of responses from her followers in the comments section of her Instagram post. Some users expressed skepticism and criticism, while others offered support and shared their own experiences with homeschooling.
Critical comments often questioned the practicality and effectiveness of her approach. One user humorously pointed out a potential discrepancy in her time calculation, stating, “45 min there and back twice a day is only an hour and a half, not three hours so probably good they’re on the computer for math.” Another commenter questioned the use of school buses, while others directly challenged her understanding of the educational program, with one noting, “You don’t even know the name of the program?” Concerns were also raised about her ability to travel but not transport her children to school.
Conversely, some followers shared positive perspectives. One user wrote, “I homeschool and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made,” and offered advice on finding resources and social interaction opportunities for homeschooled children through extracurricular activities. Another commenter suggested that Evans’ setup sounded more like remote learning, a common practice since the COVID-19 pandemic, rather than traditional homeschooling, as she is not acting as the primary instructor.
Family Background and Previous Challenges
Jenelle Evans is a mother of three children. Her eldest son, Jace, 17, is with her ex-boyfriend Andrew Lewis. Her son Kaiser, 12, is with ex-boyfriend Nathan Griffith. Her youngest daughter, Ensley, nine, is with her estranged husband David Eason, from whom her divorce was finalized in July 2025.
The family has faced public challenges, including Jace’s recent stay in a mental health facility after an incident involving a firearm and his grandmother, Barbara Evans. Evans had previously stated in April on the La Femme Talk podcast that Jace was receiving help and was in a “safe place” with a “holistic approach,” focusing on himself and appearing happy. However, reports indicate that Jace is currently living back with his grandmother in North Carolina.
Conclusion
Jenelle Evans’ decision to homeschool her younger children, Kaiser and Ensley, stems from a combination of factors including concerns about bullying, her own health challenges with CRPS, and a desire for greater flexibility. While she has defended her method, which largely involves online educational platforms, the approach has sparked a debate among her followers, highlighting differing views on modern educational alternatives and parental responsibilities.
