Imagine homeschooling before it was even a "thing": no groups, few resources, and no curriculum fairs. Now toss in 11 children, and you have Annette's journey.

Annette's mother, Mimo, escaped from Hungary during the final year of the war when the Nazis marched in. Her father, Didi, did not escape immediately; he was held in a prison work camp doing forced labor, rebuilding enemy bridges bombed by the Allies. He eventually escaped to one of Raoul Wallenberg's safe houses, where he went undercover in the resistance. With his blue eyes, blond hair, and a stolen Nazi uniform, he helped secure vital supplies for others. Nazi occupation resulted in the murder of 500,000 Jewish Hungarians.

Didi left Hungary just before the Russian communists fully took over the government in 1947. Mimo had escaped to the French part of Switzerland in 1944, returned to Hungary after the war, and left not long after her father. She first joined her mother in Paris before moving on to Seattle, Washington, where Didi was studying at the University of Washington.

Didi and Mimo gave their children a stellar education. Annette went on to earn degrees from both Stanford and Yale. Though Annette's children have accomplished a great deal, she is most proud of the wonderful, well-rounded lives they are living. Her son Corbi attended the US Air Force Academy, and their family now holds the record for the most children from one family to have graduated from Yale and other prestigious schools. 

And you can do it too!

Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-6f8ad6 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Simplified Homeschooling.