Today we’d like to introduce you to Anissa Wright.
Hi Anissa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been deeply curious about the world around me. Everything from traveling and exploring history to solving math equations and watching YouTube videos about quantum physics. I love learning how things work. I also love sharing what I learn, as well as my profound faith in Christ, with others. I wanted my children to grow up with that same sense of wonder and purpose. So, I decided to homeschool. It wasn’t part of some grand plan, it was just me wanting to give my kids a rich, meaningful education rooted in curiosity and truth.
Over time, people took notice and started asking me to open a school. They were interested in homeschooling but didn’t know where to start. I didn’t feel equipped to take on the responsibility of educating other people’s children. I was just a mom trying to do right by mine. But everything shifted when I enrolled my son in a homeschool co-op. That’s when I realized: I couldn’t outsource the rigor or relevance of his education. I had to be intentional.
One day, he came home with an assignment to write about someone from the 1800s. He was given a list to choose from, some doctors, some lawyers, other were inventors and scientists. The list had twelve names. Two were Black, and both were enslaved. I was incensed. It wasn’t just about representation; it was about dignity, truth, and the kind of education that shapes how our children see themselves and the world. On top of that, the teaching methods felt outdated and disconnected from the skills he’d need to thrive.
That moment lit a fire in me. I didn’t want my child to view himself as inferior. I wanted to empower him, celebrate his curiosity, and encourage him to love learning. I also realized I didn’t want this just for my own kids, I wanted to build something that would equip other families with the tools to do the same. I found that I was not alone. My business partner, Jocelyn Steward, also longed for a community and curriculum that inspires, prepares, and empowers children for life beyond high school. We decided to create what we couldn’t find and that’s how Rise was born. Not out of ambition, but out of conviction. Today, I’ve graduated two children and have one heading into high school. And I’m more committed than ever to helping families build strong, faith-rooted educational foundations that honor every child’s potential.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Nothing about entrepreneurship is ever smooth. Whenever you are building a people-centered business, you are bound to encounter trials. This is not unexpected. Anything growing will face adversity. It’s the adversity, when you learn from it, that makes you better.
We learn so much from the community of families we serve. Connecting with them on a one-to-one level allows us to better understand their needs and goals. It helps us shape our programming accordingly. One of the biggest challenges we face is finding space to adequately meet our needs. We are in our fourth year and registration has doubled this year. We are actively looking for a larger space to house our program.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love working in the education space. Whether I’m tutoring a student one-on-one or mentoring a parent through the transition to homeschooling, learning, serving, and guiding others toward success is where I thrive. When introducing homeschooling to new parents, it’s essential they understand the level of involvement it requires. This path demands commitment, clarity, and a willingness to rethink traditional models of education. Homeschooling is often confused with remote learning, but they are fundamentally different. Remote learning typically follows a school-directed program delivered online, while homeschooling empowers families to design an educational experience tailored to their values, goals, and rhythms.
My mission is to help parents and students navigate homeschooling in a way that aligns with their personal vision, not simply replicate conventional systems that may not serve them well. While the transition can feel daunting at first, homeschooling offers a level of freedom and flexibility that’s rarely found in other educational models. It opens the door to meaningful, student-centered learning and a deeper connection to the process itself.
I think all homeschooling parents and families are set apart. No journey is the same as someone else’s, and it is not supposed to be. However, if I had to point to one thing that makes me sought out in the space is my dedication to the success of each student I serve. I am truly passionate about seeing them all succeed, not just in academics, but their areas of interest. If students find support in their parents, teachers, friends, and community, there is nothing they can’t do. This makes me extremely proud.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the diversity here, the rich cultural experiences, the way you can learn something new just by walking into a different neighborhood or trying a new dish. The food scene? Unmatched. Maybe Louisiana gives it a run for its money, but I’m hard-pressed to call it a blowout. My only complaint? Houston is flat. I’d throw in a few mountains if I could, just something to climb or gaze at in the distance while dreaming up the next chapter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.risehomeschoolclasses.com
- Facebook: @risehomeschool
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anissawright/
