We're Building the Classroom the System Never Could
Cocoa Classroom exists because a father refused to let his daughter become invisible. What started as one family's journey has grown into a movement—empowering parents to reclaim education, one child at a time.
The Story Behind Cocoa Classroom
Michael Roebuck
Founder, Software Engineer, Homeschool Dad
I never set out to build an education platform. I set out to protect my daughter. Growing up as the only Black child in my elementary school taught me what invisibility feels like. I was called "Hershey" in first grade—not as a term of endearment, but as a daily reminder that I didn't belong.
Despite winning spelling bees, math contests, and geography competitions, I was still seen as a problem, not a prodigy. The system failed me—not because I lacked intelligence, but because it wasn't designed to see children like me. And when my daughter was born, I made a promise: she would never feel invisible.
But when it came time to enroll her in school, I saw the same system. Clunky platforms. Inflated grades that didn't match reality. No transparency. No cultural grounding. No real accountability. So I did what any software engineer—and any father who refuses to settle—would do.
November 2022: The Turning Point
I lost my job. Most people would panic. I pivoted. I took every skill I had—coding, problem-solving, determination—and I built what we needed. Not for scale. Not for investors. For my daughter. And then, for yours.
When ChatGPT launched, everything changed. Suddenly, I could generate custom courses, lessons, and assessments in minutes. The bottleneck I had struggled with for years—content creation—was solved. The platform became real.
What started in my basement became something bigger. Parents in homeschool Facebook groups—strangers who were tired of the system—started reaching out. They wanted in. And now, we're building together. Not just a platform. A movement.
Our Mission
We exist to empower families who've been underserved, overlooked, or let down by traditional education systems.
Reclaim Education
Give parents the tools to take full ownership of their children's learning journey
Center Identity
Build learning experiences that reflect culture, values, and lived experiences
Empower Through AI
Use technology to make homeschooling accessible, personalized, and sustainable
Build Community
Create spaces where families support each other in redefining what education means
Who We Serve
Cocoa Classroom was built for families who need more than the system can offer. Here's who we're fighting for:
Struggling Teens (8th-10th Grade)
You're not a dropout. You're someone the system failed. We help you finish strong—on your terms.
- GED prep and high school credit recovery programs
- Self-paced learning that respects where you are
- Path to graduation without shame or stigma
Early Learners (Kindergarten)
Start your child's journey right—with education that sees them from day one.
- Culturally grounded early learning content
- Foundations in literacy, math, and critical thinking
- Joy-centered learning that builds confidence
Experienced Homeschoolers
You've been doing this. Now, do it with tools that actually help.
- AI-powered content generation to save you hours
- Advanced analytics to track real progress
- Flexibility to teach your way, enhanced by technology
Parents Who Want to Homeschool (But Are Afraid)
You don't need a teaching degree. You need support, structure, and someone who believes you can.
- Step-by-step guidance for getting started
- Pre-built courses you can customize
- A community that says: You've got this
Parents: You CAN Do This
You Don't Need a Teaching Certificate
You need love, consistency, and the right tools. Cocoa Classroom gives you the structure. You bring the heart.
You Don't Have to Depend on a Broken System
The system that failed you—or your parents—doesn't have to fail your children. You have the power to build something better.
You Cannot Afford NOT to Invest
Your child's education isn't something to gamble on. Every day in a system that doesn't see them is a day you can't get back. Act now.
You Can Build the Future
This isn't just homeschooling—it's legacy building. You're not just teaching subjects. You're teaching your child how to think, question, and thrive.
"The best classroom your child will ever have is one where they feel seen, valued, and empowered to become who they're meant to be."
Already Using Another Platform? Here's Why Families Are Switching
We get it. Change is hard. But staying in a system that's not working for you is harder.
Built by Someone Who Lives It
I'm not a corporation. I'm a dad who homeschools daily. Every feature comes from real experience, not boardroom speculation.
Culturally Grounded
Other platforms add diversity as an afterthought. We center identity, representation, and culture from day one.
Truly Affordable
No hidden fees. No upsells. Transparent pricing that respects working families.
AI That Actually Works FOR You
Generate complete courses, custom lessons, and assessments in minutes—not hours. AI handles the grunt work so you can focus on teaching.
Real-Time Visibility
See exactly where your child is—strengths, gaps, progress. No more guessing. No more inflated report cards.
Community Over Competition
We're not trying to replace you with algorithms. We're here to empower you with tools, support, and a network of families walking the same path.
Switching Is Easy
Bring your existing curriculum, or start fresh. We'll help you transition smoothly with onboarding support, migration guides, and a 30-day trial so you can test everything risk-free.
Our Core Values
These aren't just words on a page. They're the principles that guide every decision we make.
Representation Matters
Every child deserves to see themselves reflected in their education—not as a token, but as the center.
Parents Are Educators
You don't need permission or certification to lead your child's learning. You need support and tools.
Community Over Scale
We're not chasing venture capital. We're building for real families who need real solutions.
Innovation With Intention
Technology should empower people, not replace them. AI is our assistant, not our teacher.
Ready to Take Control of Your Child's Education?
You've read the story. You understand the mission. Now it's time to take the next step. Join families who are building a better way—together.
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