I’m back today with another Homeschooling 101 post.  Today we’re talking about homeschooling through highschool.

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Homeschooling through the upper grades can be an overwhelming and intimidating thought that can create alarm in some of the most relaxed homeschooling parents.

So I wanted to start off this post by encouraging you.

YOU CAN DO IT!

Aside from the academics required, your primary goal is to prepare your student for their adult life. Homeschooling can help continue to build a bond with your student, and cement your relationship during a tumultuous time in their lives. Having a parent they can count on for training and sound advice will have eternal rewards when it comes to their future.

Homeschooling through high school can also allow students to experience more things without the confinements of a classroom setting. You’re free to get out and actually participate in various things that interest them, along with learning in a more hands-on fashion. You can also tailor the curriculum towards their career aspirations, and challenge them academically with accelerated programs and college level work if and when students are ready.

 

Social Development

Socially speaking teens are also susceptive to peer-pressure, the need to fit in and conform to various “groups”. At home you can create a safe learning environment where these pressures are removed. Instead your student will have the opportunity to become more self-confident in who they are and who God has created them to be.

 

High School Credits & Classes

There are several options when it comes to the demands of high school level subjects. Co-ops, online, and DVD courses are a popular choice for homeschooling through subjects that require more expertise on the part of the teacher. And don’t forget to make it fun. Students at this level can help tailor a unit study or more in depth project based on their goals and interests.

There are also college dual-enrollment classes available to homeschoolers which can help students become accustomed to a classroom environment. They also give students college credit while technically still in high school.

 

Plan Ahead

A little planning will go a long way to creating an effective and positive high school experience for both you and your student. You will want to discuss with your student their future goals and career prospects. If college is in their future, make sure to take time to look at the entrance requirements for your prospective college so your student will be able to meet those requirements upon graduation from high school. Build your curriculum to fit your state requirements along with consideration for their future goals.

I also suggest having your students take an aptitude test during 8th grade, or prior to the start of 9th grade. This is great in helping students find strengths and interests as they prepare for their adult careers. You can find free aptitude tests online. Use the tests as a guide in helping your student, but don’t let them deter students from pursing their interests.

Here are some more things to keep in mind when preparing to homeschool your high school student:

  • Transcripts and Record Keeping
  • College Entrance Requirements
  • Career Goals
  • Student Interests (Consider having your student help tailor their year towards their goals.)

For more detailed information on homeschooling through High School check out my Homeschooling 101: A guide to getting started!

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If you’ve missed my previous posts make sure to check them out!

5 Comments

  1. As a mom of 13 who has graduated 2 with 1 graduating in 2014, I’d encourage you to have high schoolers practice essay writing by hand, typing, and reading good classic literature. Many linguistic references come from classic literature and giving your student that knowledge will help them in unique ways. Also have them practice life skills like basic sewing (especially buttons), balancing a checkbook, cooking, and cleaning. (Sewing on buttons has helped my oldest two children in their retail clothing jobs.) Basic car maintenance and home maintenance are important, too. These are genderless roles, but valuable as our students move from our homes into their own in a few short blinks of the eye.

    Diane Ryks
  2. I’ve homeschooled high school for one child. She wasn’t homeschooled totally. I took her out of Public school in 10th grade and I Dual Enrolled her in the Community College from which she gained her AA in BioInformatics within 1.5 years and graduated at 17 yrs old. After doing 2 summer study abroad trips with the college, she told me it was the best thing I ever did for her. She is now transferring to a 4 year college, accepted into their honors college program with a partial scholarship. We couldn’t be happier. The transition puts her within the age range of many freshman so she will be in her peer group. Also, she will only need 2 years to get her BS. Therefore, I encouraged her to go straight for her Masters Degree – why not, she will be only 19yrs old when she graduates. As a Master Degree student she will still be able to live on campus and be with others her age. Now I’m homeschooling my 2 other kids who I pulled out of school last year. Dual Enrollment really worked out well for us.

      1. Hi Steen
        It will depend on where you are going to community college and what their policies are. You’ll need to contact the school you’re attending to figure out what they offer.

        erica
  3. Yes, planning is very essential in homeschooling. Unlike the olden days, home schooling is becoming a much easier task now. My son is home schooled. He is in 9 th grade now. He is taking a grade 9 online course from iLearn DL (British Coloumbia). Since he is following the online course, planning is much easier for him!

    Barry Silverman

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