Homeschooling High School – Where to Begin

Everyone has different reasons to begin homeschooling. Maybe you are at a crossroads trying to decide what direction your student’s high school years will take? Maybe, like me, there is hesitancy on your part to homeschool high school simply because you are unsure of what to accomplish, how to go about it, or wonder if you have what it takes to get it done?

Standing on this side of graduating three students, I can now say there is a feeling of gratitude and accomplishment in homeschooling through the high school years. Not because homeschooling was done in my strength, but because God’s wisdom and grace are abundant. During my years of homeschooling, I made some discoveries that I hope will encourage and prepare you to move forward in confidence.

If you homeschooled K-6, let me assure you that you can do this too. The best advice is to become informed – ask questions, do research, and find the answers you need. Being prepared will help relieve the anxiety you might feel. Educating your students through their teen years can truly be the most rewarding time with your children. Here are some ideas to make these next four years the best they can be.

Ask questions. Ask a homeschooling friend or acquaintance to invite you to her kitchen table so you can talk to her and her children and see how they homeschool high school. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but seeing how another family does it will help take the mystery out of the process. Also become familiar with your state’s regulations regarding homeschooling.

Keep records. You will need to record your student’s high school courses on a transcript. Find a template online or create one yourself. It’s easier if you do this as you go along and don’t try to compile the information at the last minute from memory.

Think of yourself as a facilitator. You don’t have to be an expert in all subjects to homeschool high school. Teach what you are able to and utilize the many resources available to you for other subjects, including video-based curriculum, online instruction, local co-ops, study with a buddy, and outside classes. Sometimes a reminder that we are not replicating public high school at home is helpful.

Lead through collaboration. Develop a partnership with your student. Ultimately, parents are responsible for their student’s education, but the student should value and own his education. Discuss what your expectations and goals are and how you will work together to achieve them.

Customize your student’s educational plan. Create a connection between high school and the career of her dreams. Help your student identify her career interests early and use those goals to tailor her coursework toward the future she wants to pursue. A plan for a student who is interested in a hands-on or science-related career can look much different than a student who wants to pursue a liberal arts field.

When my oldest was in 4th grade, I signed our family up to participate in a parent-led co-op. I wanted (needed) the support as much as I wanted the fellowship for my kiddos. Ramona, the co-op leader, phoned to let me know there was an opening and our family could join, but they wanted me to teach geography to the 4th grade class. Oh, no! Besides not even liking geography (and lacking knowledge of the subject), I was not equipped to teach anyone else’s children, let alone a classroom (public speaking terrified me). They were mistaken. I told them, “I am best suited for assistant role.” There were no other openings, so if we were to join, I would have to teach.

I am living testimony that God equips before He calls. I chose to teach 4th grade geography that year, and looked forward to being a lead teacher each year after that. Through His wisdom and grace, not in our own strength.

Cast a vision. Grades 7-12 are formative years beyond just academics. Prepare your student for his role in society beyond just being a good student. Each year, discuss with your student which life skills (home repair, CPR, personal financial management, etc.) and employment skills (communication, team work, leadership, etc.) he will be intentional on developing that year. Discuss specific tasks, projects, and ideas for how those will be cultivated. Outside of home teaching, include internships, volunteering, and part-time jobs as part of his comprehensive plan. Also remind him that he is in control of his time. Homeschooling can allow him time to develop a special talent, delve into an interest or hobby, create lasting relationships with grandparents, enjoy traveling, or even start his own business.

Earn college credit. Credit-by-exam is the best kept secret to helping your student earn affordable college credit. CLEP and DSST are nationally-recognized credit-by-exam programs where students can earn college credit for under $100 per course. Think of them as a final exam to a high school course. Check the credit-awarding policy with the colleges your student might consider.  To easily locate the information, enter the college’s name and CLEP in the search bar of any search engine.

Keep a schedule. Help your student keep on track by assigning target dates to the table of contents for each of her studies. This will encourage her to keep on task and avoid surprises at the end of the year. This also allows her to work ahead when special events are planned, or make adjustments if she needs time off for an illness or family commitment.

Bring the bling. No matter one’s age or circumstances, the grass often looks greener on the other side. Your homeschooled teen might wish that he could participate in some of the activities and events available to his public school friends. I encourage you not to underestimate his desire to be involved with peers. Though this can be challenging, be intentional in creating opportunities that help him engage with friends and partner with other homeschool families to create those special events that are meaningful to your teen.

Recognize there will be challenges. If you’ve homeschooled for any length of time, you’ve likely already experienced some challenges. There will be more to come, but remember that God’s wisdom and grace are abundant. Keep your eyes on the larger purpose – raising children who are strong in character and love the Lord – and many of these challenges can be turned into opportunities to grow in our relationship with Him.

This article was published in the Summer 2014 issue of the Arizona Home Education Journal. Cheri is a Featured Speaker for their July Homeschool Convention.

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Copyright©2014 Cheri Frame – All Rights Reserved.

Tags: high school, homeschool

Category: Building Blocks, Creating a Plan