Homeschool High School? Yes, you can! I’ve heard many parents over the years charge through the elementary and junior high years with purpose and determination. However, when their student reaches high school they feel overwhelmed and doubtful. Algebra, Spanish, Biology….oh my! Maybe you didn’t excel at these subjects or if you did, you still don’t feel capable of guiding a teen through them. This is what guides our high school curriculum choices and why I believe homeschooling high school is the best part of the journey!
- Flexibility…..use it to your student’s advantage! Time flexibility is a huge asset in a teenager’s schedule. School time and homework become one in the same. Time isn’t wasted changing classes or with a study hall. The time dedicated each day to a subject is efficiently used to learn the subject at the student’s pace and complete work. Schoolwork can be scheduled better around sports and work opportunities. By high school, a student should be a fully independent learner and take ownership of their education. This helps them become life-long learners.
- Not feeling up on your geometry….neither was I! High school is a fantastic time to outsource the more challenging subjects to live online classes or computer programs. One of my daughters has thrived using CTC Math for her Algebra, Geometry, etc. Don’t be afraid to hire tutors or enroll them in a high school co-op or classical education program like Classical Conversations for those subjects you find intimidating. My oldest daughter wrote at a level much higher than my own, so we enrolled her in a college credit writing program. If you feel some outside teaching would help, the opportunities are endless!
- A flexible schedule also allows for work opportunities that most students can’t take advantage of. My oldest two daughters have worked during some week days and accomplished schoolwork around that schedule. They are able to put in more time and get exposure to different careers because of their flexibility.
- What about sports, music….and…PROM? Well, different states have different policies when it comes to homeschool students participating in public school activities. Most will allow participation with some form of dual enrollment. But with the rise in club sport recreation that may not even be necessary. Many homeschool groups have their own sports, music and theater groups. My daughters got to participate in a homeschool prom and never felt like they were missing out.
Don’t allow fear to stifle what can be the best years of your student’s homeschool journey. The world is rapidly changing and what worked ten years ago is obsolete. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for guidance from veteran homeschool parents! Teaching them to read and study long division is the hard part. This stretch of the journey can be most rewarding, so don’t miss it! - Hormones can run high….how to keep emotional roller-coasters to a minimum. Teenage angst is can be hard to manage especially when you are on the frontlines of your child’s education. Suicide is at an all-time high and teens are more stressed than ever before. Homeschooling high school can allow for a safe environment to work through mental health struggles. My daughter has battled anxiety as well as normal hormone fluctuations. We have found Amare Global’s Mood Plus to be essential in modulating her anxiety and mood swings. She never leaves home without it and makes sure we never run out. It is completely natural and works for adults too!
Kathy Davis is a mom of four who began her homeschool journey in 2006 when her oldest started pre-school. In May 2021, she graduated her oldest. She is passionate about helping moms stay the homeschooling course while not losing themselves in the process. She mentors burn-out moms and helps them not only survive but thrive! In April 2020, she launched her website and started working with Amare Global to offer practical support, solutions, and community for moms who don’t want to lose their dreams and passions during motherhood. Feel free to email her HERE. To try Mood Plus click HERE. Mood Plus is an all-natural product that contains Ashwagandha and Magnolia Bark which has been scientifically proven to decrease feelings of anger and sadness while also reducing stress.
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