Why Homeschool Through High School?

By Maggie Hogan

The first and most obvious advantage is the time and opportunities available in which you can demonstrate and attempt to pass on your spiritual heritage, your morals, and your work ethic. Much has been written about these already. I’m going to write about other advantages as well as provide practical suggestions to make homeschooling your teen easier.

Students who home school through the teenage years tend to be more focused on what they want to accomplish with their lives. Those with artistic natures find they have ample time to immerse themselves more fully in their respective talents: writing, art, music, etc. Those who have an academic passion will find they have more time to read, work on the computer, study foreign languages, chart the stars, and follow their interests at a deeper level. Students who are planning a vocational or technical career can begin an apprenticeship or a work-study in their chosen field. Unlike public schools, there is no waiting on the rest of the class, unnecessary seat-work, study halls, disruptive behavior, or threats to their personal safety to take students’ minds off what they really want to learn and accomplish.

With the proper guidance from their parents, these young people will enter adulthood poised, confident, and with a solid academic and work ethic background. These responsible and independent problem-solvers will be gladly welcomed into colleges and the work place!

Great Goals!

- World Knowledge - History and Geography are cornerstones to understanding current events, political and socio-economic information.

- Ability to Communicate Effectively - write, write, and write some more. A person who writes and communicates well is a valuable asset to any college or employer. (Being well read is part of the package. Develop and use a good book list.) Computer communication is becoming an absolute necessity.

- Problem Solving - raise independent learners who are able to organize, research, and solve problems.

- Time Management and Self-Discipline - these skills are invaluable for every adult.

- Self-Sufficiency - train your young adults in Biblical stewardship and other practical skills such as auto and household maintenance.

- Integrity - don’t leave home without it!

Help! Can I Really Do This!?

There are many “ideals” in planning for high school, just as there are for most facets of our lives. With high school, as with the rest of your homeschooling, do your very best and don’t get caught up in feelings of inadequacy just because Mrs. B is teaching her three teens Latin, Physics and Trig! Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. If one year is less than banner, strive to do better the next.

The Key

Love your teens and give them as many opportunities to learn as you can. Help them to learn study skills, life skills, and give them the chance to stretch and grow, and even sometimes fail. Spend time in the Word and help them to see the practical applications of your faith so that they will want to emulate you. At no other age is the “Do as I say, not as I do” adage less likely to work. Remember, whether or not your student has a chemistry lab or AP level courses is not nearly as important as having their faith and beliefs firmly in place!

Now, having said all that, here are some of the “ideals” in preparing for high school and college.

How Do I Know Which Classes My Student Needs?

First, begin with your state requirements. Some states may have specific course work that is required of everyone, including homeschoolers. Other states allow flexibility and leave the final decision with the principal (or parent.) Your homeschool organization may have its own set of requirements. Ask. Typically, graduation requirements range from 19 to 22 credits. Below is a list of generally required courses. Second, take your student’s interest into account. A student with strong aptitude and interest in one area should be encouraged to pursue that area of interest.

If a student is probably college bound, it is wise to structure their course work accordingly. Check with your state university’s requirements for entrance. This will give you a good idea of subjects your child should be taking. If you’re not sure about college, it’s better to prepare them should they decide to go, rather than have them attempt to go unprepared.

What is a High School Credit?

It’s useful to understand what a “credit” actually is. A credit is technically a “Carnegie Unit.” According to the Carnegie Foundation this unit was developed as a measure of the number of hours a student has studied discrete (separate/distinct) subjects. For example, a total of 120 hours in one subject earns the student one “unit” of high school credit.

Consider purchasing the Guide to PA Homeschoolers Diploma by Howard and Susan Richman. Check out their website: www.pahomeschoolers.com. This excellent booklet has many examples of ways to earn high school credits and to prepare for college. PA homeschoolers may receive credit if they do any ONE of the following, per course:

- Complete two-thirds of a textbook
- Have 120 daily logged entries
- Have 120 hours of logged study
- Complete a 10 page research paper
- Complete a college course
- Pass an AP exam

I would add to their list:

- Documented Work Study
- Documented Apprenticeship
- Community Service/Volunteer Work
- Long-term participation on a sports’ team
- Long-term participation in community arts’ programs
- Other creative ways in which you can demonstrate that a reasonable amount of learning has taken place.

Strategy

Using your state’s guidelines, college admissions, and any other resources, make a list of the minimum required courses your student should complete. Then, with your student, discuss options for electives. Keep their interests and abilities in mind as you plan. Electives don’t have to be planned out all at once. Be flexible and allow room for your student to grow and mature.

Now make a plan of attack: which courses will be completed which year? Is your student capable of or interested in early graduation? Check to see if it’s legal and acceptable in your situation to accelerate and do high school in three years. For many homeschool students, this allows them to spend what would be their senior year, pursuing community college courses and/or work options.

Subject:	Credits:	Examples:
Electives	6 or 7	Foreign language, Driver Education, Computer, Art, Speech, Music, Drama, Business courses are all popular choices. Future goals should guide selections
English	4	3 credits of sequential English and 1 elective such as Journalism, Creative Writing, etc.
Health	1
Mathematics	2 or 3	Choose courses with college/career in mind. Consumer or general math for some students or Algebra, Geometry, Trig.
Physical Education	1	Soccer leagues, Ballet, Tennis, Aerobics, etc.
Science	2 - 3	Biology, Chemistry, Physics for the college bound.
Social Studies	3 or 4	U.S. History, World History, Government or Geography are typical.

What Are Some Options for Teaching High School Courses?

This is a great time to be homeschooling! The options are many and diverse. Besides the traditional student book/teacher book method here are other ideas:

- Barter - you teach my student Spanish and I’ll teach yours Algebra.

- Be a Student - learning right alongside your child can be a fantastic experience. Whether you sign up together for a local Spanish course or just dig into the books together, show your kids that learning is a lifelong process!

- Community Colleges - many homeschoolers take college level courses during high school. This serves two purposes: first, it is a practical way to take a class the parent prefers not to teach or for which the equipment may not be readily available, like Chemistry. Secondly, a job well done offers “proof” of the student’s ability.

- Computer Courses - there are many programs available now. Ask friends for recommendations.

- Co-ops and hybrid co-ops - We’re involved in a wonderful co-op we started with two other families to teach our kids once a week in a classroom-like setting. We’ve expanded to three different groups: upper elementary, middle school and high school. This year in high school we offer: Literature, AP U.S. History, Biology and Spanish II. Each year we decide which classes we want based on our families’ needs. We open this up to other students on a paying basis. Each teacher is paid, along with the co-op administrator. The kids love it and so do the parents!

- Correspondence Courses - there are a number of different correspondence schools. Choose one course or take the whole program. Depending on the school, it may offer support, record keeping, testing, transcripts, report cards, and accountability. Many are accredited. There are both secular and Christian schools. This might be good for a course you don’t prefer to teach.

- Hire a Tutor - if you can afford it and your local homeschooling laws permit, this is a great way to cover that one class you’d just as soon not teach. We do it for piano lessons, why not Latin?

- Internet Classes - we’ve participated in Escondido Tutorial Services. Fritz Hinrichs teaches a number of classical courses through live, interactive weekly meetings. We’ve been very pleased. There are other many others now doing similar things. His site is www.gbt.org. Also see PA Homeschoolers online, mentioned above.

- Video Courses - lacking in interactivity but excelling in material covered. Some of the courses we’ve used have been very well done.

Of course, good record keeping is a must. Check out Mary Schofield’s book, High School Handbook: Junior and Senior High School at Home, available from Amazon.com and many other sources. Another good book is Barbara Shelton’s Senior High: A Home-Designed Form-U-La. Email her at BEShelton@aol.com. Useful information can be found at Cafi Cohen’s site: www.homeschoolteenscollege.net.

As you can see, there is a plethora of possibilities available to you, including articles from Crosswalk.com and many, many great homeschooling sites online. Be of good cheer! These are your teens and with the help of our Lord, Jesus Christ, you can do this!