The 3 Reasons I Am Homeschooling Through High School
I now officially homeschool two high schoolers. I won’t try to pretend that it is easy. There are times I have felt overwhelmed with the responsibility of homeschooling my teens. But even though the road is sometimes a difficult one, there are many blessings that we’ve experienced because of the decision to continue homeschooling through high school.
Homeschooling through high school may not be an option for everyone. But if you’ve been debating it, here are three reasons to consider continuing your homeschooling through high school.
1. Family Relationships
I spend a very large part of most days with my children because we homeschool. We do participate in homeschool groups, co-ops, and field trips, but we are together much of that time. Although we have our typical ups and downs, our family is much closer than most other families with teens.
The teen years are hard; kids face all kinds of changes, temptations, and decisions. It’s hard for them to know who is really a friend when they’re faced with cliques. The family relationships they have are important. Because we spend so much time together while homeschooling, we’ve built family relationships that encourage our kids to turn to family for support when they’re struggling.
2. Great Discussions
I want to know what my teens are thinking. During the teen years, kids have much to think about; therefore, many ideas and questions about their worldview come up. Homeschooling has allowed us the opportunity for some great discussions. There have been many times that we are reading aloud or talking about a particular school subject, and some deep topic will arise. It isn’t a moment we could have planned for. But because of homeschooling, being together and learning together, we have the opportunity to have input as kids wrestle with a thought or question. When my kids are questioning their worldview or wondering why we, as a family, believe something, I want to have the opportunity to have input into that discussion.
3. Academic Success
Relationships and worldview are priorities for our family and are main reasons we homeschool. But another reason that homeschooling is great for high schoolers is that it can help you set your high school students up for academic success. Whether you’re preparing for college and choosing rigorous classes or have a student who isn’t going to college and needs curriculum choices that can help her succeed, homeschooling gives lots of flexibility of academic choices and preparation.
As a teacher in a public high school, I saw that kids were often shuffled off into a certain track and without some major intervention, that is where they stayed. With homeschooling, we’ve had the opportunity to help our high school students have curriculum and classes that fit them and their academic goals. Because we have more control over what they’re learning, we can make choices that are right for each one individually. And that individual focus makes them much more successful academically.
Homeschooling through high school is not always easy. There are days when I question my sanity. But I’m seeing the good results and the benefits of homeschooling in high school, and I know it’s worthwhile choice.
Homeschool moms are busy
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Author
Leah Courtney is a homeschooling mom of four. Her days are filled with being a mom, homemaker, and teacher. In her (very rare) free time, she enjoys blogging, reading, and reviewing books and curricula. These days she’s learning the joys of being a mom of teens. You can read about her family and homeschooling life at As We Walk Along the Road.
Comments (2)
Great post Leah,
We’ve homeschooled 4 children for over 20 years. Two have graduated and now attending college. It was a tough decision to homeschool them during their teen years, but after much prayer and consideration, we realized that it was not just a good idea, but a “must.”
Anyway, I your first two points are vital. Especially the spot where you mentioned that “I want to know what my teens are thinking.”
While this is important, I believe it’s also equally important for our kids to know what we (parents) are thinking as well.
During their teen years they have a ton of questions as they shape their worldview. By this time they have an idea as to what we believe but not necessarily how we got there. Our thinking process during conversations and as the parents figure some things out, it’s good for them to know how we think and what we are thinking. This helps them understand why we come to the conclusions we come to – especially our Christian Worldviews, etc.
Again, thanks for a good post. Every homeschooling parent needs clarity and encouragement during those years of teaching their teens.
Hi. My daughter is going into 9th grade. This will be her first year homeschooling. What curriculum do you use for highschool?