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.