Homeschooling Your High School Aged Student

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Are you Anxious about Homeschooling your High School aged Child?

To Keep Homeschooling thru High School or Not? That is the Question!

When we first started to home educating, I remember thinking that we might do this until 8th grade, but certainly not beyond! After all, what about teaching science: chemistry, biology, physics, and their respective labs? And high school math? Never! Then there are electives and the extra curricular activities! And how will they ever get into college? I still shudder to remember my fears. You may be experiencing some of those right now.

However, having been through it twice now, I eagerly anticipate this time for our 3 younger ones. Our 2 oldest children were as different as they come. Our son was always gifted athletically, and a real kinesthetic student. He is so talented at figuring things out: building, puzzles and creative computer applications. Our daughter was the "typical" scholar: enjoying and excelling in academics. Understandably, we tailored their high school years as uniquely as their learning styles.

When talking about homeschooling the post-elementary years with parents of younger children, I hear some common questions. Take a look at what I've found to be some FAQs, then come back and read about some other considerations to keep in mind as you decide whether or not to continue homeschooling through high school:

1) It is more time consuming for the parent than the lower grades. Although a good student can pretty much work self-paced, it does take some time on the parent's part to research curricula on the front end, and then handle problems with the lessons and grading, on the back end. One tip: start your search early (when your child is in 7th or 8th grade) and look for curricula that offer on-line help. If you're in the least bit unsure of yourself...stay away from anything that doesn't have pre-written test or answer keys!!

2) It may take a some added creativity on your part as well! This is a time when your child will be beginning to explore either college or career options for herself.

College-bound students will benefit not only from help choosing career options, but will need assistance with choosing a college. Here are some tips and tools to help your college-bound student. If your child does not seem destined for "advanced academia", you may want to help her seek out part-time or summer jobs in a field where they show interest or ability. Mentoring is a concept that isn't very popular these days, but can reap huge rewards.

3) High school curricula will often cost more. If you've been homeschooling a while, by the time you get to this stage, there are ways to get around this, but keep in mind that these require more time on your part. So basically your decision is: which do I have more of ~ time or money?

As the concept of home education moves beyond its early years, more and more resources have become available and are being developed. Today it is certainly easier than ever to continue educating your child at home through his challenging and crucial teen years. Check out some of the sites below for help and resources to get you started or keep you going in the journey.

Interested in more information? Looking for more creative ideas to keep school interesting and engaging ~ for you and your kids? You can have "Sparks for the Flame" delivered right to your in-box each month! Get new ideas to keep the fires burning brightly in your homeschool ~ sign up below and receive a FREE report "just for you": 10 tips-4-Mom to refresh and restore!

Homeschooling thru High School FAQs

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