High School? Can I Teach That?

The short answer: Yes!

The main thing that is different about teaching K-8 and high school is you have an older kid albeit sometimes with a bit more sass.

The times that I get the most questions about homeschooling is when a family is just starting the adventure and when a child is going into high school. But, have no fear! You have already been teaching and learning beside your child. You can keep going.

You are still in charge of curriculum choice. You are still in charge of whether you will outsource subjects, teach them on your own, or allow your kids to lead their own learning. You are still in charge of your kids’ education.

What I typically recommend to families is that their child is prepared for college even if they don't think they will go. If they change their mind in five or ten years, it's helpful for them to have a transcript that does them justice. Now, this doesn't mean that they have to have honors or AP classes, 47 credit hours, and accreditation. This simply means help colleges compare apples to apples by aiming for a course schedule that is similar to the state's graduation requirements.

Side note here: Not every person needs to go to college. College is for professions that need a college degree. It’s that simple. Other options are trade/vocational schools, on-the-job training, entrepreneurship, military training, certifications, etc. We are long past the point where college is proving to be the best route for all people.

So, back to homeschooling for high school. Let’s look at some things you will want to start thinking about. “Think about” is the key phrase. Breathe. Take one step at a time.

Plan of Action

1. Discuss and set-up a preliminary high school plan with your child. Do not be intimidated by this. There are many online high school curriculums, local co-ops, and self-lead courses. Home education has the potential of being the most beneficial avenue for your high schooler.

   • Discuss courses to be attempted for the core subjects.

   • Decide if any honors courses will be attempted.

   • Electives should include those that are geared toward:

     • the student’s interests     

     • aiding in the success of college/vocations/military/career

     • those required at a specific college for a particular major/minor

   
   

2. Set up a preliminary transcript. Transcripts can change throughout the school years, but it will benefit your child to see what they have achieved and what is to come. Also, it will save you from trying to create it from scratch at the last minute on graduation day. If you are overseeing the grades for a course, this can be achieved through participation, activities, reports, tests, review questions, etc. The final grade average is what is placed on the transcript.

   
   
   
   

3. Discuss if dual enrollment through a state college will be a benefit to your child’s plans. Dual enrollment courses can be done via in-person or online. Courses taken through your local state college are listed on the high school transcript and are counted toward high school and college credit. Whether it is one class or twelve, your student can complete college courses minus the cost of tuition and books. A college-ready score on the ACT, SAT, CLT, ACCUPLACER Next Generation, or PERT is required to participate in Dual Enrollment (unless you find a test-optional college, but you will usually pay for dual enrollment through these schools). You will need to discover which credits can be transferred should your student be heading toward a state or private university. Each college has a dual enrollment liaison that you will need to reach out to.

   
   
   
   

4. Discuss the possibility of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Exams. CLEP Exams are for those who have the motivation and skill for self-lead study. A CLEP Exam covers all material from a particular course and is graded pass or fail. With a passing grade, the college will count it

   as a completed college course and apply the appropriate credits. Unfortunately, these are not paid for by the county. However, it is still significantly cheaper than taking a full college course. A CLEP Exam will typically cost anywhere from $90-$100. As with dual enrollment, you will need to see which credits will be accepted should your student be heading toward a state or private university.

   
   

5. Be aware of local, state, and national scholarships and their requirements. Student debt is growing to enormous proportions in our country, and it is not slowing down. Did you know that student debt is the only form of debt that cannot automatically be erased by declaring bankruptcy (not that you want to do that either)? An Internet search for “college scholarships for homeschoolers” or simply “college scholarships” will supply you with enormous avenues for acquiring college assistance. Bright Futures is one of the largest scholarships available to students in the state of Florida. For home educated students, Bright Futures scholarships are determined through ACT/SAT/CLT scores and volunteer/work hours ONLY.

6. Determine whether the ACT, SAT, CLT, or all will be attempted. Tests are administered throughout the year. The first attempt is typically completed during/after the spring semester of junior year, but the time depends on your student’s capability and readiness. Decide if an ACT/SAT/CLT prep course will benefit your student.

Yes, there are more things to consider when you have a high schooler, but taking it one step at a time helps to take the dread out of planning. Please reach out for a coaching session if you would like more guidance.