My thoughts on homeschooling high school...

Seems like most moms begin their homeschool journey from the beginning. Not me.  The first student came home 2nd semester 7th grade and the others followed in 4th & 6th grade so I didn't have time to fear high school it was knocking down the door from the very beginning.

I had a friend come by this week looking at our high school materials and I shared some of my record keeping methods with her for high school.  She asked "but aren't you scared sometimes."  My answer was no. I can't say I wasn't ever a little worried but reading blogs and forums about other moms who'd been there done that was very reassuring.  These moms had homeschool graduates already in college with scholarships and some had graduates in great careers.  I figured if they had done it, I could do it too.

Here is advice #1 for any parent considering home school high school:

• research, read, study.....online, books, university websites.  More colleges have catered their admission processes to homeschoolers because more of us are applying to college.
• have a goal, and have a plan - EARLY.
• seek out opportunities for your high schooler.
• be flexible, and don't be afraid to change your mind.

The journey with Princess has been wonderful.  She loves homeschooling but she has had the privilege of experiencing public and private school.  She knows the good, bad, and the ugly.  She prefers her current situation.  One time while riding in the car she thanked me for homeschooling her.  She said it has given her the opportunity to rebuild her confidence.  The conversation brought tears to my eyes.

Having watched her over the last few years, I see that confidence.  I see her comfortable in her own skin.  She is no longer shy or afraid to express herself and communicate her ideas.   Just this past summer while participating in AdCamp (I blogged about it here), the college instructor facilitating the group made mention of Princess' ability to work well in a group.  She said "she listens to everyone, and synthesizes the information to come to one conclusion."  Proud mama moment right there.

I have two high schoolers this coming school year.  They are very different in skill, ability, and personality.  I pray for wisdom on how to steer them and for partnerships that will help sharpen their gifts and talents.   I am grateful for the opportunity to homeschool them.  I believe the future is very bright.  I take no credit....it all belongs to the giver of all wisdom and knowledge.  All good and perfect gifts come from Him.

Based on my own advice here is some specifics I've done to make homeschooling high school a blast:

1.  Based my graduation standards on my state's requirements for an advanced diploma.  You can find this at your state's department of education website.
2.  Even though the advanced diploma was my initial goal, based on my student's career aspirations I've eliminated the usual math/science sequence in favor of other courses yet to be determined.  FLEXIBILITY is key.
3.  Utilized homeschool co-ops and outside vendors to vary learning environments and to give student the ability to learn in different settings. Read about one such vendor here.
4.  Plan to use community college dual enrollment and public school part-time enrollment in latter high school years.  I know my own limitations. :)
5.  Beef up volunteerism and seek out opportunities to allow my student to shine in this area.
6.  Use summers to explore career aspirations including summer employment.

Have fun being creative and making your homeschool high school years the best for your student.

Be sure to visit all of the blog posts listed below and link up your own high school post.