How to Homeschool Your Catholic High Schooler
Families that have been homeschooling from the beginning can still feel like the high school years are different. There are so many benefits to homeschooling high school. By high school, your child has developed skills for independent self-learning, is more mature, and can take on more responsibility.
Just as with the younger grades, remember that the homeschool high school experience does not have to replicate an in-school experience. You have the flexibility to combine book learning with online classes, community college courses, working and volunteering, internships, and travel. Of course, there are some requirements that your state may set, but the details of your teen’s homeschooling is up to you. There are many ways to check off those course requirements. And a homeschooled teen has more time in the day to get a part-time job, explore a hobby, participate in a co-op or enrichment program, or take up some extracurricular activities like drama, music, or sports.
And while everyone’s homeschool experience is unique, there are some essentials to homeschooling through high school and successfully graduating your homeschooled teen. For many homeschoolers, the elementary and middle school years may seem more straightforward. High school can feel daunting for many homeschooling parents, but it really is just the next step in your homeschooling journey. You can be successful homeschooling a teen toward graduation!
Homeschooling High School for the Catholic Teen
- Make a 4-Year High School Plan for Homeschool
Planning doesn’t have to wait until 9th grade. You can use the middle school years to plan out the next four years. As you move into the high school years, work to strengthen study and learning skills. Help your teen discover what he or she loves and allow for time for any passions. Plan for recordkeeping, both what the state may require and what colleges expect for applications. - Graduation Requirements
States vary in what they require to fulfill high school coursework. Most importantly, look to the colleges that your teen is interested in. Colleges and universities vary in what they require for acceptance. - Dual Enrollment Classes
Taking college-level courses while still in high school becomes more popular each year. There are countless opportunities for homeschooled students to get college credit while still in high school. If your child is interested in taking college courses or is working above grade level, look to your local community college or university. The proliferation of online college courses opens up even more possibilities. - High School Sports
Home educated teens can participate in high school sports. Whether it’s with the local public high school, with a private school, or in a homeschool sports league, there are opportunities to compete competitively at the high school level. - Homeschooling High School Challenges
Just as with the younger grades, there can be challenges to homeschooling high school. Choosing curriculum to match your child’s learning style, keeping good records, working with special needs, social issues, academic challenges, diverging goals, and parental self-doubt can all make homeschooling high school difficult. But these challenges can be overcome and you can successfully homeschool high school.
Graduation for the Catholic Homeschooler
- High School Recordkeeping for Homeschoolers
Recordkeeping requirements can vary state to state. Learn about the requirements for recordkeeping required by your state. You also should keep accurate records in order to complete a transcript and apply for college. Colleges differ in what they look for in a college application. Working closely with the college your child is interested in will ensure you have all you need to successfully complete those applications. - Homeschool Diplomas
Your child can receive a diploma from your homeschool. This diploma is a statement that your homeschooled teen has completed the course of study you set out for him or her successfully. You can create your own diploma or use a pre-prepared template. Sign it to attest that your student’s course of study was successfully completed. - How to Create a Homeschool Transcript
You can create a homeschool transcript for your student. Keep good records during the four years of high school to make this easier. There are transcript templates and service, but you can also create one yourself. - Homeschool Graduation Ceremony Ideas
A homeschooler doesn’t have to do without a graduation ceremony. From family celebrations to homeschool group graduations, there are lots of ways to celebrate your teen’s homeschooling success.
Santiago Trade School
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