Homeschooling offers a flexible range of course options, allowing students to choose their studies according to their interests and future goals. Virginia students who are homeschooling have to follow a state-approved curriculum or studies program, and must include subjects like Mathematics, Science, Social Science and English language arts.
While these subjects should form the core of any homeschool student’s education, various electives and supplementary courses can provide a more comprehensive learning experience. Given the options available, it can be difficult for parents to decide which courses for their children to take in high school in Virginia. Today, we look at some of the courses that should be considered for high school homeschoolers in Virginia.
Should Advanced Courses Be Taken In High School?
Enrolling in advanced courses can be a great way to challenge your child and help them attain higher marks in college. Advanced courses in high school can range from Advanced Placement (AP) courses, to college-level courses offered by a local college or university.
Taking advanced courses can help homeschooled students stand out in college applications, and also give them an edge when taking the SATs or ACTs. It also helps develop students who are intellectually curious and enquiring, as they learn to think and reason beyond the classroom. Before enrolling in any advanced courses, however, you should consider your child’s current skill level, as well as their potential to excel in the course.
If they are not able to cope with the course workload, it could be counter-productive in the long run.
What Are the Benefits of Taking College Prep Courses?
College Prep courses are a great way to get a feel for college-level academics, and help prepare students for college studies. These types of courses tend to focus on preparing students for college admissions tests such as the SATs and the ACTs, as well as more technical courses such as Algebra and Calculus.
College Prep courses can also provide a more comprehensive academic experience for homeschoolers, as it concentrates more on college-level subject matters. What’s more, completing a course in College Prep can help provide students with confidence as they progress in their academics.
What Other Types of Courses Should I Consider?
In addition to college prep and advanced courses, there are other types of courses that should be included in your child’s high school studies. Foreign Language classes, often offered in high schools, are a good option to consider. Learning a foreign language can help expand a student’s horizons and give them a better understanding of foreign cultures.
On top of that, learning a foreign language can be an excellent way to enhance their language skills and enhance their ability to read and write. In addition, classes in business, finance and economics can also be included in a homeschool curriculum, although these courses may be more specialist in nature.
Classes such as these help build business skills, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
What Mathematics Courses Should My Child Take?
Making sure that your child is doing the right types of Mathematics courses is important in preparing them for college or other higher education institutions. The kinds of Mathematics courses that your child should take in high school depend on the kind of college program they plan to pursue. High school homeschoolers should take Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry as the essential mathematics courses.
Depending on the college path that they plan to pursue, more advanced mathematics courses may be necessary, such as Calculus and Statistics. Making sure that your child is doing the right types of Mathematics classes is essential to ensure that they are well-prepared for college-level studies.
What Science Courses Should My Child Take?
High school homeschoolers in Virginia should take Biology, Chemistry and Physics as the essential science courses. Depending on the college path that they plan to pursue, more advanced science courses such as Environmental Science and Astronomy may also be necessary.
Science courses are important in preparing students for college and other higher education institutions. Science courses give students a firm understanding of how the natural world works, as well as helping develop critical thinking skills.
What Social Science Courses Should My Child Take?
Social Science courses are important for students who wish to pursue post-secondary education. Social Science subjects such as Psychology and Sociology are great subjects to consider, as they help develop knowledge of the social sciences. Electives such as Law and Government can also be beneficial, as they help students understand the workings of politics and the American legal system.
History courses are also important, as they give homeschoolers an understanding of the past and the contributions of various cultures throughout history.
What Arts and Language Courses Should My Child Take?
Arts and language courses can provide homeschoolers with a more fulfilling educational experience. Taking courses in Art, Music, Foreign Languages and Creative Writing can provide a more creative outlet for homeschoolers and help them learn more about various cultures and ways of expressing themselves. For students who wish to pursue higher education in the Arts, it is important to include Arts and language courses in a high school home schooling program.
Even if they do not plan to pursue higher education in the Arts, taking Arts and language courses can provide homeschoolers with an understanding of the Arts and the contributions of culture in history.
What Technology and Applied Skills Courses Should My Child Take?
In addition to basic courses, students should also consider taking courses in technology or applied skills. Skills such as web design, computer coding, and graphic design can help prepare students to thrive in a digital world. Applied skills such as culinary arts, engineering, and automotive technology can be very helpful in giving students a competitive edge when pursuing post-secondary studies.
Having a range of applied skills will certainly help homeschoolers stand out when competing for jobs after college.
Are Supplemental Course Essential For College Admissions?
Supplemental courses can be a great way to increase a student’s knowledge and academic prowess. Taking extra classes such as Economics and Psychology can help increase a student’s knowledge and qualifications for college admissions. That said, it is important to note that supplemental courses are usually not required by college admissions.
Depending on the college that your child plans to attend, they may or may not be necessary.
What Additional Homeschool Services Should I Consider?
Homeschoolers in Virginia can also consider taking advantage of other homeschool services such as Homework Help programs, or tutoring services. Homework Help programs can provide students with guidance and support, as well as helpful course material to supplement their studies. Tutoring services can also be a great way to help homeschoolers learn in a one-on-one setting.
For example, if a student needs additional help in Maths, they can enlist the services of a qualified tutor to help them understand the concepts better.
Should I Hire a Tutor for My Child?
Depending on the age and skill level of your homeschooler, it may be beneficial to hire a tutor for your child. Tutors can provide guidance and support, as well as targeted help in specific subject matters. On the other hand, some homeschoolers may find it more beneficial to work at their own pace.
Ultimately, it is up to the parents to decide whether they should hire a tutor, or allow their child to work on their own.
Conclusion
Homeschoolers in Virginia are faced with many options when it comes to their education. Choosing the right courses can be a difficult task, as there are many different types of courses available. Today we looked at some of the courses that should be considered for high school homeschoolers in Virginia, including Advanced Placement courses, college prep courses, foreign languages, and various arts and science courses.
Whichever courses you choose for your homeschooler, it is important to make sure that they reflect their interests and goals, as well as helping them build the skills they need to succeed in college.