Homeschooling is a great choice for some families, and it comes with unique opportunities to select different kinds of curriculum that best suit the needs of your student. When it comes to high school courses, there is no single “best” curriculum; the right choice depends upon the child and the learning styles of the parent. With so many options available, how can you decide which is the best curriculum for your high school homeschool?
In this article, we will answer fifteen questions to help you determine which materials are best for you.
1. What Are the Basic Requirements?
Before selecting any homeschool curriculum, it is important to know what academic requirements are necessary for graduation. This can vary from state to state and even from district to district. In general, most states require that homeschoolers complete 4 years of English, 3 years of mathematics, 3 years of social studies, and 3 years of science to earn a high school diploma—but make sure the coursework you choose meets all local requirements.
2. What Is the Legal Status of Homeschooling in My State?
The official legal status of homeschooling in your state will impact what kind of curriculum you can choose and how much paper work you must submit. As some states put restrictions on home-educating families, it is important to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of your state.
3. What Is the Student’s Learning Style?
When selecting any kind of curriculum, it is important to find materials that fit the learning style of the student. It is possible to discover the preferred learning style of your high school student by having them take a test or observing their responses to educational materials.
4. What Is the Framework for the Curriculum?
The framework you choose for your curriculum will determine its structure and content. For example, a “classical” framework focuses on the “Great Books” and is based on rigorous study of the ancient Greek and Latin classics; a traditional framework focuses on the main subject areas and typically uses textbooks; and a constructivist framework puts the focus on project-based learning.
5. What Are the Main Considerations?
When selecting a high school homeschool curriculum, it is important to consider the academic needs of the student, the cost of the materials, the availability of books and supplies, and the educational philosophy of the curriculum.
6. What Are the Pros and Cons of Various Types of Curricula?
Different types of homeschool curricula offer different educational experiences. Some popular choices include structured programs, textbook-based approaches, unit studies, project-based programs, and other methods.
The type of material you choose will depend upon your unique needs, values, and objectives.
7. Which Subjects Should I Include?
Most states require four years of English, three years of mathematics, three years of social studies, and three years of science for high school graduation. However, you may also choose to include additional courses, depending upon the interests and abilities of your student. Some popular choices include foreign language, computer science, music, and art.
8. How Can I Find Curriculum Suppliers?
Many homeschool suppliers—both online and in the local area—offer a wide variety of curriculum and textbooks for homeschooling students. You can also find a list of suppliers in most homeschool magazines and on the Internet.
9. What Is the Typical Cost of Homeschool Supplies?
The cost of a homeschool curriculum and supplies can vary widely. In general, a structured program may cost anywhere from $200 to $600 per year, and supplies for a typical high school student may cost about $150 per year.
However, many of these costs can be offset by shopping for used textbooks and materials, taking part in co-op programs, and using free online resources.
10. What Are Some Techniques to Save Money?
When it comes to homeschooling supplies, there are numerous ways to reduce the cost. These include shopping for used textbooks and materials, taking part in co-op programs, using free online resources, and signing up for subscription services that offer discounted rates.
11. What Kinds of Flexibility Does a Homeschool Program Offer?
A homeschool program provides an increased level of flexibility for both students and parents. Unlike traditional schools, students can pursue topics of interest or undertake independent studies, and parents can adjust their teaching style to fit their student’s individual needs and interests.
12. Is Technology-Based Learning an Option?
Technology-based learning is becoming increasingly popular with homeschool families. Using tablet computers, laptops, smartphones, and other digital devices, high school homeschoolers can access an immense variety of resources and tools to help maximize learning.
13. Are There Special Programs Available for Advanced or Gifted Students?
There are many homeschool programs designed for advanced or gifted students. Specialized classes, extracurricular clubs, advanced study programs, and other resources are available to homeschoolers who wish to challenge their students beyond the scope of traditional high school studies.
14. How Are Homeschool Programs Evaluated?
Despite the fact that most states do not require that homeschool programs be evaluated, many parents prefer to have their student’s progress regularly assessed. A variety of methods can be used to evaluate a homeschool program, including standardized testing, portfolio reviews, and local assessments.
15. How Well Do Homeschool Students Perform on Tests?
Studies of both traditional and homeschooled students have shown that homeschooled students tend to outperform their peers in standardized tests and tend to score in the top 25% on college-entrance exams. Furthermore, many homeschoolers go on to attend some of the best colleges and universities in the country.
Conclusion
Selecting a high school homeschool curriculum is an important decision for any family that homeschools. By asking these fifteen questions, you can find a program that meets the academic and personal needs of your student—an essential step in helping your young scholar reach his or her fullest potential.
With an appropriate curriculum and the right instruction, your high school homeschooler can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the future.