Parents face a potential dilemma when it comes time to decide the best educational route for their children. In the past, that meant choosing between public schools, private schools, or even boarding schools.
In recent years, however, homeschooling and online/virtual schooling options have provided parents with a whole new set of considerations. One popular option is striking a balance between both and developing a blended approach to schooling. In particular, many parents opt to homeschool their children in high school, which means they must be especially aware of meeting the educational standards students would receive at a traditional school.
In this article, we will explore homeschool high school curriculum, examining the ways you can ensure it meets standards and provides your child with a quality education.
1. What Are the Benefits and Advantages to Homeschooling High School?
Homeschooling high school can provide numerous benefits and advantages to both students and parents. For parents, there’s the satisfaction of playing an active role in their child’s education. They also enjoy more control over their children’s education, including the ability to tailor the curriculum to meet the needs of their child and to customize instruction, lessons, and assessments.
Additionally, homeschooling often emphasizes small class sizes and personal attention, which can provide for a more engaging educational experience. For the students, homeschooling provides the opportunity to learn and explore topics and subjects at their own pace.
Plus, they have more control over activities, increasing their engagement with the material and helping them more completely understand their lessons. Finally, homeschooling can help students hone their organizational and research skills, which can be beneficial later in life.
2. What Are Commonly Used Homeschool Curriculums?
When selecting a homeschool high school curriculum, many parents opt to use an all-in-one program. This means curriculum providers develop and compile all the materials necessary for a student to complete their coursework, such as textbooks, worksheets, quizzes, and answer keys. All-in-one programs tend to be convenient and easy to use, as parents simply need to purchase the materials and make sure the student follows the direction stated.
Many homeschooling families also use individualized approaches, combining various curriculum materials to create their own unique combination for each student. These materials can come from a variety of sources, such as books from the library, online resources, or even trade-based learning material.
This approach is great for parents wanting to customize their child’s education and curriculums, but it also requires more planning and organization.
3. How Do You Know If the Homeschool Curriculum Meets the Standards?
Parents and guardians should ensure that their chosen homeschool curriculum meets the educational standards applicable to their state or locality. In order to determine this, they should be aware of the “grade level expectations” and “state content standards” that traditional schools must conform to in order to meet accreditation requirements. Generally, there is a list of materials and topics that must be mastered in order for students to demonstrate the necessary competencies.
It is also important for parents to review the requirements for the area in which they reside, taking into account the pertinent regulations regarding graduation and eligibility for college admissions. This can help determine if the curriculum meets all the requirements.
Additionally, parents should note the type of credits and grades given to their child, as many colleges prefer certain levels and types of credits over others.
4. Are There Any Accrediting Bodies for Homeschools?
Most states and localities have various accrediting bodies or organizations that review and assess homeschool educational programs and curriculums. These agencies can provide invaluable assistance in determining whether a curriculum meets the standards required for eventual college admission, providing advisors, reports, guidebooks, and other resources.
Additionally, some states have “umbrella schools,” which act as a sort of virtual school that allows homeschoolers to enroll in classes and receive credit for their coursework. These schools often provide legal cover for homeschool families by acting as the “school” that credits the homeschoolers’ achievements, ensuring they are meeting the same standards as traditional school students.
5. What Types of Accreditation Are Available for Homeschools?
In addition to regional accrediting bodies, there are several national accrediting organizations for homeschoolers. The two most popular are: Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) and AdvancED. Homeschoolers who are accredited with either organization can earn college credits and receive standardized grades for their coursework, allowing them to demonstrate the necessary qualifications for various colleges and universities.
There are also private schools that provide accreditation to homeschoolers. These typically provide age-appropriate curriculums, as well as tutoring and support services.
Parents can use these services to supplement coursework and provide students with more individualized attention.
6. What Steps Are Involved in Accrediting a Homeschool Program?
Depending on the accrediting organization, the process typically involves submitting transcripts and other proof of completed coursework for evaluation. In some cases, parent-created materials or textbooks may need to be evaluated and approved. Additionally, the accrediting agency may require certain levels of testing or assessments in order to grant accreditation.
Lastly, some organizations may ask parents and students to complete a portfolio highlighting the student’s completed work. This can provide an expression of student achievement, while also showcasing the parent’s commitment to the education of their child.
7. Are There Online Programs and Courses Available for Homeschoolers?
Yes, there are several programs and courses available for homeschoolers. In fact, an increasing number of colleges and universities offer full degrees through online courses.
Additionally, there are several independent companies that provide comprehensive curriculums and coursework for homeschoolers, allowing students to work at their own pace while taking classes from the safety of their home. The proliferation of online classes and programs has even taken things one step further, with a growing number of “virtual schools” emerging in recent years. These fully online programs provide parents and guardians with the tools and resources necessary to create a personalized and engaging educational program for their children, from the comfort of their own home.
8. What Types of Tests and Assessments Should Homeschool High Schoolers Take?
In general, homeschoolers should take at least the same tests and assessments required of public or private school students. In addition, they should consider registering for the SAT/ACT, as well as taking any necessary AP (Advanced Placement) exams.
Taking these tests and assessments can help demonstrate that homeschooled students are meeting, or even exceeding, the standards of traditional students. In some cases, test scores may need to be submitted to college admissions and/or school accrediting boards. Therefore, it is important to ensure that students have adequate test preparation and resources available to help them reach their highest potential.
9. Are There Any Summer Programs Available for Homeschoolers?
There are a number of summer programs available for homeschoolers that can provide additional enrichment and educational opportunities for students. These include online courses, as well as physical (in-person) camps and classes that provide hands-on learning experiences.
Additionally, many local libraries and universities offer dedicated classes and workshops specifically designed for homeschoolers. These programs can provide a great opportunity for homeschoolers to enrich their academic pursuits in the summer months, while also providing valuable community involvement and socialization opportunities. Summer programs can also serve as a way for homeschoolers to adjust to the physical environment of a traditional school, if they continue on to a college or university.
10. When Is the Right Time to Start Planning a Homeschool High School Curriculum?
Parents and guardians should begin planning their child’s homeschool curriculum well before they enter high school. In many cases, designating a “planning year” can be very beneficial in selecting a curriculum and developing an effective plan of study.
Researching different curriculums and creating a plan of study can help parents become more familiar with the materials and topics that their child should be studying in the coming years. Additionally, parents should begin organizing and tracking their child’s progress throughout high school, in order to document any achievements or successes for future college or job applications.
11. Are There Any Resources and Organizational Tools Available?
Yes. In addition to national accreditation organizations, there are a number of private companies and individuals offering resources for homeschoolers. These include online tools and resources, as well as hardcopy books and materials that can help parents plan, develop, and track their child’s curriculums and performances.
Additionally, many states and localities offer an array of services and organizations dedicated to helping homeschoolers meet the necessary standards. These organizations can provide helpful tips, advice, and resources to maximize the effectiveness of your child’s curriculum.
12. Are There Any Tips for Developing a Homeschool High School Curriculum?
When developing a homeschool curriculum, parents should first focus on their child’s interests and future academic and career goals. This will help them design a curriculum that fits their child’s particular needs and can provide academic and professional achievements that will make the child more competitive in a future job market.
Additionally, it is important to keep in mind state requirements and make sure the curriculum aligns with any regional standards that may be applicable. Finally, when creating the course list for a semester or quarter, parents should reach out to other homeschoolers in their locality for advice and tips on how to effectively organize and develop their child’s curriculum.
13. Are There Any Unique Considerations When Homeschooling High School?
When homeschooling high school, parents should be aware of the “real-life” responsibilities of a traditional school student, such as participating in extracurricular activities, maintaining a part-time job, and establishing a career plan. Encouraging their child to participate in extracurricular activities can help prepare them for college or a job, as well as provide them with important socialization experiences.
Additionally, parents should develop rules and expectations for their children that are similar to those enforced in traditional schools. This can help create order and organization for the student, while also providing parents with some structure and control.
14. Are There Any Support Groups for Homeschool High Schoolers?
Yes, many localities now have support groups specifically designed to provide support and resources to homeschooling high schoolers. Generally, these groups are open to all homeschooling families, regardless of curriculum or accreditation status.
These groups provide a space for parents and students to exchange ideas and resources, discuss potential issues, and offer advice and guidance to one another.
15. Is There Anything Else Parents Should Know About Homeschooling High School?
One of the most important points to keep in mind when homeschooling is that there is no “right” way. Every family and student is different and there are always different curriculum materials, methods, and approaches available.
Additionally, it is important to remember that homeschooling does not mean that your child is not receiving an adequate education. In actuality, studies have shown that in many cases, homeschooled students can outperform their counterparts at traditional schools, often advancing at a much faster rate than their peers. Conclusion Homeschool high school curriculum is an increasingly popular choice for parents who want to customize and tailor the educational experience for their children.
As with any type of education, it is important to make sure the curriculum meets the standards necessary for college admissions and other outside requirements. With the right resources, research, and planning, it is possible to create a personalized homeschool curriculum that will meet all necessary standards and provide your child with a high-quality, engaging education that will give them the best chance of success in the future.