Homeschooling has become an increasingly popular way to educate children of all ages due to the flexibility, individualized learning plans, and the ability to customize the curriculum to suit the student’s own interests. For families on a tight budget, homeschooling can be particularly attractive as it often eliminates the need for tuition payments. While there are many options for free curriculum for homeschoolers, there are some additional aspects to consider when homeschooling a high school student, such as online courses, SAT and ACT testing, college prep materials, and more.
This article outlines 15 key questions that parents should ask themselves before beginning a homeschooling program for high school students.
1. Is Homeschooling Right for My Student?
It is important to carefully consider if homeschooling is the best route for your high school student. If they are highly independent and motivated, they can benefit greatly from having the freedom and flexibility that homeschooling affords.
Homeschoolers also benefit from being able to learn at their own pace. However, if your student is more of a social butterfly and performs best in a traditional classroom environment, then the homeschooling might not be the best route.
2. Which Learning Style Does My Student Favor?
It is important to consider how your student best likes to learn and how that fits with the type of curriculum you are considering. Homeschoolers often do best with a student-led, rather than teacher-led, learning style. This means that instead of having all of the lessons structured and directed by an adult, you can provide feedback, guidance and support to your student’s own, self-directed learning.
You can find out your student’s preferred learning style by utilizing a variety of online assessments or simply by observing the way they learn best.
3. What Courses and Materials Will I Need?
For high school, you will need to provide more materials than you might with lower grade schooling. You will need textbooks, worksheets, writing assignments, quizzes, activities, and more. Consider how to provide a comprehensive curriculum, whether that’s print materials, digital textbooks, or textbooks borrowed from the library.
4. What Is My Role as the Homeschool Teacher?
Many homeschooling parents make the mistake of reverting to a traditional teacher-student role, where the parent is simply teaching and lecturing the material to the student. Instead, you should aim to provide guidance and support to your student as they do their own research and self-directed learning. This means that you will likely be spending most of your time providing one-on-one support and guidance, suggesting resources and materials, and helping them figure out how to apply their knowledge in real-life contexts.
5. What Are the Local/State Laws Regarding Homeschooling?
Prior to beginning your homeschooling journey, you should familiarize yourself with the homeschooling laws and regulations in your state. Every state in the US has different rules, regulations, and standards for homeschoolers, so it is important to make sure you are following these when providing your child’s education.
6. How Will I Make Sure My Student is Learning?
As the homeschool teacher, you need to ensure that your student is staying on track with their studies and mastering concepts. You will need to keep regular records of progress, such as grades for each subject, and track student progress over time to make sure learning objectives are being met. You can also incorporate quizzes, tests, or other forms of assessment to ensure that your student is staying on track and grasping the materials.
7. What Are Some Free Curriculum Options?
When it comes to free alternate curriculums, the options are virtually limitless. There are a wide variety of free online programs, podcasts, and even DVDs that you can use to homeschool.
You can typically access these resources through public libraries, which offer a wide range of materials for free. Additionally, there are a number of resources available on the web that provide free curriculums and materials specifically designed for homeschooling.
8. Should I Invest in Online Classes?
The benefit of online classes is that they provide a more comprehensive and structured curriculum than some of the other free options. You could also consider signing your student up for a dual enrollment program at a local community college, which would allow them to take college-level courses for free or for a reduced fee.
This is a great way for students to get college credit without having to pay for a full college tuition.
9. How Can I Prepare My Student for College?
Similarly to traditional schooling, it is important to prepare your student for college. This means helping them create a college prep plan that includes research on their desired college, studying for college entrance exams, writing college essays and learning how to calculate GPA. Many colleges also offer free workshops and classes specifically designed to help high school students transition to college.
10. What Will I Need to Teach the SAT and ACT?
It is important to make sure that your student is prepared for college entrance exams, such as the SAT and ACT. You can access free resources to help them study, such as free practice tests and guides that outline the topics and skills needed to be successful on the tests.
Additionally, there a variety of free online tutoring services and resources that can help you teach the material or provide additional practice tests.
11. How Can I Teach High School Science and Math?
There are a number of resources available for teaching high school science and math. You can find textbooks, worksheets and practice questions online that can help you create a comprehensive curriculum.
Additionally, many colleges and universities offer free online courses that can help you teach high school-level science and math.
12. How Can I Help My Child Become a Self-Directed Learner?
One of the benefits of homeschooling is that it cultivates the ability of the student to take control of their own learning process. You can help them develop this skill by providing them with guidance and support as they work through their studies and research, encouraging their interests and abilities, and allowing them to make their own decisions and mistakes as they learn.
13. How Can I Find Social Interaction Opportunities for My Homeschooled Student?
As with any homeschooling situation, it is important to make sure that, in addition to academics, your homeschool student is getting social and emotional support. There are a number of homeschool co-ops and groups available online or in your local area that can provide a safe and supportive environment for social interaction.
Additionally, you can provide social opportunities through field trips and in-person classes or workshops.
14. How Can I Access Educational Materials Locally?
There are a number of ways to access free educational materials. Many public libraries offer a variety of educational books, materials, and titles.
Additionally, you can find free worksheets, videos, and more online, as well as educational programs at your local community centers and museums.
15.Where Can I Find Additional Homeschool Resources and Support?
No matter where you are in your homeschool journey, there are numerous resources available to you. There are online forums, blogs and even local support groups that can provide information, tips and advice on all aspects of homeschooling.
Additionally, the US Department of Education offers a variety of resources and services for homeschoolers.
Conclusion
Homeschooling your high school student can be a rewarding and meaningful experience for both you and your student. To get started, you will need to familiarize yourself with the local and state laws and regulations, decide how to structure and provide the curriculum, and develop your own teaching style.
Additionally, you should investigate free resources, find ways to support your student’s social development, and educate yourself on the college admissions process. With the right combination of information, support and dedication, homeschooling your high school student doesn’t have to break the bank.