Homeschooling at the high school level can be a bit of an intimidating prospect, but it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of resources and options available to help you customize your homeschool high school curriculum and make sure that your student has the knowledge they need to succeed in college or whatever their next step may be. Here, we answer 15 of the most frequently asked questions about building a homeschool high school curriculum.
1. How Thorough Should a Homeschool High School Curriculum Be?
That will depend on the goals of the student and their parent. Building a homeschool high school curriculum can certainly be as rigorous as any traditional school curriculum, or even more so. That said, it can also be tailored to the student’s particular interests and focus on areas in which the student has an aptitude.
For example, if the student is interested in robotics or the culinary arts, they can use course resources from reputable organizations to gain a deep understanding of those topics and tailor their studies to their interests. However, most parents and students will want to follow a curriculum that adheres to the core academic subjects, as well as any electives the student would like to pursue.
College admissions officers are looking for a comprehensive curriculum that covers the basic subjects and covers them in a level of depth appropriate for the student’s experience level and intended college major. For example, the ideal freshman year curriculum might include the core subjects of English, math, social studies, science, foreign language and physical education, as well as one or two electives such as journalism or art. In subsequent years, the student may be able to delve further into the subject matter, depending on their particular interests and college plans.
2. What Are My Options for Creating a Homeschool High School Curriculum?
There are a variety of options available to parents and students when they are creating a homeschool high school curriculum. The most common option is to use an online curriculum or program. These programs are often comprehensive and can include pre-made lesson plans, assessments, and other resources.
Many of them, such as Khan Academy and Coursera, are free and can provide a thorough and engaging learning experience. Another option is to use a homeschool vendor or provider.
These companies provide complete curricula and materials for homeschooling high school, as well as guidance and support for parents. Some of these companies specialize in certain areas, such as transitioning from middle school to high school or helping students prepare for college entrance exams.
Finally, parents and students can create their own curriculum. This can be a great way for the student to explore their particular academic interests in greater depth than a pre-made curriculum may offer. It also gives parents complete control over the curriculum and ensures that their student gets the level of instruction and support that best meets their needs.
3. What Are Some Things to Keep in Mind When Building a Homeschool High School Curriculum?
When building a homeschool high school curriculum, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, it is important to make sure that the student has a variety of courses and experiences. This can include core academics, electives, extra-curricular activities, internships and more.
A varied curriculum helps ensure that the student is exposed to a wide range of topics and experiences. It is also important to make sure that the curriculum is appropriate for the student’s level of academic preparedness.
If they are behind in a particular area, they may need more focus on that area in order to catch up. If they are ahead in a particular area, they may need more challenging material to make sure they are getting the most out of their learning experience. Finally, it is important to ensure that the curriculum is well-structured and organized.
Make sure that there are clear objectives and outcomes for each course or unit, as well as ways to measure progress. This will help ensure that the student is mastering the material and making the most of their homeschooling experience.
4. What Are Flexible Options When Building a Homeschool High School Curriculum?
When building a homeschool high school curriculum, there are many flexible options available. The student can take a variety of courses, depending on their academic interests and abilities. Online courses can be tailored to their specific needs and interests, and parents can provide extra guidance and support if necessary.
Homeschoolers can also choose to pursue electives or explore other opportunities, such as internships or volunteering. This gives the student an opportunity to explore fields that they may be interested in pursuing further.
It also provides an opportunity to gain real-world experience and insight into the fields they are considering, which can be invaluable when it comes time to apply for college. Finally, homeschoolers can take advantage of self-paced courses and online resources.
This allows students to learn the material at their own rate, so they can better grasp concepts on their own terms and set up their own schedules.
5. Are There Resources Available to Help with Building a Homeschool High School Curriculum?
Yes, there are a variety of resources available to help with building a homeschool high school curriculum. There are a number of online curriculum providers, such as Khan Academy and Learning Odyssey, as well as homeschooling vendors and providers that offer complete curricula and materials. The U.
S Department of Education also has a wealth of resources available, such as the Homeschool Support Network and the Office of Non-Public Education. These organizations are a great place to start when exploring homeschooling options, as they can provide advice and guidance on the best way to go about creating a curriculum.
There are also a number of helpful books and websites available. These include the Homeschoolers Yearbook, which is a comprehensive guide to homeschooling, as well as sites such as HSFlashcards, which provides helpful information about homeschooling and curriculum building.
6. How Can I Encourage My Child for High School Homeschooling?
Encouragement is key when it comes to homeschooling at the high school level. It is important to let your child know that you are available to support and guide them, and that they are not alone.
Emphasize the benefits of homeschooling and the opportunities that it can provide to explore different interests and activities. There are also a number of ways that you can make homeschooling an enjoyable experience. Make sure to schedule plenty of breaks and fun activities, such as trips or educational outings.
Empower your child by letting them help make decisions about their curriculum and giving them input on the topics they want to explore. Finally, don’t be afraid to take breaks if either you or your child are feeling overwhelmed or too stressed. Taking a break can be a great way to refocus and reset, so don’t be afraid to take some time off if needed.
7. What Are Some Challenges of Homeschooling High School?
Homeschooling high school can come with a variety of challenges. It is important to keep up with relevant regulations and procedures, such as record-keeping and attendance requirements. Parents have to be diligent about adhering to these regulations to ensure that their child’s education is truly a valid one.
Parents also have to find a way to provide the kind of rigorous instruction and structure that is often found in traditional schools. You may need to enlist the help of a tutor or teacher to make sure that your child is getting the kind of education they need.
Finally, it can be a challenge to keep the student motivated and engaged. It is important to find ways to keep the curriculum interesting and engaging, while still making sure that your child is mastering the material.
8. What Are Some Strategies to Help with Homeschooling High School?
There are a variety of strategies that can help parents and students with homeschooling high school. Planning ahead is essential. Have a comprehensive plan for curriculum, activities and assessments.
This will make it easier to stick to a routine and stay on track. It is also important to encourage independence.
As the student grows, it is important to gradually reduce your involvement and have them take on more responsibility for their learning. This will help them to become more self-directed and motivated.
Finally, it is essential to communicate with your student. Talk about their progress, their struggles and their successes. This will help keep them engaged and motivated, and also make sure that both you and your student have a full understanding of expectations and goals.
9. How to Make Sure Homeschool Students Have the Social Opportunities They Need?
Making sure that homeschool students have the social opportunities they need can be a challenge, but there are a variety of ways to ensure that they still get the chance to interact with their peers. Joining a homeschool co-op or group is a great way for students to socialize with other students and get to know homeschoolers in their community. There are also a variety of community and recreational activities that students can take part in, such as sports teams and church groups.
Taking part in these activities can be a great way for homeschoolers to make friends and have a social circle. Finally, volunteer activities and internships can be a great way for homeschoolers to gain real-world experience and get to know people who have similar interests.
This is also a great way for an introverted student to gain confidence, and for any student to get an idea of what it will take for them to be successful after graduation.
10. How Can Homeschoolers Prepare for College?
Homeschoolers can prepare for college in a number of ways. College preparatory courses and classes can provide valuable instruction and insight into the college application process and what admissions officers are looking for in a student.
It is also important to make sure that the homeschooling student is taking courses that are challenging and appropriate for their college plans. They should make sure that their curriculum prepares them for whatever college major they are pursuing and gives them the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a college environment. Finally, engaging in extracurricular activities and volunteer opportunities can be a great way for homeschoolers to fill out their college applications and demonstrate their interest and dedication to their chosen field.
11. What Will College Admissions Officers Look for on a Home School Transcript?
College admissions officers will look for a variety of things on a home school transcript. They are looking to see that the student has a challenging and extensive curriculum, as well as evidence of mastery in each subject. They will also look to see that the student has the extracurricular activities and experiences that they need to succeed.
They will also look to see that the student has a good attendance record, as well as evidence of any awards or special recognition. Finally, they will be looking to make sure that the transcript is well organized and presents a comprehensive picture of the student’s high school experience.
12. How Can Parents Prepare and Track Home School Grades for High School?
The best way for parents to prepare and track grades for high school is to keep a record of their student’s progress. This could be a spreadsheet or a notebook with a log of each course and its requirements and goals, as well as a record of each assessment and its result. It is also important to keep track of attendance and ensure that the student is meeting all of the necessary requirements.
Make sure to enter any awards or recognition that the student receives, as this can be very helpful in the college application process. Finally, make sure to keep an eye on the grades and make sure that they are an accurate reflection of the student’s ability.
If they are consistently below expectations, then it may be necessary to adjust the curriculum or provide extra support.
13. How Can Online Courses Benefit Homeschoolers?
Online courses can be a great way for homeschoolers to gain exposure to a variety of topics, as well as access to intensive instruction and a wealth of resources. Students can take classes on their own time and at their own pace, which is especially beneficial for those who are self-motivated and independent. Online courses have also been proven to be more effective for many students, particularly those who may have learning differences or difficulty retaining information.
The self-paced nature of learning in an online setting can be especially beneficial for students with these learning difficulties. Finally, online courses can open up opportunities that might not have been available to the student otherwise.
With a variety of classes that can be taken from anywhere with an internet connection, homeschoolers can access a range of information that they may not otherwise have access to.
14. How Are Homeschoolers Different From Traditional High Schoolers?
Homeschoolers and traditional high schoolers are different in a few key ways. One of the primary differences is structure and scheduling.
Homeschoolers have the freedom to shape and adjust their curriculum as they go, while traditional high schoolers generally follow a predetermined course of instruction and have their own schedule of classes. Homeschoolers also have access to more resources and experiences. They have the ability to explore their interests and pursue activities that may not be available in traditional high schools, such as internships and volunteer opportunities.
Finally, homeschoolers have the opportunity to gain a more personalized education. Parents and students have the ability to tailor their curriculum to what best meets their needs and goals, and have the ability to delve into more specialized topics if desired.
15. What Are Options for Assessing and Evaluating Homeschoolers?
There are a variety of options for assessing and evaluating homeschoolers. Parents and students can use online assessments and standardized tests to check overall understanding and mastery of topics. This can help ensure that students are staying on track with their studies and provide an objective measure of their progress.
Homeschoolers also have the ability to pursue subject-specific assessments and tests, such as AP exams or certification courses. This can be a great way to show college admissions officers that the student is knowledgeable and skilled in the subject matter, as well as provide the student with an objective measure of their knowledge and experience.
Finally, parents and students can look at Student Learning Objectives (SLOs). These are specific goals and objectives that the student adheres to, and each Term’s progress is evaluated in relation to these. SLOs can provide college admissions officers with an evidence-based look at the student’s progress over the course of their homeschool experience.
Conclusion
Homeschooling high school can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It provides the student with the opportunity to customize their curriculum and explore their interests, as well as gain valuable knowledge and experience. Building a homeschool high school curriculum can be intimidating, but there are a variety of options available to parents and students.
By taking advantage of online courses, homeschool vendors and providers, and varied extracurricular activities, homeschoolers can have a comprehensive and engaging high school experience.