Homeschooling High Schoolers isn't Hopeless

Mission: How to homeschool your high schooler. 

Introduction: Often, homeschool parents express fear of inadequacy when it comes to teaching high school students. Just last night, I spoke with a homeschool mom who said she might stop homeschooling when her sons reach high school age. As a homeschool graduate, I am grieved by this statement. My mom homeschooled me from grades K-12 and even helped me through some difficult college classes. If my mom can do it, you can too!

Substance/Implementation: Well, what can you do to prepare for high school homeschooling? Use your resources! If you struggle to teach a certain subject, find other ways to teach your students. At this age, they should begin to grasp learning on their own or through self-teaching. Therefore, perhaps you struggle to teach math, but your child loves it. They might be able to learn on their own. 

Next, pair your child with a good tutor. Good refers to being astute, intelligent, and kind. A child’s tutor must be kind and warm because this creates a good learning environment. I worked with a tutor from 8th grade to 12th grade. My tutor taught me Spanish, college-level writing, and math. My mom was able to step back and let my tutor lead me in these areas. If you need to delegate, go for it!

Continuing, utilize available curricula and online resources. Curricula like the Good and the Beautiful or Sonlight can lead your child in literature. Or programs like Khan Academy or Teaching Textbooks can help your child with math. 

Perhaps it’s time for your child to start something new. Maybe they want to attend college or a trade program. You can help them enroll in online or in-person college courses. As a former dual enrollment student, I thrived in the college arena during high school. Although some days were hard, it was a perfect fit for me. I attended an online community college and earned transfer credits at a cheaper rate because I was still in high school. This can set your child up for success since they will already have credits before entering their official freshman year of school. Plus, they can learn financial responsibility to pay for classes during this time. If your child wants to attend a high school trade program, explore local opportunities. This gives them great hands-on experience, purposeful work, and fulfilling learning time. That way, you can ease your own stress, and they’re still learning. 

Consider co-ops next. Co-ops or homeschool groups can teach your child high school-level subjects. For instance, they could take a public speaking class or a Government class. Whatever the case, co-ops can allow you to teach younger siblings or work during the study time because your high schooler is learning from another adult. 

Please hear me when I say that you should seriously consider not sending your child to public school, even if you’re concerned about homeschooling your high school student. Today’s world is one of great chaos, and the school system, unfortunately, finds itself full of it. We see teachers instructing propaganda, or students stuck in a class for hours on end without any type of freedom or time to learn subjects that actually make them curious. Please don’t rush the decision. Consider your options. What would your child’s life be like if you sent them to school? What would their life look like if you homeschooled all through high school? 

Conclusion/Motivation: Trust me, I believe you can do it. I have friends who graduated from homeschooling while coming from big families. Two of my close friends (who are siblings) came from a family of seven children, and ALL seven graduated from homeschooling. Use the resources, delegate, and ask for help. It’s okay if you’re afraid to homeschool high schoolers. Many other moms are too, but they do it afraid. That’s courageous.