Parents are often a little hesitant to home educate during the high school years. Many feel challenged to handle the “tougher” subjects at this level or are worried that their children will miss traditional high school experiences. Just like the elementary years, there is no need to go it alone. There are a bunch of resources – many are on our resource lists – and the homeschool community is very generous with sharing experiences and connections. There are lots of educational and social opportunities to support our older homeschoolers as they continue along their educational journeys.

High-school homeschoolers are positioned to create customized learning plans that are specifically geared towards their post-secondary goals. They can incorporate a wide range of resources — classes that are specific to their interests, dual-enrollment, career and technical education, hands-on programs, volunteer opportunities, classes through their local district, online programs, or anything else in their educational journeys.  Their path does not need to replicate public education; the home ed requirements allow homeschoolers to self-certify graduation. Other than the list of subjects that must be covered at some point along the way, the law does not say homeschoolers must accumulate particular credit hours in specific subjects to graduate, take specific courses, or pass a comprehensive exam.

We encourage teens to participate in education decisions so they see the value and purpose of their learning. It is a great opportunity for them to explore potential career paths while still in high school, and gain valuable experience to set them on that path ahead of their peers.

The GSHE article, Plotting a Course for Post-Secondary Goals, will help you and your teen identify their goals, plan a path that leads to those objectives, and research resources that will build to that target.