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Homeschooling High Schoolers: The How

by Cheri Stutzman | Sep 19, 2019 | 3 min read

So you’ve made it this far. You’ve guided your kids through elementary school and middle school. That means you’ve taught them how to read, helped them with their third grade math, watched them grow up into teenagers and begin to step out into the world. And now high school is looming, big, unknown, and just a little terrifying. 

Are you contemplating homeschooling in high school but the task seems too daunting? Are you wondering how you can be a mother, teacher, and number-one-fan, all at once? Did you read our post Why Homeschool High Schoolers and now you want to learn more? 

You’ve come to the right place.

If you’re like me, you want practical ways to get over the initial hump and get started. Well, we’ve got some for you.

  1. Choose a program that works for you

There are hundreds of programs out there catering to different learning styles and homeschooling methods, not to mention the numerous homeschool academies and online schools that clamor for your attention. It can be overwhelming at times but the good news is you can find one that provides as much or as little support as you need! Bridgeway Academy, for example, offers programs that tailor to your high schooler and range anywhere from online to traditional to fully-guided to independent learning. All you need to do is figure out which one works best for you! 

Research. Read. Talk to other homeschoolers. Discover which programs fit you and your student. Homeschooling through high school isn’t something you need to figure out on your own. There are programs and resources out there that help you through it. Use them! 

  1. Stop fearing harder classes

Harder high school classes are a sticking point for a lot of homeschool parents. And for good reason, too: how do you teach a high school class you hardly understood yourself? There’s an easy answer to that one: you don’t have to! High schoolers will teach themselves. 

With support and encouragement from you and a curriculum/program that will help them understand even the hardest subjects, most teens can learn important topics by themselves. And yes, that includes those daunting APs. 

  1. Give them the ability to learn independently 

This one goes hand-in-hand with the last point: your teens can learn on their own. Actually, they’ll probably thrive on it. High schoolers are beginning to step out from under the umbrella of their parents as they become more and more independent. They’re not in elementary school anymore (I know, it’s hard to believe) and they can, and need, to have more control over their education. Provide them with guidance and support. Work with them to make decisions rather than dictating what they are going to learn. Listen to their desires and give them the reins in their learning. 

  1. Keep good records

They say “a stitch in time saves nine,” and the same goes for record keeping. The bottom line: if you don’t keep track from the very beginning, you might just find yourself scrambling when you actually need those records. Keeping track of your student’s grades and which classes they’ve taken doesn’t have to be complicated; it can be as simple as listing them on a sheet of paper. 

  1. Reach out!

You certainly are not alone in this journey. There are other families trying to figure out high school, just like you. And, there are people who have successfully made it through and learned important lessons along the way. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions! Most people are happy to give you advice. 

Resources and support are available to you if you find yourself struggling to keep your head above water. Bridgeway can provide you with academic advisors who help you navigate the confusing world of high school courses.

Homeschooling through the high school years will certainly have its challenges, and you may get started in it only to change your mind in a few months. But don’t let the fear of “I can’t do it” stand in your way… because you can.

Bridgeway offers both Live Online Classes and Self-paced online and textbook courses to facilitate independent learning. Have questions? Give us a call at 800.863.1474.

What do you do to make homeschooling through high school a little easier?

 

 

 

Cheri Stutzman
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