Choose the Perfect High School
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With a little planning and forethought, your curriculum could also provide additional money-saving benefits to your family.
When selecting courses and curriculum for your student, it's important to ask yourself this question...
Is my child an independent learner?
The necessity for your child to become an independent learner increases during their high school years, as they prepare for higher learning. Once your student goes to college, they can’t rely on being spoon-fed by you or a teacher.
If you haven’t already begun, now is the time to begin moving your child towards independence and self-government.
Curriculum that Promotes Independent Learning
Your high school homeschool curriculum should foster independent learning.Materials should be well written and organized so that your child can learn on his own, without constant supervision, monitoring or explanation from you.
Two types of curriculum are:
1. Student led curriculum allows your teen to learn without much input from a teacher because lessons are written directly to the student.
2. Teacher led curriculum requires more parental involvement. Most often lessons aren't written to the student, but to the adult who facilitates the class.
Traditional Text Books
You may want to stick to a more formal homeschool schedule and want your child to learn through the traditional home schooling text book method.Many families choose this method as it's easy to implement, offers familiarity, and may help simplify record keeping for a home school high school diploma.
Some parents choose the tradition method in case they decide to end homeschooling, and enroll their children in a local high school.
Besides traditional text books, you will find a wide variety of high school homeschool curriculum utilizing a variety of non-traditional teaching methods.
High School Homeschool Curriculum and Unit Studies
High school students can still learn through homeschool unit studies, while earning their homeschool diplomas.During the high school year, more advanced homeschool unit studies allow your student to learn as much as they want to on a subject, perform in-depth study and analysis, create unique projects and follow their interests, without being bound to or limited by a course textbook.
High School Home School Curriculum on DVD or Video
You may want to include some high school classes on DVD or video, especially if you feel hesitant to teach or oversee some of the more difficult subjects, like high school math or science.Courses taught through DVD will make your student feel as though they are in a class room full of students. Most DVD courses are recordings of actual classes taught by real teachers, in front of a class of students – perfect for students learning at home.
Some DVD curriculum provides access to the teachers if your child needs help, or has questions, which is an added benefit. This service may or may not be included in the cost of the program, so make sure you check before buying.
Computer Software
Curriculum on computer software is another easy to use method for home schooling high school. Computer based homeschooling is a perfect solution for busy lifestyles or schedules.Make sure your student loves being on the computer because looking at the computer screen for hours can be tiring and hard on the eyes.
Online Learning
Online courses provide a convenient way to learn any time of the day, anywhere you are.If your family travels extensively or your student likes learning online rather than through traditional high school homeschool curriculum, this may be a perfect option.
My ninth grade daughter is currently taking an online college course through iStudySmart.com (very affordable AND they offer a homeschool family plan) and loves it! She has the freedom to work early in the morning or later in the evening when her younger brother and sister are in bed.
Homeschool Co-ops
Taking classes through a local homeschool co op provides the additional help and support your student may need while completing high school level courses.My teens love the interaction with other classmates, and I appreciate the guidance and additional help they can receive from available and more experienced individuals... and of course, the affordability!
Private Tutors
If your child is having difficulty in a certain subject a simple solution may be hiring a private tutor. Sometimes you can barter their fee by taking care of their children, providing a needed service or tutoring their child in a certain subject.Enrichment Classes
Non-homeschool co-op enrichment classes offer another possibility for taking high school courses. Many homeschool classes meet in another homeschool family’s home, area churches or at local community centers.Local home school support groups can usually provide you with more information, or join a local email loop to keep up-to-date with classes offered in your area.
Community Colleges
Once your child is old enough, look into classes offered through a local community college. Taking college level courses when still in high school provides a wonderful opportunity for your student to get exposure to college level coursework, while still enjoying the benefits of homeschooling.They can stretch their wings a bit, gain a valuable learning experience, get a taste of college life, yet still have access to your continued guidance, before leaving home.
Many homeschool students attend community college to take courses that require labs, or just to have access to qualified instructors who are knowledgeable in a certain area, for additional assistance.
Accredited High School Homeschool Curriculum
Whatever high school homeschool curriculum you choose, make sure it meets your student’s needs, your family’s situation and stimulates independent learning.Remember accredited homeschooling curriculum isn't necessarily better than non-accredited curriculum or materials.
Choose curriculum that complements your child's learning style, but don't be scared to try something new. Utilize a variety of teaching methods, to help your children learn more difficult subject matter in a way that is best for them.
Don’t Forget to Consider Dual Credit!
Something you may want to consider when looking for high school homeschool curriculum is whether or not your child wants to make the extra effort and earn dual credit while taking high school classes.What is Dual Credit?
Dual credit is when you receive credit towards your high school diploma and your future college degree.Home school high school students have the freedom to take advantage of this money-saving opportunity. With a little extra effort, your student can be earning a college degree while earning their home school high school diploma! Learn how NOW!
Think of the money you will save on college tuition!
Jumpstart Your Homeschool High School Education...
Start earning a college degree while getting your homeschool diploma and save money on college expenses.Learn how to accelerate your student's high school homeschool education!
Cost-Cutting Benefits...
With the cost of college rising yearly, your ticket to college savings could be in your children's homeschool diplomas! Find out how your whole family can save money on college.Return from High School Homeschool Curriculum to Homeschool High School
