You’ve gotten through the middle school years so far, and perhaps you are thinking “That was hard. How on earth will I be able to make it through homeschooling high school?”
Don’t be overwhelmed. I assure you that I felt the same way! But looking back over many years of homeschooling, I can clearly see how my fears were unfounded.
I have learned some very good lessons along the way, and would like to share with you how you can enter the high school years confident, organized and prepared!
1. Understand how “high school counselor” fits into your job as a parent.
Before you get nervous, let me assure you that you are absolutely capable to fill this role for your student! You will be responsible for guiding your student along in their high school studies, and making sure that they have what they need to graduate and continue on in their studies.
2. Be aware of your middle schooler’s strengths and weaknesses.
What are your student’s strengths and weaknesses, whether in school subjects or in their character? What are their giftings and talents?
3. Strategize about how your middle schooler can utilize their strengths and giftings in high school.
What subjects are they the most interested in? What extracurricular skills are they currently excelling in that they could continue cultivating in high school?
4. Think about how you can help your middle schooler work on overcoming their weaknesses.
Do they need to become more financially responsible? Help them make a budget. Are there any character issues they need to work on? Encourage them to pursue the Lord about those specific areas.
5. Write out a four year plan to get your middle schooler “college ready”.
You may think this is premature, but you’ll thank yourself later! You can do this even when traditional college isn’t in the plan. Make sure you have a clear path to keep your student well educated and prepared to enter higher levels of education, whether or not that includes a traditional college setting.
6. Plan to lay a solid foundation in each core subject in the beginning high school years.
This includes basic maths, sciences, history subjects (state, American and/or world) and fine arts.
7. Plan for your student’s 9th & 10th grades to be stronger in the core subjects and lighter in electives.
This will ensure that your student spends sufficient time learning the essential subjects.
8. Plan for your student’s 11th grade year to include more electives.
For example: once algebra I and II are complete, your student will be moving on into higher maths. Once English I and II are finished, they can move on to language arts electives such as journalism or creative writing. Once a basic science (along with biology) is completed, they can move on into chemistry and physics, etc.
9. As you plot your student’s high school years, choose subjects that take them toward their life plan or interests.
If college is on the plan, direct their subjects each year toward satisfying their chosen college’s requirements.
10. Let your student have a (reasonable) say in choices of subjects/extra-curricular activities/volunteer opportunities/etc.
As you discuss your student’s strengths with them, ask them if there are any activities or opportunities they are interested in that will help them continue to grow in those areas.
11. As they plan to enter high school, seek out opportunities for your student to serve in their community based on their interests and possible career options.
As they get older and their goals become more clearly outlined, your student can seek out more serious and consistent opportunities for volunteering/working/serving/etc.
12. Read the book “Passionate Parenting”.
This book has excellent insight that you won’t want to miss out on!
13. Purposefully observe the homeschooling moms around you who are currently homeschooling a high schooler.
The middle school years are the years you can be observing your friends’ ways of carrying out high school. What can you learn from them and their successes, strengths or weaknesses?
14. Follow the blogs of parents who have raised Godly young people through high school and beyond.
You will benefit from their wisdom and encouragement. One of my favorites is Sally Clarkson’s blog and she has been a great encouragement to me. Her blog is a great place to start and then add to your list as you find new sources of wisdom and help.
15. Seek God’s direction for your homeschool plan. Allow Him to do a good thing in it!
He will guide and direct you. Pray and ask for His leading!
16. Grow in your own spiritual maturity.
Be a good example for your students, and inspire them to grow in their character as a result.
17. Purpose to enter high school with a solid relationship with your teen.
This is the most important step you can take!
Keep in mind that during the high school years you’re simply carrying out the plan you’ve laid! Your plan is important because your monthly/weekly/daily choices will be directly affecting your student’s high school transcript and their resume. It’s now, it’s happening, and it will soon be over!
Pre-planning for high school removes the “unknown”, and therefore, removes most of the fear you might be feeling.
Don’t be nervous, high school is NOT uncharted waters! Many have gone before you and paved the way. You can do this!
Get Becky’s Weekly Newsletter on Homeschooling High School
We will never sell or share your email address.
