The idea of homeschooling high school can feel overwhelming, even for seasoned homeschoolers. However, whether you’re new to homeschooling or Transitioning from Middle School, you CAN teach your child at these upper levels, just as you did in the earlier years. It’s important to remember that there’s no single “right” way to homeschool high school. The advice and information provided here serve as a guide, but ultimately, you should adapt everything to fit the unique needs of your family and your teen.
Creating a personalized high school experience for our teens has been one of the most rewarding parts of homeschooling—and you can do the same for your child! This approach not only prepares them for college or the workforce but also aligns their education with their unique interests and passions. With over 30 years of homeschooling experience, Maria and Nicole are here to guide and support you on this journey. We offer valuable resources through our Podcasts, Blog posts, Free Resources, and daily tips & inspiration on Facebook and Instagram.
As you familiarize yourself with these 12 steps, we encourage you to explore our High School Series for more in-depth guidance. This series includes podcast episodes filled with expert advice, as well as detailed documentation and free resources like transcript templates to help you stay organized.
Topics covered in the series include:
Series Trailer: Homeschool High School
01: Making a 4 Year Plan
02: Core Subjects, Elective, and Counting Credits
03: Documents: Transcripts/Resume/Counselor Letter/School Report
04: High Level Courses: Dual credit/AP/CLEP
05: Exams: SAT/ACT/TSI/Accuplacer/CLT
06: Applying to Colleges and Finding Scholarships
07: Extracurricular/volunteering
08: Socialization/building friendships/dating
09: First job/earning money/entrepreneurship
10: Driving/independence
11: Technology/social media/gaming
12: Time management/organization/stress/study skills
12 Steps to Success:
Homeschool High School
1. Learn About Homeschooling
Homeschooling 101: Welcome! (If you’ve already been homeschooling for a while, feel free to jump ahead to step 2) For those just beginning this journey, remember that you have the power to choose how your child learns, and homeschooling allows your family to create a unique and personalized educational experience. It may seem like a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Before diving into the complexities of homeschooling high school, start by understanding the basics. Begin with Deschooling and explore our recommended reading list: Top 10 Books Every Homeschooler Should Read. Then, check out our guide on the 10 Steps to Get Started in Homeschooling. Keep in mind, there isn’t just one right way to homeschool. Benefit from our decades of experience with 10 Things I Wish I Knew BEFORE Homeschooling.
2. Know Your State Homeschooling Laws
Start with Research: Homeschooling high school is legal in all 50 states, but each state has its own requirements. It’s important to know Your State’s Specific Laws, which may include required subjects, standardized testing, record-keeping, and graduation criteria.
3. Set Clear Educational Goals
Identify Priorities: Work with your teen to set clear academic and personal goals for their high school years. Consider what skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to achieve their long-term aspirations, whether that’s college admission, vocational training, the military, entrepreneurship, or a specific career path. Setting these goals will guide your choices and help maintain focus throughout the high school journey. Setting goals is so much more than just deciding on academic milestones; it’s about aligning your teen’s education with their passions. For instance, my son knew early on that he wanted to pursue a career in music, so we tailored his high school experience to include music theory, music camps, professional music lessons, live performances, and even opportunities to teach younger students. Whether your teen is college-bound or interested in a trade, working together to define these goals will help keep them motivated throughout high school.
4. Choose a Homeschooling Method
Select the Right Approach: The right Homeschooling Style/Method can make all the difference in your teen’s engagement and success. How do they learn best? Schools often rely on workbooks and textbooks, but homeschooling opens up a world of alternative approaches. Methods like Classical Education offer a rigorous approach focused on classical literature and languages, while Charlotte Mason emphasizes the beauty of literature and nature. Unschooling, on the other hand, allows your teen to follow their interests, fostering independence and curiosity. We both found that a Charlotte Mason/Eclectic approach worked best for our families, combining rich literature with tons of Field Trips and plenty of hands-on, interest-led learning, especially when one of our teens became fascinated with building and engineering projects.
5. Make a Four-Year Plan
Core Subjects and Electives: Creating a 4-Year Plan is like laying the foundation for your teen’s future. This step should be done alongside your child – after all, it’s their future! Start with the necessary core subjects like English, Math, Science, and Social Studies, as well as electives tailored to your teen’s interests. This outline should be flexible enough to allow for adjustments but structured enough to ensure that your teen meets graduation requirements and is prepared for their next steps after high school. View our extensive list of Electives
Include Volunteering and Extracurriculars: Encourage your teen to explore their interests and engage in community outreach through Volunteering and Extracurricular activities. Whether it’s art, music, scuba diving, programming, or volunteer work, these experiences enrich their education and enhance their transcript. For example, when my daughter developed an interest in art, I started teaching art to a group of kids in our home, which eventually evolved into graphic design. I then added digital design software to her curriculum, allowing her to pursue this passion while fulfilling elective requirements. Both my children also gained valuable life skills by volunteering for years at an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Facility. A well-rounded plan not only meets graduation requirements but also prepares your teen for their next steps, whether that’s college or another path.
6. Select Curriculum and Resources
Diversify Learning Materials: Choosing the right curriculum and resources can be exciting but also overwhelming. To make it easier, check out our 7 Steps to Choosing Curriculum. Pick materials that match your goals and the homeschooling method you’ve chosen. This could include a combination of textbooks, local and online courses, hands-on learning opportunities, AP courses, and even dual enrollment at community colleges. Dual Enrollment can save money and provide both high school and college credits—a great option for motivated students. All our kids, even those still in high school, have taken advantage of dual enrollment, earning both high school and college credits, and even completed their associate degrees in high school.
Incorporate Real-World Learning: Encourage learning beyond the traditional classroom setting. Don’t be afraid to mix and match resources to create a curriculum that meets your teen’s needs and sparks their curiosity. Incorporating real-world learning opportunities, such as Field Trips, community service, independent projects, and Internships/Jobs, can also provide valuable experiences that textbooks alone cannot offer.
7. Finding Balance and Motivation
Balance and Flexibility: One of the greatest advantages of homeschooling is the ability to create a schedule that works for your family. Help your teen develop a daily or weekly schedule to keep them organized that accommodates their academic work, extracurricular activities, and personal time. Creating this kind of flexibility allowed my good friend’s daughter to volunteer at a local animal shelter, which not only gave her hands-on experience in veterinary work—her career goal—but also counted as part of her science credit. While it’s important to maintain some consistency to ensure educational goals are met, being open to adjusting the schedule as needed can Help Reduce Stress and keep your teen engaged. Flexibility also allows you to take advantage of spontaneous learning opportunities, whether that’s visiting a local museum, attending a workshop, or simply taking a mental health day when needed.
8. Motivation and independence
Foster Independence: Homeschooling not only offers a unique and personalized education but also provides a safe space for teens to develop Essential Life Skills, Self-Motivation, and Autonomy. You can empower your teen by allowing them to take ownership of their learning, encouraging them to develop their own effective time management skills, including setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and creating schedules. Engaging in open and constructive communication, as well as offering guidance and support rather than rigid control, can nurture their self-reliance.
9. Maintain Records and Create a Transcript
Keep Accurate Records: Maintaining detailed records is crucial during the high school years. Document all courses taken, grades earned, volunteer hours, and extracurricular activities. This information will be essential when creating a high school transcript, which is required for college applications, scholarship opportunities, and certain job applications. Learn How to Prepare High School Documentation, including course descriptions, a counselor letter, a school profile, and more.
Create a Professional Transcript: The High School Transcript is the most important document you will create. Start preparing your student’s transcript from the first semester of 9th grade – I promise you’ll find it helpful to update your records regularly rather than waiting until the end of the year. Ensure that the transcript reflects your teen’s academic achievements, including course titles, credits earned, grades, and any Honors or Advanced Coursework. Download two Free Editable Transcript Templates.
10. Standardized Tests
Plan for College Entrance Exams: If your teen is college-bound, they will likely need to take standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, exams. You can integrate test preparation into your curriculum. Use practice tests, test prep courses, and study guides to help them become familiar with the format and content of these exams. It’s also helpful to schedule the tests at optimal times, typically in the junior year. Be sure to be aware of registration deadlines and test dates.
11. Stay Connected
Support For You and Your Teen: Join homeschool communities, both local and online, for support, resources, and encouragement. Consider joining a local homeschool co-op for a sense of community and group learning opportunities. Connect with other homeschooling families with high school experience to share insights and advice. Encourage your teens to spend time with friends through unstructured hangouts and social events. Socialization is one of the biggest myths about homeschooling, but it’s important to address any concerns, especially for introverted teens. Episode 045, High School Socialization, Friendships, and Dating, offers valuable tips on this topic. Our teens participated in a variety of activities—Irish dance, sports teams, board game clubs, hike group, adventure kids club, scouts, theater, book clubs, garage bands, Model UN, paint parties, archery, field trips, volunteering, and more. These experiences helped them develop teamwork, leadership skills, and lasting friendships. YES, homeschoolers can still enjoy all the fun stuff! Check out our kids’ Homeschool Prom.
12. Explore Post-Graduation Options
Plan For the Future: Begin discussions about post-graduation plans early in the high school years. Whether your teen is interested in college, vocational training, the military, or entering the workforce, it’s important to explore all available options. Research college requirements and job opportunities and help your teen develop a plan that aligns with their interests and goals, and assist them with applications, resumes, and interviews. If college is in their future, learn the best ways to transition from Homeschool to College Life. By following these ten steps, you can create a high school experience that is not only tailored to your teen’s needs but also deeply fulfilling and educationally robust. The key is to stay flexible, supportive, and engaged in their learning journey. Be sure to acknowledge and celebrate achievements and milestones throughout the high school journey. This could be anything from finishing a difficult course to graduation.
YOU CAN DO THIS!
For additional insights and guidance, we encourage you to explore our High School Series for more in-depth guidance. This series includes podcast episodes filled with expert advice, as well as detailed documentation and free resources like Free Transcript Templates and High Credit School Planner to help you stay organized.
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
Top 10 Books Every Homeschooler Should Read>>
If you’re looking to help your child earn college credit while homeschooling, “Homeschooling for College Credit” by Jennifer Cook DeRosa is an invaluable resource. This book is specifically tailored to guide families like ours in navigating the process of earning college credit during high school. We’ve found it incredibly valuable, and it’s become a go-to reference for us.
Another favorite is College Planning by Kathe Lee. We even had the opportunity to attend one of her workshops, which provided us with a wealth of great information.
