What about homeschooling high school? to answer the question I’m always asked

As my kids are getting older I’m starting to get THE question, “What about high school?”  “Are you homeschooling high school?”

At least it’s a change from the other question, “What about socialization?”  I really struggle not to laugh at people asking that question.

In all honesty, I’ve been thinking about homeschool high school for the past two years.  I’ve actually already been working towards homeschool high school, so when they get there, they will be ready (and if I’m honest, that’s only a step towards my ultimate plan of them being ready to go to college or enter the workforce, whatever their desired career choice needs.  Batman right now wants to be a chef, so he’d be going to a culinary school.  We’ll see if that holds true).

First I have to prepare them for homeschooling high school

Our kids don’t suddenly show up in 9th grade and say, “All right world, I’m a high schooler now!”  Well, it may seem like that to them, but it was really a series of small steps that got them there.

Like upping the books they read.  This year I’m upping what the kids are reading, as they enter middle school.  I’m going to be doing one Shakespeare play a semester (this year it will be two comedies, no need to start them off with everyone dying).

I am expecting similar increase in ability in all of the subject areas, and will be doing so in each year of school they complete.

Next, I plan on them taking outside classes.  How is this homeschooling you ask?  I’m glad you asked that question, because someday they will be taking classes from someone who is not me, and I’d rather them experience that sensation when they still have some kind of safety net.

Starting a year from now they will be taking a science class from One Day Academy, so one day a week they will get their instruction, and then do all of their homework at home to be turned in the next week.

Oh, and I’m actually going to give grades beyond our current rubrics and checking for mastery.

That’s all well and good Ticia, but what about the actual homeschooling high school time?

I had to answer the first part so they were ready for my ultimate goal in high school.  Once my kids are in high school they’ll be guiding their schoolwork more.  While I pick much of the core classes because I know what’s required to graduate, they get to pick the details.  So, they’ll look at the One Day Academy schedule and pick which science they wish to take, or which math, or if there’s a special class they want to take.

Why is that? you ask

Because when they turn 16 they can take dual credit courses at the local community college.  I want them to do that.  I want my kids to experience the teacher who is only there for the paycheck and doesn’t check on their students while they’re at home and can still learn these skills.

I want them to start college with extra credits, and all of the basics out of the way if they can.  I started a semester’s worth of credits, and it was a huge help because the number of classes I needed for my major and the timing of said classes required some inventive scheduling.

So, do I have a plan for homeschooling high school?  You bet I do.

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