High School At Home

Frequently Asked Questions

I can?t teach high-school algebra/chemistry/literature! How will my teen learn what he or she needs to know?
There are many ways to handle advanced subjects. Teens can enroll in full-service correspondence schools such as those listed below, take computer-based classes such as Switched-On Schoolhouse, participate in local co-ops, enroll in single-subject courses like the online English classes I offer, take classes through Bob Jones HomeSat service or A Beka?s video school, hire a local tutor, or take classes at the local community college. Each of these options ensures that your teen learns what he or she needs to know in a way that fits his or her learning style and goals. What could be simpler?

Accredited Distance Learning High Schools

Won?t they miss out on the real world?
If high school is the real world, where have I been for the past 25 years? Seriously, homeschooled teens have an abundance of life?s most precious commodity?time?in which to participate in the real world. When academics are finished for the day, teens can work on hobbies, start businesses, volunteer in the community, practice musical instruments, learn a trade, and socialize with friends. They even have the option of accelerating through academics and starting college or a vocation early. The freedom of homeschooling permits teens to know themselves, develop individual interests, and grow at their own pace. They can begin setting goals and making life-choices in a safe and supportive atmosphere, without extreme peer pressure. In short, homeschooling, rather than high school, provides a growth-oriented environment and opportunities to participate in the ?real world.?

If we homeschool through high school, will my kids be able to get into college?
Absolutely. As homeschooling has grown, colleges are becoming more and more homeschooler-friendly. Private colleges, in particular, are actively seeking homeschooled students, as they have learned to appreciate the maturity and self-motivation of homeschoolers they?ve encountered. Some colleges, including my own Mary Baldwin College, have a Homeschool Admissions Counselor who provides advice and assistance throughout the application process.

One way to find out if a college welcomes homeschooled students is to visit its website (find it by doing a Google search), and look on the ?Prospective Students? page. You should find information about their admissions policy, often with specific information for homeschoolers. A homeschool-friendly college will accept a parent-prepared transcript, and will not require a GED. If your teen?s dream school doesn?t offer information on its website, call the admissions office and talk with a counselor.

If we homeschool through high school, will my kids be able to get into the military?
Yes, homeschool graduates are accepted into all branches of the military. Visit the website or recruiting office of the branch your teen is interested in, and you?ll find more information on qualifications, benefits, and how to apply.

We?ve used an informal approach through elementary and middle school. Do we have to use a structured program for high school?
Not at all. I have used an eclectic, literature-based approach throughout school, and it works as well in high school as in the lower grades. My oldest boys have scored well on both SATs and CLEPs, and transitioned quite easily into college. An eclectic approach allows you to tailor the course of study to fit the student?s learning style and interests, and provides the opportunity to grant credit for expertise gained through experience.

If we use an eclectic approach to high school, where will we get a transcript and diploma?
A transcript is simply a record of what the student has studied. It is presented in simple summary format, usually on one page. You will make this yourself on your computer, using a word processing program. If you?d like some help with this, I provide complete instructions and samples, as well as record-keeping pages, in my book, Transcripts Made Easy. It?s something you can do!

A diploma is a piece of paper, much like a certificate of completion (see a sample here). You may make one on your computer, or you may purchase one to fill out through Home School Legal Defense Association or other suppliers such as Jostens. There is nothing magic about a diploma?you establish, in accordance with your state law, what your student needs to learn in high school, and when the course of study is completed, the student graduates, and you award the diploma. Simple!

Where can I learn more about high school at home?
There are many books available on homeschooling through high school. You?ll find some listed in Favorite Resources, others at the library or bookstore. It is helpful to read several books so you get the benefit of a variety of perspectives and experience. You?ll also find other helpful articles and links at your state?s homeschool organization site and at the following sites:
- National Home Education Network
- Eclectic Homeschool Online

You can also learn more by talking with families who have homeschooled through the high school years, or by going to homeschool conventions. Conventions provide the opportunity to attend instructional workshops, meet other homeschooling families, browse through the latest in curriculum, and ask questions of veteran homeschoolers. Some conventions even feature a graduation ceremony for homeschooled students. Many home-educating families look forward to conventions as an opportunity to sharpen their teaching skills while renewing their vision for homeschooling.