The Perfect Homeschool Plan for High School

Are you creating a homeschool plan for the coming year with high school students? Let me give you a quick review of what you really need to cover each year of high school. You’ll end up with the perfect homeschool plan for homeschooling high school.

English

Make a plan for English that’s appropriate for your child’s ability and doesn’t take more than two hours per day. It should include both reading and writing, but it should definitely be at the level of your child. A Parent’s Primer for Teaching High School English

Math

Choose a math text, rather than “winging it” or using multiple supplements. Choose math at the child’s level, but don’t be scared of upper math. When you use a homeschool curriculum, and have the answer key in front of you and a video tutorial to guide the student, success with math is possible. 9 Ways to Actually Get Math Done This Year

Social Studies

In the four years of high school, try to cover American History, World History, Economics, and Government. Social Sciences and High School History

Science

Try to cover science each year, and try to complete lab experiments when you can. College preparation means 3 years of science, with at least one lab science. Homeschool Science for High School Students

Foreign Language

Colleges may require two, three, or even four years of a single language, so it’s important to be consistent with foreign language when you can. How to Teach Foreign Language to Your Homeschool Teen

PE

College preparation usually means just two credits of PE, and it can include any sort of physical fitness or health topics. Physical Education Outside the Box

Fine Art

One year of fine art is often required, and it can be music, art, theater, or dance. If your child loves fine arts, you can earn multiple credits in different kinds of fine art each year. Homeschool Fine Arts Credits

Electives

There are 3 kids of electives to include. Classes required by your state homeschool law, classes required by parents, and credits the child earns by doing things they love to do. 3 Must-Have High School Electives

In high school, make a plan to get the tests that may be required. In October of 10th grade, take the PSAT® for practice. In October of 11th grade, take the PSAT®, and take the SAT® or ACT® twice in the spring. In 12th grade, begin college applications on the first day of senior year, and complete the FAFSA® in October. Take the PSAT® for Fun and Profit and College Admission Tests – How to Ace the SAT® or ACT®

Technology

Use of technology in education is not “evidence-based,” and the research shows that real books, paper, and pencil note-taking is superior to technology. Pediatricians recommend limiting technology to just a couple of hours each day, including school work. For that reason, avoid technology-based curriculum, online classes, and digital resources when you can. Use technology when necessary to help you teach the subject, but avoid it when you can choose non-tech curriculum that fits your child. Technology also interferes with a child’s opportunity to develop delight directed learning. Constantly distracted by digital devices, they never get bored enough to figure out what they like to do beyond playing online.

Not enough information for you? Read more with the coordinating Coffee Break Book: Planning High School Courses: Charting the Course Toward High School Graduation

Whether you’re a brand new homeschooler or a seasoned veteran, my free ebook, How to Be a Better Home Educator, will help you reach your homeschool goals with excellence! 

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