Navigating High School in Our Homeschool: Year Three Already!

We are joyfully navigating our third year of High School in our Homeschool. The year has been fantastic so far with challenges, wins, growth, and lots of learning. I’ve noticed that the switch from Grade school to High school has been quite remarkable. Many days, I miss the leisurely feel of the day when all the kids were 8th grade or younger. Though I miss them, I see this new season as an excellent journey; one I would recommend to all homeschoolers. 

Preparing for High School

My oldest has pioneered the path for us as he stepped into the local public school music programs his Freshman year. Knowing only a handful of students, he embarked on a journey that has proved exceptional.

Looking back, I can see how some of the extra-curricular experiences we chose in grade school have prepared him for this launch.

The Musical Journey

First, he began studying piano with me back in Kindergarten. As a 6-year-old boy, he had weekly lessons with me at the church across the parking lot from our home. Over the years, we’ve had lessons here and there; sometimes with months between them. He kept growing on the piano.

Next, he began studying trumpet in 5th grade at our local private school in town. He was one of maybe six students learning a new instrument that year. The band was maybe 15 students in total. Through this start, he participated in their annual Talent Show, the Solo & Ensemble competition, and a few concerts.

When his teacher moved away, he continued private lessons with the local JH band teacher after school. This transpired during COVID, and she willingly had his lessons in her home as a private tutor. 

I believe these experiences along with his immersion in music at home served him well to becoming the musician he is today. His teachers inspired him. We encouraged him. Music became a part of him.

The Social Journey

Besides the music study, he would regularly visit the local private school where he had been a student through the 2nd grade. He was welcome to attend parties, participate in music programs, and go along on field trips, with his younger siblings and myself along for the journey.

Integrating in a community, whether a homeschool co-op, a local school, a youth group or a playdate with friends has served our homeschooling family well over the years. Sometimes the groups change as the kids grow up or as interests shift. Overall, these experiences in fellowship with others has filled-out our homeschool experience in such positive ways

Ready for Change

I’ve been surprised at how quickly life can change in such a short amount of time. I remember the decision to homeschool slowly unfolded in our minds and hearts over a few months back in 2016. 

The decision to embark on classes at the public high school was a similar process for us. This journey was not the goal originally, though it was a far-off idea. A friend of ours had become a part-time student the year before to join the Football team. Knowing his story, this idea then became a true possibility. 

Conversations

After many conversations and questions with his music directors (who taught at both the middle school and high school), friends, parents, and finally the Guidance office we were excited to enroll him in the Concert Band and Concert Choir classes. 

I simply met with the Guidance office the Spring before and asked what our options were. They kindly explained the process, we registered him for the two classes, and he was able to participate. He has a locker, a lunch card, student ID, and many other privileges that any full-time high school student has. He also shares their responsibilities by attending classes on-time, turning in assignments, behaving in a mature manner, and following the expectations in the handbook.

I’m truly grateful for his experiences at the high school. He is warmly received by the staff, and he is well-liked on campus. 

Navigating Homeschool in High School

What I Didn’t Know

I must admit, there were some fears of the unknown going into this. 

• I wasn’t sure how healthy the student body or faculty was.
• Also, I didn’t know how well my son would navigate conversations or experiences as a brand new ‘classroom’ student.
• I was unsure of how this would affect our schedule at home. 

What I Knew

Though I didn’t know so many pieces, I did know that we were there to support our son in whatever he faced, both personally and with his peers & elders.

He knew he could share anything with us and we would listen, help, or encourage. Having this open communication with him has been amazing.

We’ve modeled this communication-relationship with him and all of our kids since the kindergarten years. I believe it has been a game-changer for our family as each child has hit puberty, challenges, friendship-drama, funny times, and all the many highs and lows of life. 

In the Hallways

Life has been both challenging and rewarding in this high school experience. Be that as it may, our eldest has navigated the hallways of high school very well!

Although my son received awkward questions at times, over-heard hallway conversations trickled with f-bombs, and navigated friendships in today’s texting world, he has been brave to be himself, answer honestly and boldly, and stay true to what he believes. He’s made great friends, excelled in his classes, and has been complimented by faculty, staff, and peers. 

At Home

While he has navigate the halls of high school in music, his core classes have been completed at home, which has been a full load to keep-up with. He has averaged 3-4 in-depth classes in addition to his time at the high school. Because we homeschool, his course selections are primarily interest-based, spending more time on his favored subjects, and spending average time on the others.

What We Study

The 4 core classes are Math, Science, Language Arts, and History. His favorite subjects are the former, with his second choices being the latter. Though Language and History are not his favorites, he has thoroughly enjoyed those courses along with his favorites. I believe this is because he learned how to ‘enjoy learning’ over the grade school years. 

Math & Science

He studies both Math & Science with Dr. Shormann at DIVE Educadium. These lectures stemmed out of Dr. Shormann’s classroom teaching of the Saxon Math curriculum. In addition to those lectures, he now provides his own integrated learning course complete with lessons, textbook, problems, and exams online. The Science is similar and incorporates Quizlet cards for easier study and plenty of guidance for how to succeed in the coursework and exams.

All of Dr. Shormann’s high school courses can be followed up with his CLEP/AP exam prep course; including 20 lectures, problems, and 2-3 sample exams. His material is excellent, and his customer service is friendly and helpful answering any question both big and small. 

Language & History

He also studies both Literature and History with Compass Classroom and Language/Writing with Dr. Andrew Pudewa’s Institute of Excellence in Writing (IEW). All of these courses are streamed online and taken at the student’s own pace.

He really enjoys both the teachers and the materials studied in these courses.  Moreover, I’m grateful that the readings and bookwork are still done with actual books, paper, and pencil with these curriculums. (So many are moving solely online which is hard on the eyes and posture, etc.)

**Compass Classroom is running a Sale right now through November 4, 2024. The Reformation Sale includes 20% OFF all courses and textbooks, using code LUTHER20. Their curriculum has been excellent, and I would recommend them for Grade School, Middle School, and High School learners! 

What my son has enjoyed the most about Dave Raymond’s History courses is the story-based content. He’s also reading real historical documents instead of a textbook of facts. These two elements make this History course exceptional! 

Computers and Homeschool

Speaking of online study, we practice ‘open computers’ in our home for physical health, fellowship, and accountability. All laptops or desktops are on the main level and in open spaces where any one of us can see the screen while we go about our day. This accountability has been invaluable for all of us. 

Also, we aim to take breaks from sitting at the screen and let classes be audible for the room to hear. Whether it’s a YouTube video, a course, or music; we all get a taste of what one of us is watching online. Sometimes we need to use headphones for a time; maybe a detailed subject discussing the French Revolution (which my oldest decided wasn’t appropriate for the youngest to listen to) or multiple voices going on at the same time. 

I’m grateful for our open computer space: no hiding in a bedroom, disconnected from the family, and no cell phones in bedrooms either. These policies have set up our family for success in both fellowship and individual responsibility (for the parents as well!).

Owning His High School Experience

Over the past two years, my high school student has grown in his independence with his studies. He sets a timer and gets to work on each subject in the order he feels for that day, taking breaks in-between.

For example, this month he’s aiming for a CLEP Exam in College Algebra, so his highest priority is the CLEP Prep for Algebra 2. He starts his day with this course, then moves onto history and language/writing. Once he completes his CLEP, he will pick up Physics again and Pre-calculus.

The flexibility of his core subjects has been an excellent contrast to his scheduled courses at the high school. He arrives for each class, game, performance, or rehearsal early to park, sign-in when needed, and visit his locker before class.

Previously, I directed his schedule as his driver, but now that he drives himself, he’s learned to take the baton and be responsible for his day. It’s been a delight to watch him take the baton well!

His experience has been a bright light to us. Our son is such a joyful young man. We are truly grateful for him.

Parenting

Being a parent is a series of pick-up’s and let-go’s. I think I’m pretty good at the pick-up’s:

• I’ll get you there.
• How can I help you?
• What’s troubling you?
• What do you need today?
• I’ll wash that.
• Here’s some cash, and here’s some more cash, etc.

It’s the let-go’s that are harder:

• Have a great rehearsal: off he goes into the building.
• Have a good practice: off she goes with the coach and team. 
• Mom, I’m headed to work: ‘Have a good shift!’
• Mom, I heard about this, can I go?
• I’d like to become this when I grow up: go for it, son! 

Letting go of my children is and will continue to be the hardest thing I do as a mom. But it’s a necessity. It’s a necessity at times when they are little, in the little ways. It’s also a necessity when they are older, in the big ways! Oh, pray for me, friend. Pray I let go well!

A Life-Time of Learning

The journey of homeschooling in high school has been an incredible journey; with ups and downs. Oh, and I didn’t mention my daughter’s pre-teen journey through middle school sports simultaneously. 🤪 It’s been hard, fun, awesome, and everything in-between. I’m grateful I can ride along with them as they grow into their own.

Additionally, our youngest is along for the ride too. As you know, the youngest one learns from the older ones. His young journey is starkly different from my oldest child’s journey, and it should be. What a delight to live the life God has designed for each of us; as mom, as kid, as younger, as older. 

May I embrace each season as He gives it. May I realize His working in my life as He gives “according to the riches of His glory” and “according to the power at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:16 & 20) .

As a Christian, I have been given so many graces and gifts “according to” or “out of the abundance” of His vast glory. Thank you, Lord!

How about you?

Are you a mom to a high schooler? Take a moment to reflect on your student’s interests. You know them so well! Ask questions of those who have gone before you. Whether in woodworking or chemistry or music; ask your friends whose kids are in those classes. Learn about these opportunities and get involved.

Are you a mom with a brand new kindergartener, just beginning your homeschooling years. Enjoy the vast amount of time you have ahead of you with your littles. As they say, it goes by fast. My 16-year-old was a sweet, imaginative 6-year-old just yesterday. Enjoy your kiddo today!

Are you not a homeschooler or mother, but looking into this topic for some reason or another? Encourage your friends who are homeschoolers or the ones you meet in the future! Homeschooling is hard work, and any positive comments or encouragement goes a very long way for her. Spread the word about this amazing journey to your co-workers, friends, churches, and more.

Are you in the middle of those grade school years, feeling the length of it minute by minute? I was there too. I still am! (My youngest is in 2nd grade.) I wish it would go faster many times. When you’re tempted to go faster, slow down and enjoy the moment with your child. Make decisions towards their future today. Act on those choices. You never know where they will lead you tomorrow.

Wherever you are in life, the principles of learning well, growing, and changing from season to season applies to you too. What decisions or seasons are you facing right now? I’d love to hear your story and your experience. Please share in the comments below.

Thank you for reading today! Happy Fall to you.

Keep walking friend,

Christina