How to homeschool high school (even if you’re scared!)

Were you a bit overwhelmed when you started homeschooling, but then found you were “in the zone” and before you knew it your kiddo was in middle school! Now, though, you’re staring high school in the face and maybe you’re scared!

I know the feeling and I really want to help you figure out how to homeschool in high school (even if you are scared)!

By the way, being scared is okay!

How to Homeschool High School

First things first – check the requirements and guidelines for high school requirements where you live. Even unschoolers find that in high school certain courses have to be taken. Know the rules and follow them! A great site to check these is HSLDA.

If the requirements seem overwhelming, please know that you will get in a routine, and they will make sense!

Second – this is a great time to get your student’s input. For electives, let them look through options and try some new things. They can also think outside the box for their P.E. requirement (dance, boxing, martial arts, walking, swimming, etc.).

Even in high school there is flexibility!

Third – download my free course template and follow this post for how to fill it out. (The template is linked in the post.) I think having things written out helped me visualize the four high school years. I could see the pattern of what needed to be done and fill it in (and cross out/refill) as the years went on.

Make use of the free template to help you visualize!

Fourth – another thing I’ve found to be super important is focusing on our teen’s character. Morals, ethics, values – our kids learn from us but sometimes we think they feel how we do, and they don’t. Or, they have no opinion. I’m not advocating making little robots of our kids, I am saying teach your kids how to form opinions, how to seek good advice, and do let them know what’s important to you and why. 

High school is the perfect time to talk about morals, ethics, and values!

Fifth – life skills are also vital at this stage of the game. They can learn how to take notes and study, how to apply for a job, how to dress for an interview, how to write a polite email and text message, how to do their own laundry, and how to cook simple meals.

Let your kiddo cook lunch or dinner once a week!

Summing it up – does this seem like a lot of work? It is (sort of), but these things work together through the high school years. You will get in a routine and find what works for you and for your teen.

I loved homeschooling in high school! It was honestly my favorite time. Yes there is puberty and hormones and all that “fun” stuff, but the rich relationships I was blessed to have with my kids were the best!

So I would encourage you to look past your fear and stare homeschooling in high school square in the face. You’ve got this!