As a parent, you remember every detail of the day you brought each of your children home from the hospital. You remember their first words and their first steps, and you definitely remember their first day of school. It’s hard to believe when one day, you look up, and one of them is about to become a high school student. Where did the time go?

Transitioning from middle school to high school is another exciting milestone that you get to experience alongside your children. But, the older your kids get, the less they need to rely on you. And that’s not a bad thing! It’s a sign that you’ve done a great job preparing them to become independent thinkers.

Independent learners still need involved parents, but this prepares them to be self-sufficient in college and for the rest of adulthood. The first thing you should look at is a plan of study to ensure you’re meeting graduation requirements. It outlines what to study and when. In many cases, your kids may need tutors, benefit from a co-op, or thrive with Abeka Academy’s video curriculum. Some school subjects are harder to teach and learn than others. Here’s a breakdown of how to handle each high school subject as you and your teen traverse learning at home together.

Subjects

Science

Science tends to be a topic that worries parents more than other subjects. It can be intimidating, but can also be a fun experience if executed properly. 

The beauty of homeschool is the option for flexibility and handpicking a curriculum to meet your family’s needs. Traditional high school science courses include biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy. But, you may pick whatever interests your child most. The key to fun is getting your kids engaged in the topics they’re learning about. Pick something that genuinely interests your child.

If science is an intimidating topic, you don’t have to teach it yourself. You can use Abeka Academy’s single-subject video lessons for science courses, even if you prefer to mix and match homeschool curriculum. These video courses can serve as extra practice or a “tutoring” solution for children who may be struggling or behind in certain subjects.

High school science labs often involve dissections, but these aren’t mandatory. They’re used as a tool to engage students and enhance their learning experiences for certain science classes. Virtual dissections are another option. Several homeschool co-ops offer biology or chemistry labs, various field trips, and science experiments. But, it’s your choice as to what works best for your family. 

Language Arts

Language arts at a high school level entails grammar, literature, composition, vocabulary, and building research and analytical skills. Some literature selections will line up with the historical timeline and enhance the topics your child is learning in history class. History class could impact literature selections and give you a chance to combine classes. 

Plan a high school reading list prior to the beginning of the semester. It’s important that your kids build strong writing skills during their high school years and learn how to edit their own work. After all, good writing is backed by good thinking. 

Writing isn’t just important for academia, but for the rest of your children’s lives through college and beyond. Strong writing skills are a tool that can be used in any environment, as clear communication is key in any interaction. Learning to write well from a young age will benefit your children more than you know.

Math

Like science, math tends to be one of the two subjects that make homeschool parents nervous. You can use the same homeschooling resources for math as you did with science. Abeka Academy’s single-subject video lessons and co-ops are great resources. Dual enrollment is an additional resource.

If your child is looking for additional academic rigor and challenge in their junior and senior year, dual enrollment may be a good fit. Abeka Academy offers a dual enrollment program with Pensacola Christian College. It’s a great opportunity to get a head start on college while still in high school.

History

History doesn’t have to be taught in black and white. You can get creative with the way you teach history by reading different literary works with your kids. Historical fiction and intriguing biographies are a great addition to a traditional textbook. Some kids find biographies to be very engaging. In addition to enriching literature, there are educational documentaries and movies based on true historical events.

Electives

Electives are embedded into a traditional high school curriculum so that students can pick what they want to learn in addition to their core classes. Just about anything your child is interested in can be turned into an elective for class credit. 

However, elective credits vary from state to state. We recommend planning your course study according to your state’s specific requirements. Electives allow kids to explore their interests and hobbies further. This could spark a potential career interest or college major decision. 

Beyond electives, extracurriculars are another opportunity for your kids to explore their interests. Extracurricular activities typically encompass organized sports, music instruction, or an academic club. They are important in allowing teens to grow and develop their own interests and skills outside of school. 

Transcripts

With Abeka’s accredited study, you’ll get a diploma, official report cards and transcript, and free standardized testing in addition to the standard curriculum. A transcript from Abeka includes a list of the high school courses your child has taken, the grade earned for each course, yearly and overall grade point averages, a projected graduation date, and student and school information. For additional free printable resources such as transcript request forms or proof of completion forms, click here.

Dual Enrollment

If your child is enrolled in the Abeka Academy Accredited program and is looking for additional academic rigor, dual enrollment may be a good fit. Abeka has an online dual enrollment program with Pensacola Christian College for juniors and seniors. 

Dual enrollment is an opportunity for students to get a head start on college while finishing up high school. Some college classes can replace and earn credit for high school courses. To qualify for online dual enrollment with PCC, rising juniors and seniors must be enrolled in the Abeka Academy full-year accredited program, have at least 12 high school credits, have a minimum unweighted high school GPA of 3.0, and meet minimum standardized test scores. Follow this link for enrollment instructions and more information.

With ample preparation, a meticulous homeschool outline, and the right curriculum, homeschooling your high schooler will be a piece of cake. After reading this article, you’re already on the right track to set your high schooler up for success.