This is the third time I’ve homeschooled an 11th grader yet it also feels like the first. Each one of my older children have taken slightly different high school paths. You’d think it would all be the same but yet each year holds different educational opportunities, and each of my children had different interests which helped me tailor many of their electives and core classes.
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Homeschool High School Grade 11
When it comes to high school, most of the actual teaching is off my plate. We use classes from our local co-op, online classes, and independent study. My role changes to more of a facilitator and guidance counselor. Since I do also teach some of the co-op classes, my kids always have me for at least 1 class as their primary teacher.
Fall Semester
Math: Teaching Textbooks
Science: Apologia Advanced Anatomy
Foreign Language: Spanish
English: Speech
History: Mystery of History and Trick Geography
Economics: Economics for Everybody; Whatever Happened to Penny Candy; Uncle Eric Talks About Personal Career and Financial Security by Richard J. Maybury
Electives: Advanced Art
Spring Semester
Math: Teaching Textbooks
Science: Apologia Advanced Anatomy
Foreign Language: Spanish
History: Mystery of History and Trick Geography
Government
Electives: Advanced Art and Entreprenuership
SAT (Spring)
Our Homeschool High school Core Classes
We are fortunate to have a great local co-op where we work together to come up with a good high school plan each year. This year my student will be taking Advanced Anatomy, Economics, Government, Speech, Geography and Art all at co-op.
We are also fortunate that a homeschool mom offered to teach Spanish 101 this year. This is a local drop-off class. The teacher has chosen BJU Spanish as her main source.
High School Economics
I’m teaching Economics at our co-op this year. It will be the second time teaching this class. I never thought I’d enjoy teaching Economics but I really do— and I’m not an expert on economics! The reason I enjoy the class is because my role is more like a facilitator. We use Economics for Everybody by R.C. Sproul. Each student is required to watch the videos prior to class (they can get the dvd, digital download or digital subscription. Tip: Sign up for Compass Classroom newsletter or follow them on FB. They almost always have a significant discount on curriculum during the summer.) Then we discuss in class. In addition we have a couple other required books– two Uncle Eric books: Whatever Happened to Penny Candy; Uncle Eric Talks About Personal Career and Financial Security by Richard J. Maybury.
I also like to bring in games, current events and movies that tie in with economics. Having the core teaching done for me though, is a lifesaver. 🙂 I learned just as much as the kids did when I taught this the first time!
Homeschool High School Entrepreneurship
All my highschoolers have done some sort of entrepreneurship class. In the spring semester, my student will be doing a modified version of a high school entrepreneurship class I taught previously. Two additional books I like to pull in with this study are Your Always Being Interviewed by Ron Brumbarger and The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy. The first book covers topics such as networking, how to make a good impression at an interview, and other great business life skills tips (click the link for a more detailed review.)And the second bookThe Compound Effect by Darren Hardy is one of my favorite books. If my students can grasp the concepts of this book at a young age– they will accomplish much. This is one book I wish I would have read when I was a young adult.
Homeschool High School Art
While my student doesn’t need any additional fine art electives, this is one class she always takes because she’s good at it and it is challenges her creativity. The pastor at the church where we host our co-op is an artist and loves to teach. He volunteers to teach an advanced level acrylic painting class each year. I am always amazed at the projects the students in this class produce.
Homeschooling High School Is Nothing to Fear
I remember when all my kids were in elementary school, I heard moms stressing out about high school. That made me kind of dread entering that phase of our homeschool. I’m here to tell you that you can homeschool high school. It will look different for every family (different state regulations, different goals, different children) but you can do it. There are so many resources such as online classes, complete DVD curriculum, and tutoring all available online. You’ll also be surprised at how many local resources are available too.
I think the biggest fear at that time was how was I going to teach xxxxx subject (fill in the high school subject you hated most or felt the most unqualified to teach). At this age, you really aren’t their primary teacher. They are able to learn independently. So my tips for the highschool years are:
- Pray for the right resources, classes and mentors.
- Know your state’s requirements.
- Ask moms who have already graduated homeschool students what resources are available.
My friend Kris has a great round-up post all about homeschooling high school if you need more ideas.
If you’re new to homeschooling or thinking about homeschooling, check out my post Starting Your Homeschool Journey:
Thanks for the recommendations for books to use for upper level high school. I I will be checking them out soon.