Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular as parents recognize its many benefits. But as your child heads into high school, selecting the right homeschooling curriculum becomes more critical.
After all, they are now entering their secondary education and need the resources to prepare them for college or other post-secondary education. But with so many options, choosing the best homeschooling curriculum for high school can be challenging.
We will review available options and provide tips for finding one that meets your child’s needs. Read on to learn more about selecting the ideal homeschooling curriculum for high schoolers.
Approaches to Homeschooling
There are many different types of homeschooling high school curricula available. Each curriculum follows a different approach to homeschooling. Some are more traditional, while others are more innovative. Here is a look at some of the most popular approaches to homeschooling curricula available:
Traditional Homeschooling Method
This curriculum bases its program on the traditional public or private school model. This reliance on conventional school means it includes all core subjects, such as math, science, English, history, and foreign languages. Most traditional homeschooling high school curricula also include electives, such as art and music.
Classical Homeschooling Method
The classical homeschooling high school curriculum relies on the methods used in classical education. This curriculum focuses on teaching the core subjects through a liberal arts approach.
The goal is to develop well-rounded students who can think critically and analytically. The difference between traditional and classical education is the focus on teaching students what to learn versus how to learn.
Montessori Homeschooling Method
The Montessori homeschooling high school curriculum adheres to the educational philosophy developed by Maria Montessori. This curriculum emphasizes hands-on, play-based learning and encourages students to be independent thinkers.
Waldorf Homeschooling Method
The Waldorf homeschooling high school curriculum follows the educational philosophy developed by Rudolf Steiner. This type of curriculum emphasizes creativity, imagination, and artistic expression.
Best Picks for a High School Homeschooling Curriculum
We’ve looked at learning methods that reflect different homeschooling needs and philosophies. In the following sections, we will look at some popular all-inclusive curricula which either rely on one of these methods or allows for flexibility and combinations to suit the needs of any parent and child.
Sycamore Academy
Founded in 1981, Sycamore Academy is a homeschooling curriculum explicitly designed for high school students. It offers a comprehensive, accredited curriculum that covers all core subjects, electives, and extracurriculars.
Sycamore Academy is flexible and customizable so that you can tailor it to your child’s individual needs and learning style.
Bridgeway Academy Homeschool Curriculum
Bridgeway Academy Homeschool Curriculum is among the most popular homeschooling curriculums for high school students. Its comprehensive curriculum includes all the core subjects and a wide range of electives.
The curriculum is flexible and can be customized to meet the needs of each student. Bridgeway Academy also offers a variety of online resources and support services to help homeschool families succeed.
Moving Beyond the Page
This curriculum is designed for gifted high school students and helps them to think critically, develop research skills, and communicate effectively.
One thing that sets Moving Beyond the Page apart from other homeschooling curricula is its focus on real-world applications. For example, students learn how to write persuasive emails, proposals, and reports. They also can practice their writing skills by participating in a simulated congressional debate.
Moving Beyond the Page emphasizes 21st-century skills such as information and media literacy. Students learn to find, evaluate, and use information from various sources.
Moving Beyond the Page is an excellent option if you’re looking for a homeschooling curriculum to challenge your high school students and help them develop the skills they need for college and career success.
My Teaching Library
My Teaching Library offers resources for a complete high school curriculum that are affordable and easy to use. The curriculum comprises five main subjects: Arts, Language, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Each topic contains various resources, including textbooks, workbooks, and interactive learning resources.
One of the best features of the Teaching Library curriculum is that it is flexible enough to be used with any homeschooling method. Whether you are using a traditional textbook-based approach or a more modern approach, you can easily adapt My Teaching Library resources to fit your needs.
Another great feature of My Teaching Library curriculum is that it is available in print and digital formats. This means you can use the best resources for you and your family. The website also offers various benefits, such as discounts and freebies, to members who apply for their subscription service.
Time4Learning
Time4Learning is a curriculum designed specifically for homeschoolers. It covers all core subjects, including math, science, history, and English. The curriculum is flexible and can be customized to fit each student’s needs.
Time4Learning also offers online classes and resources, making it an excellent option for parents who want to homeschool but don’t have the time or resources to do all the teaching themselves.
Global Village School
Many different homeschooling curriculums are available, so deciding which suits your high school student can be challenging. However, one curriculum that has become increasingly popular in recent years is the Global Village School.
The Global Village School is a unique homeschooling curriculum focusing on global citizenship. It aims to prepare students for a world becoming increasingly connected and interdependent.
Along with the basics, this curriculum includes world history, geography, culture, and current affairs courses. There is also a strong emphasis on language learning, with Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, and Russian classes available.
One of the main advantages of the Global Village School is that it provides students with a well-rounded education. It allows them to learn about different cultures and countries and develop language skills. This multicultural approach to learning is ideal for students interested in pursuing a career in international relations or travel.
Study.com
Many homeschooling families choose to use Study.com as their high school curriculum, thanks to its comprehensive and diverse selection of resources. The website offers many benefits for homeschooling families, including:
- Comprehensive curriculum that covers all core subjects, including math, science, English, history, and more
- A flexible schedule that allows students to work at their own pace and complete courses on their own time
- A wide range of resources, including video lessons, printable worksheets, and quizzes
- A team of experienced educators who are available to answer questions and provide support
Homeschooling families who use the Study.com curriculum consistently report high satisfaction with the program.
Earthschooling Curriculum
The Earthschooling curriculum is an inclusive, nature-based curriculum that believes children should learn through experience and exploration. This philosophy means your child will spend time outside, learning about the natural world.
They will also be doing a lot of hands-on projects, which will help them to retain information better. This type of curriculum is perfect for high school students because it allows them to be creative and dig into the subjects that interest them the most.
It also helps them to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in college and beyond. So, if you’re looking for a homeschooling curriculum to challenge and engage your high school student, we recommend checking out Earthschooling.
IXL Curriculum
IXL offers a comprehensive high school curriculum that covers all core subjects, including math, English, science, social studies, and foreign language. The plans are customizable to suit the requirements of any state’s standards.
In addition to providing detailed lesson plans and materials, IXL offers online resources and support for homeschooling families.
What to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Homeschooling Curriculum for High School
When homeschooling your high school student, choosing a curriculum that will fit your student’s and your family’s needs is vital.
Accreditation
You need to ensure that your chosen curriculum is accredited. Many colleges and universities require that students have an accredited homeschooling curriculum to be eligible for admission.
Accreditation means that a reputable third-party organization has reviewed and approved the curriculum and that it meets specific standards. Knowing that your child receives a quality education gives you peace of mind.
Subjects
Second, you must ensure that your chosen curriculum covers all the necessary subject areas. Most states have requirements for subjects that a high school education must include, so you will want to ensure that your chosen curriculum meets those requirements.
Learning Style
It’s crucial to consider your student’s learning style when choosing a homeschooling curriculum for high school. Some students learn best by doing, while others learn best by listening or reading. Choose a curriculum that will work best for your student’s learning style.
Budget
You need to consider the cost of the homeschooling curriculum when choosing one for high school. Many families choose to homeschool on a budget, so finding a curriculum that fits your budget is essential.
Flexibility
Finally, you want to ensure that your homeschooling curriculum for your high schooler is flexible. Life happens, and there will be times when your child needs to take a break from their studies or even take a different path altogether. A flexible curriculum will allow them to do this without missing a beat.
Conclusion
By keeping these things in mind when choosing a homeschooling curriculum for high school, you can be sure that you are selecting the best possible option for your family.