Completing High School Independently
Below is a checklist to help you get started homeschooling your high school student. If you are brand-new to homeschooling, please read about the basics of getting started first.
- Create a list of objectives (see a sample objective) for the year. These include topics and activities that you will do as required to graduate (see your state's laws).
- Follow your objectives closely. Have your student keep good records in a logbook and create a portfolio of their best work. The portfolio should include self-tests taken, samples of math problems and science experiments they have done, artwork, writings, etc. The logbook should be consise. It is used to document daily activities and other things that the portfolio does not cover such as field trips, reading a book, watching an educational video, etc.
- At the end of the year get together with a certified teacher and have them go over your student's logbook and portfolio. Either you (the parent) or the certified teacher may create a transcript showing that the student has completed the requirements to graduate. This is important if your student plans on going to college (read The Homeschooler's Guide to Portfolios and Transcripts). Many homeschool students can obtain an official diploma and official credits for their work by going through a private/public school program such as North Atlantic Regional Schools. If your student is thinking about going to college, read our advice on this topic.
Sample Objectives For a Highschool Student
Homeschooling Objectives 2002-2003
September 1, 2002 - June 30, 2003
English (Language, literature, speech and composition)
- read a variety of literature.
- keep a list of the books read.
- work with a tutor to improve his writing skills as he writes 5 book reports.
- complete Bob Jones physics course over the year.
- complete Saxon Advanced Mathematics book over the year.
- complete Bob Jones American Government course over the year.
- visit the Washington D.C. legislature.
- continue to produce computer-generated art as desired.
- continue to play guitar with the church worship team.
- listen to music with the family.
- attend at least one musical theatrical production.
- continue to play indoor and outdoor soccer and go bike riding.
- research and write a report on substance abuse among teenagers.
- practice nutrition principles with weekly meal preparation for the family.
- participate in family discussion regarding healthy living.
- finish the Mapping The World by Heart (lite) course.
- complete the Rosetta Stone online Spanish course.