Homeschool grade levels

November 9, 8:13 PMSeattle Homeschooling ExaminerLee Binz

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Homeschool grade levels can seem arbitrary.
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When homeschool kids are younger, and someone asks about grade level, it’s not uncommon for a parent to say, “Well! She is in third grade reading, 5th grade math, and can spell at a 7th grade level!” Rarely did you hear a parent come right out and say, “He is 7 years old, therefore he is in 2nd grade!” But sometimes in high school the pressure to assign grade levels can be intense.

Grade levels can be pretty arbitrary. As homeschoolers we need to focus on what we are doing for our own children, because we know what our own children need. We don’t know what other children need! So focus on providing a curriculum that is challenging and not overwhelming. Be sure to keep it academically rigorous, and encourage them to do their best, but guard against burn out and overwork that can lead to frustration.

Question: When do you really need to label a homeschool high school student with a grade level?
Answer: Junior year.

Junior year is the only time you really have to say, “THIS is their grade level.” In junior year, when you indicate 11th grade on the PSAT, they can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. In junior year, there are tasks that need to be completed – things that are unique to that year. You can delay making a label until junior year without consequences.

Many homeschoolers intentionally delay graduation. They may provide high school curriculum from the age of 14, but they continue to provide high school curriculum until the age of 19 or 20. They do that to provide additional maturity before their children move away from home. Parents are completely capable of making these choices!

One word of warning:  Kids mature a LOT in the four years of high school. Imagine the difference between a 1 year old child and a 5 year old child. Think about the physical differences; toddling vs. biking, for example. Think about the intellectual differences; saying a few words vs. asking endless questions.

There is almost that much of a difference between the first year of high school and the last year of high school. At first it seems like your child could never possibly be ready for college at 18. And then one day it happens! You look at them – and they look ready!

Leave yourself some flexibility. When they look ready to move on – celebrate your homeschool graduation. When they are almost ready, make them a junior.

If your child is ready before others their age – or after others their age – it doesn’t really matter. Our job is to provide for our child.