Notes from a homeschooling mom: high school

(CC) IMAGE by whalesalad

While most people managed to keep their opinions to themselves when it came to homeschooling my young kids, as they approached middle and high school, I could see a certain frantic level of concern. 

"The kids seem to be doing great, but don't you think it's time for school?"

"When are you going to send them back to school?"

"You are not planning to homeschool for high school, are you?"

I tend to just smile and shrug my shoulders.  We are pretty happy where we are.

If homeschooling for small children is a major endeavor and lifestyle change, homeschooling high school is akin to running a marathon.  Classes are harder.  Requirements are more pressing.  Success or failure is plainly evident.  For this reason, many families return their kids to traditional schooling as they get older.  This also means that my kids lose a handful of hang-out buddies each year. 

Now, socializing means driving further, sleepovers, sometimes for days, and opening our house to whomever is free to come and work or play with my kids.  Homeschooling high schoolers is so much more than SAT's, CLEP exams, and science experiements.  It includes workshops, days  at the mall, the search for parties with groups you can trust.... oh, and there's the sports too.  Let's not forget the sports.  It is not easy, but it can be done. 

We are just beginning our high school homeschool journey with a kid in 7th and another kid in 9th grade.  It has taken the first 4 1/2 months of the school year for me to just get used to the pace.  But, I'm taking my vitamins!  My guess is it is going to be bumpy ride, but I am certainly up for it.