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More homeschool college preparation

  College sparks free thinking discussion

 

There are some specific steps that homeschool families can do to ensure college success for their homeschool student.

 

As they begin to consider college choices and future career interests, we can look for classes and activities that support those interests and we can tailor them very specifically to our student's abilities and interests.

 

For instance, if we have a child who loves science and is considering a career in biology, we know we must find biology related activities and classes. Perhaps a volunteer stint at the Indianapolis Zoo, a summer oceanography program in Florida, and a beginning biology curriculum at home. Of course they'll need to read comprehensively and be able to write well, so we fill out their course schedule with those classes, add in some public communication and speech courses, and those necessary higher math and computer classes. And in today's global society, foreign language is needed and is a requirement for graduation in Indiana and acceptance at most Indiana colleges. But where do we find qualified teachers and curriculums that will challenge our talented and intelligent high school homeschool student? There are several great options that can supplement our own homeschool courses.

 

 

Advanced placement courses and exams allow homeschool students to take the course virtually online and then pass the exam, receiving college credit. Many local school districts will allow students to participate in their AP programs. Just call the school administration office to find specific courses.

 

Indiana University High School is a virtual school that has a good AP program. Through such programs, your student earns advance college credit along with their high school transcript grade, thus accomplishing two goals with one class. I would recommend that you check with your student's possible college choices to make sure they will accept his/her AP credits in their course schedules. Most Indiana schools do so.

 

Indiana University helped us design a personal plan that eased our daughter from homeschooling high school, through 3 AP courses and into the SPAN early college entrance program at IUPUI.  Next fall she enters IU as a sophomore with one full year of 32 credits, above the freshman average.

 

Many local community colleges allow homeschool junior and seniors to begin taking actual courses that count for college credit. Ivy Tech, Marian College, and IUPUI are just a few of the Indiana colleges and universities that are putting into place rigorous high school early college programs.

 

There are 17 such programs being jump started in Indiana, including some that are charter school based that will allow participants to acquire 2 full years of college credit.

 

 

 

There are critics who wonder if the push to early college is harmful and rushes high schoolers before they are ready to make serious decisions and choices for their future. Many of us, however, believe that our students at age 16 are ready for real world challenges. By slowly bridging the gap between stay at home schooling and on campus college living and study.

 

I believe we empower success in our students and instill in them the sure knowledge that they can compete in the academic and social world of college.

 

As a typical homeschool student, our daughter raves about her early college experiences as a high schooler. She has learned to handle the pressure of final exams, but from the comfort of her own home with Mom's homemade chocolate chip cookies to study with. As she maneuvered the world of college professors and challenging assignments she learned she had the skills she needed to succeed, and she also leaerned where she needed to concentrate more focus and effort.

 

More importantly, her exposure to inspired teachers and communication other other college students sparked her desire to excel and to learn more about her future career. This fall she leaves for IU optimistic, confident and with anticipation to absorb all she can about her future career and life.

 

And for mom and dad...it's a peace of mind that we've done our very best to prepare her for those challenges.