Homeschooling isn’t just about learning at the kitchen table all day long anymore. There are various options available today to enhance your teenager’s learning plan and provide a more engaging educational experience. This could include joining a homeschooling cooperative, arranging for them to participate in local school classes, or considering dual enrollment programs. You’ll find yourself exploring different strategies to ensure your child meets the educational standards of your region.
Think About College Courses for Your Teen
Dual enrollment might be an excellent opportunity for your high school student to start earning college credits. They’ll need to demonstrate college readiness, which could be through SAT scores, placement tests, or their high school transcript.
Although sometimes discounted or even free, college courses can be costly. So, it’s wise to plan for financing their education. If you own property, a home equity line of credit might be one option to fund their college expenses.
Explore Online Classes
Online courses offer flexibility for your teen to learn from home, allowing them to tackle subjects that might be challenging to teach yourself, or to complete an entire semester’s workload virtually. These classes also provide a chance for your child to engage with peers in an online environment.
Join a Homeschooling Co-op
Participating in a homeschool co-op can be a rewarding experience. These cooperatives range in size and structure, from small family groups to larger organizations with a variety of classes and experienced instructors who may have expertise in specific fields like science.
In a co-op, students can enjoy social events, like a yearly prom, and parents often alternate teaching responsibilities. It’s a great opportunity for your teen to make friends, engage in group learning, and create lasting memories outside of the immediate family circle.
Utilize Your Local High School’s Resources
As a homeschooler, you can still tap into resources offered by the public school system. Since you’re contributing through taxes, you can take advantage of facilities and equipment that might surpass those available through a co-op. If your child has a particular interest, such as in the sciences, they might find the local high school’s labs quite beneficial.
Your teen could also enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, allowing them to earn college credits while still in high school. Passing the AP exams can mean they won’t need to retake those courses in college, giving them a head start on their higher education journey.
