Deciding to homeschool for high school-Help!

[willowcreek]

My oldest is in 8th grade (homeschooled since 5th because of really lacking ps situation). He's very smart/motivated/curious in literature, history, science (conceptual/history of since we are not to the more math-based hs levels), and Latin. He is disciplined and competent in math in Algebra I (hated math in ps and thought he was incompetent--now scores 90%+ on standardized tests).

Here's the problem: In our town, it is necessary to put a child back in ps in 9th grade because of their difficulty in transferring/recognizing hs credits any later. It really is go back in 9th or you can't. That scares me--I think I can figure out the academics--purely--from a curriculum, competence, online or access to tutors/cc.

However, I wonder about the social aspects and the academic aspects of a regular classroom setting. My son participates in scouts, youth group, and a local co-op, but he will want more social opportunities.

I am afraid--feel like the decision stakes are so high, since there is no good way to change your mind here later (like in 10th). Help! It seems like the default is to send him to ps, since that is the "normal" thing, thus if it doesn't go well, at least I did what *most* parents chose. Or do I pitch him out there in 9th just because--so ps is an option.

THoughts? Advice? Input on social life or critical aspects of classroom-based learning?

[Orthodox6]

I think that if you live near any of the larger cities -- Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa -- you should be able to supply the social/activities wishes your children have.

Forgive me for smiling over here, but the "social opportunities" in a classroom are those forbidden by the school administration ! -- passing notes, talking during the lecture, playing pranks (innocent and not-so-much-so), etc. Everything else takes place outside of the classroom -- and you already have listed a well-rounded list of activities your son participates in. The only other "social element" I can think of is "dating", which may or may not be on your parental list for so young an age.

UIL-affiliated team sports, and UIL-affiliated music activities (band, orchestra, choir) won't be available to you -- but your post does not discuss those activities.

You do have a complex decision. I won't underplay that. Best wishes with the thought process !

[Pamela H in Texas]

in many places, we have to make the same decision. Here, my kids had to start school in 9th or be homeschooled throughout also (or be put back into 9th if we did put them in later). One option is to use an accredited program that grants credits. There are limitations to doing it that way, but it's another option if you want to consider school later.

But really, we all just jump on in. Seriously, between social activities, sports, youth groups, co-ops, and the like, your son will get plenty of socialization. LIke the previous poster mentioned, other socialization is discouraged anyway.

Also, you may find in your area more opportunities than you realize. Teens from our homeschool teams get college scholarships, for example. There are classes available just about any day of the week. Some are academic, some for fun. We have get togethers, including those split somewhat by age (for example, last week, the young elementary went to one pool party while the teens went to another--though of course, there were some of the other ages at both considering whole families went to one or the either).

He also may find work, volunteer opportunities, etc to join.

Anyway, I guess for some it can be a scary proposition (all or nothing), but you can do it :)

[willowcreek]

Thank you for both your ideas and encouragement. All welcome. We happen to live in a university town that is a bit distanced/removed from the larger cities with more social/homeschool activity options. The group of homeschoolers is growing here, but I think we'll have to circle the wagons to gear up options here. coming please!!!

[Ann Marie K]

This is a reply from my 14yo ds who was just pulled out of 9th grade last week to continue homeschooling for high school:

Hello, how are you? Hopefully good, because I know it's a big decision to make! First of all, I'm surprised at how much your son and I have in common. I score 90%+ on tests too, and I am interested in lots of the same subjects and activities as him (except scouts, sorry, but they bored me to death). I personally say GO 4 IT! :D

One of the awesome things about homeschooling is that it removes all restrictions of ps. The frantic class schedules and the busywork homework only hinder you from unleashing your full potential. Homeschool is great because there's more learning packed into a smaller space of time, and homeschool doesn't cram it forcefully in, unlike our ps counterpart.

I think the most wonderful part about homeschooling is that you're free to learn the natural way. What do I mean? Well, I don't think that forced intake of uninteresting text from a textbook can really be called "learning". It's hard to concentrate, which leads to distractions, which leads to not absorbing the information. I call that form of learning the "artificial method" because you're forced to absorb and memorize countless facts and not taught how to really think for yourself. With homeschooling, you're free to have a selection of whatever learning materials you want, and how to use them. You may need textbooks for the information you just can't obtain otherwise, but whenever possible my preferred style of learning is a combo of interesting books that suck you in to them and leave you begging for another chapter, and also real life experience with these things. I think that's the way we're all supposed to learn.

Of course, that's just my opinion. Please reply if you have any questions/comments. Thanks for listening, and I hope you're not bored to tears by my gynormous post! Oh, and good luck on your endeavors!
:001_smile:


P.S. Oh and for social gatherings... I recommend finding a good homeschool group. We have one at our church that I hang out with every week, and I make lots of friends there. But I think you're doing great so far! ;)