Anyone allow their high school senior to take fewer classes and take a job?

[Brenda in MA]

I'm thinking ahead to next year. We use NARHS, and my son, who is a junior this year, will have enough credits to graduate this spring (2008). However, I don't want to graduate him early because I think he needs another year at home to mature before going away to college.

Any way -- next year, I'd like him to take a couple of year-long courses at home and a few at the community college in the fall (at least). I was planning on having him take 2 more courses at the community college in the spring, but then I got to thinking that maybe it would be more valuable for him to get work experience the second semester his senior year instead of taking more cc courses.

Have anyone's dc done this? I'm wondering how his potential colleges would view this because one of his English credits was earned in the 8th grade (but is high school level according to NARHS).

TIA for your thoughts,
Brenda

[Gwen in VA]

Two thoughts --

I would be a bit nervous about what the colleges would think of your ds not taking a full load of classes. The colleges do stress that they do not want to see seniors taking it easy. Could you call and talk with an admissions person or two and ask their opinions?

Also, I would be VERY careful about not overloading second semester senior year. Your ds will have college visits, possibly scholarship weekends, possibly finishing up college apps, college decisions......it is a busy time.

[mcconnellboys]

As far as I know, schools here still allow seniors to leave at lunch if they have jobs, so I don't see what the problem would be....? If he has more than enough credits, good grades, and is also taking some college classes during his senior year, why not work too? I think it shows maturity.

Regena

[MelodyInTx]

Indeed, in ps it is allowed for students to leave school and go to a job. By the time the students are seniors they already have enough credits to graduate, at that time they are working on interest subjects. I know for my kids they will have plenty of credits by the time they are seniors.

[percytruffle]

I don't see why he can't do "all of the above" at once. My ds will be working part-time (he is now), taking two classes per semester at the CC, and taking a couple of classes at home still next year when he is a senior. I think the extra work load will be advantageous for him as he transitions from high school to college. Dd did the same thing.

Were you thinking about full-time employment such as an apprentice position in his intended field? In that case I would indeed lighten the work load, but not for just "work experience" of the ordinary part-time job variety.

[Margaret in CO]

I agree that it isn't an either/or thing. Both my older girls worked several jobs, sports at the high school, took things at the college and some things at home for their last two years. My second one was almost ALL at the college or at work for her senior year. It made for a good transition. She'd taken two summer classes at another college, so that freed up some time.

[Brenda in MA]

Were you thinking about full-time employment such as an apprentice position in his intended field? In that case I would indeed lighten the work load, but not for just "work experience" of the ordinary part-time job variety.

Yes -- I was thinking of a full-time or close to full-time job in his area of interest, if we let him go that route. I'm thinking that a potential employer of that type will be more interested in hiring him if he's available to work more than 5 or 10 hours/week. I think he'd get more out of the experience, too.

I'm just trying to think about balancing the flexibility of homeschooling with what is best for him and what colleges will think of the arrangement.

Thanks for your input,
Brenda

[percytruffle]

Ah, I thought maybe that's what you meant. I think it would be advantageous if he can get the work. Mine have found that jobs in their particular field are hard to come by unless one is already a junior in college and in need of a co-op position. Best of luck to him! I hope it works out.