Home Schooling Teenagers

Home schooling a teenager is much different than home schooling a younger child. Teenagers usually know what they enjoy learning about and have a goal in mind about what they would like to do as a career. Home school is a great way to enhance and explore specific areas of expertise. Teenagers usually plan out their own curriculum and document their own record keeping, which teaches accountability. Most teens are capable of self study and self monitoring; they usually know where their strengths and weaknesses lie.

Teenagers should be making decisions on what they plan to do after school. They may plan on going to college, military, community college, or maybe something else. College is just one option. Interest, passions, hobbies, past times can all be turned into a career. A parent should research career options with your teenager by their gut feelings and instincts and nothing else. Do not let anything else get in the way of an intense passion that your child holds. Even if it is something you think will not make enough income, it is a passion. When someone does what they love, money comes.

This is a time during home school years that a parent may wonder if they can keep their children at home. Parents need to find out about diploma options. Some home schooled teenagers receive a GED, which stands for general education development, and is equivalent to a high school diploma. Parents may also research about college preparatory curriculums and classes that may supplement their home studies.

During these teenage years, it is crucial to include the student in as many extracurricular activities as possible. Some activities may include: sports, working in a family business, self-employment, tutoring, community memberships, local arts productions, etc. Keep good documentation of awards, essays, interviews, and recommendations for future college requirements.