Staying the Course: Homeschooling Through High School

Posted by Dawn | 0 comments

Seventeen years ago my husband and I made the decision to homeschool our oldest child after he had attended public kindergarten and first grade. Our decision was based on the following reasons: we were no longer comfortable entrusting a large portion of his education and training to strangers; we wanted his daily presence in our home, not just on nights and weekends; we wanted his education to be in line with our beliefs; and we felt that as his parents, we would be the ones most committed to educating our child. He was homeschooled from second grade through high school graduation.

Although we now have eight children, the original factors that led us to homeschool are still valid today. I donʼt think many parents begin homeschooling with the intention of putting their child in public or private school when they reach high school. Many times the decision is born of fear, misinformation, or a lethal combination of the two.

The voice of fear says:

“I never understood Geometry. How can I teach my child?”

“We canʼt do lab sciences at home.”

“My child canʼt get into college without a high school diploma.”

The Bible says:

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound
mind.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:7

When fear is the deciding factor behind your decision not to homeschool through high school, remember that God is not the giver of that fear. If God called you to homeschool your child, He will equip you to continue to do so. Trust Him.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and
not of evil, to give you an expected end.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11

God has a plan for your child and it is between the two of them. You will not ruin it. We have now graduated two high school students from our home school. With the first we used an accreditation program, with the second we didnʼt. One attends a college in our state; one will start at an out-of-state university in the fall.

Just as every child is uniquely individual, their high school and college plans will reflect this. Bathe your decisions in prayer and trust the Lordʼs guidance.

May your homeschooling through high school journey be blessed!

Dawn has been homeschooling her eight children–ages pre-K to college–since 1993. Her interests include photography, and both graphic and web design. She is the owner of Barefoot Blog Designs, and also blogs at My Home Sweet Home, her photoblog and The Homeschool Post.