Through the Eyes of a High Schooler

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When I was in grade school, homeschooling seemed “normal” enough. Sure I didn’t go to school, but all my peers thought it was cool. They loved the idea of homeschooling and a lot of my friends who went to school actually would ask their parents to homeschool them as well. Then along came the high school years. Many of my friends suddenly thought homeschooling wasn’t “cool.” To make matters worse, I began getting questions from adults about homeschooling through high school. Why would anyone homeschool through high school? What about Prom, homecoming, and football games? How can a homeschooled high school student have a social life? These are just a few of the questions I get. Surprisingly, I have found that the answers give me “normal” experiences while allowing me to experience all the advantages homeschooling offers.

If you know what you want to do after graduation, homeschooling can be the best option. Many careers require some early training. In these cases, homeschooling allows flexibility and time for that training. For example, I decided early on that I wanted to go into the arts, mainly theater. Homeschooling allows time for me to train more than the average teen in school would have. I am able to adjust my school schedule so I have time to take dance classes in the morning, have voice lessons, choreograph shows, and prepare for auditions. I am also able to integrate my school and my training. For example, if I have to write a report for English, I will often pick a topic related to the performing arts. I also am able to adjust my school schedule to work with my training. In school, for me there is a point A and a point B. The goal is to get to point B in a timely manner and to do well.

When you make the decision to homeschool in high school, it’s natural to wonder about stuff like Prom, Homecoming and football games. I have found I have still been able to do all these things. I went to a high school homecoming my freshman year with some friends who attend a local high school. I go to football games with friends. Our local homeschool group hosts a Prom each spring. So be at ease, future homeschooled high school student. Opportunities to share in these high school activities do exist!

What about friends and socializing? It turns out that all is not lost at all. If you are part of a homeschool co-op or group you will probably have lots of opportunities. If not, you can still have plenty of opportunities. You might just need to put in some extra effort to make new friends. If you are involved a church youth group or any kind of class, you will have tons of socialization time. This is not to say that you won’t struggle at all. All high school students struggle with friends from time to time. The important thing is to make sure you make time for friends. Try to do something with at least one friend every weekend. Meet at Starbucks for coffee, go to see a movie, or maybe even go out to eat with a group. Don’t forget to connect with the people you are around all week. For instance, I have dance classes which keep me busy as well as musicals in my community. I am also currently choreographing a show for a local high school. It’s true; some of us aren’t surrounded by teens all the time like students who attend a formal high school.

However, if you think about it, not everyone who attends high school has friends. Some teenagers suffer with loneliness even though they are surrounded by people eight hours a day, five days a week! You can be surrounded by people and not be connected to anyone. You have to be willing to put time and effort into a friendship. I promise if you try, you will find friends.

Homeschooling through high school is a big decision for anyone to make. Don’t let questions from others influence your decision. They can be annoying and even hurtful at times, but can also help confirm to you that homeschooling is the right choice. The important thing to remember is that you are doing what is best for YOU. There will be ups and downs along the way, but you can be sure that if you choose to homeschool though high school, you won’t have to miss out on a thing.

Taylor Nieman is a 16 year old, homeschooled High School Sophomore.  She is heavily involved in the arts, specifically in dance, music, and theater, and is training with the hopes this will open the door for future career opportunities.  Between balancing school, lessons, and rehearsals, Taylor loves working with underprivileged children and hopes to further continue that specific area of ministry.