Have you been thinking about homeschooling through high school? Do you have a lot of questions—and maybe a few concerns? Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’ll find in this series:

  • In Part 1, we’ll give you reassurance that you can do it, along with practical tips for finding curriculum, planning your student’s high school program, and getting them through graduation.
  • Part 2 answers your “after high school” questions like trade school, tech school, college, etc.
  • Part 3 is all about FOMO—yes, your homeschooled teen can still have friends, participate in sports, and build other lasting memories!
  • Part 4 helps you engage your teen and understand their perspective.

Now let’s dive into some of the big questions . . .

Can I really teach high school-level courses?

Yes, you can! You don’t have to be an experienced teacher—and in subjects where you feel shaky, just learn right along with your student. By providing an example of how to be an independent learner, you are teaching your teen lessons that will last the rest of their life. And when you do need support there’s lots of options and lots of help.

You can:

  • hire a tutor
  • get help from a family member or friend
  • use an online course (self-paced or real-time)
  • enroll your student in a distance learning course
  • join a homeschool co-op
  • take advantage of dual enrollment (where your teen earns high school and college credit simultaneously)

Many curriculum publishers offer complete packages or individual courses in which most of the preparation is done for you. They often include teacher guides, CDs, DVDs, lesson plans, unit studies, tests, and quizzes.

Where do I find curriculum?

You can find many resources at state homeschool conferences, at curriculum fairs, through blogs, and in online catalogs. Be sure to talk to veteran homeschooling parents in your homeschool group for tips about curricula that have worked for them and recommended curriculum sources. Want to learn more? You can check out the Finding Curriculum series.

How do I plan my student’s high school program?

Your teen’s post–high school goals are the primary consideration when planning out a high school program.

Knowing the direction your teen may take after graduation will help you to map out high school courses, testing, and extracurricular activities. For example, your student might be preparing for a career, military enlistment, or college.  

Also, check your state’s homeschool law to be aware of any subjects or minimum hours that you are required to teach your high schooler.

You have the freedom to decide what courses your teen will take and when. But you don’t have to reinvent the wheel—for more information and sample high school plans, check out Creating My Teen’s High School Plan!

What about a transcript?

Homeschooling parents can create their students’ transcripts themselves or use software or a subscription service to create and maintain homeschool records. We recommend that you begin creating a transcript for your teen in 9th grade (or whenever they complete the first high school–level courses) and then simply add to the transcript upon completion of each high school year.

Will my teen get a high school diploma?

Yes! As the parent, you plan out your child’s course of study and you can present a diploma that indicates they have successfully completed it. In most states, homeschooling parents can award their students’ diplomas.


But wait, there’s more . . . What about college? What about a job?

Let’s take a look at the next set of questions and how homeschooling can prepare your student for life.