When homeschooling a high schooler, there can be a lot to think about. Between courses and credits, schedules and studying, grades and GPAs, high schooling can quickly become overwhelming — without an organized way to keep everyone focused and on track, that is.
That’s where having a high school plan comes in.
Because high school is usually viewed as a package, it requires planning the entire experience all at once. My four-year method — which requires mapping out in detail each of the years from 9th-12th grade – is an excellent planning tool that also acts as a kind of insurance to lock in academic success come graduation day.
The 4-year plan doesn’t have to be difficult to create, but it may take some time. Allow several days, up to a week even, to complete the entire process. Starting with the student’s goals, and blending those with what his or her parents have in mind for high school, the plan should list all of the classes, activities and other experiences it will take to get that student from A to Z.
Ideally, the plan is then closely followed for the next 4 years, making any necessary adjustments along the way, but always helping the family stay on track with the end goal constantly in sight. Should goals, requirements or course offerings change along the way, the plan should naturally be adapted to meet any changes that come up along the way. But it is always there as a reminder of WHAT needs to get done, approximately WHEN, until graduation is reached and the next phase of life begins (college, trade school, work, etc.).
To view an example of a high school plan, see a portion of one, above. Note that every plan will be different for every individual student and family.
For a printable form that you can use to make one of your own, check the FREEBIE section.
It’s never to early to create a high school plan — some families start in 7th or 8th grade – and waiting until high school begins is almost too late. Take some time to create one of your own by sitting down with your student and ideas today, then begin fleshing out the details of a plan for that student’s high schooling years. Hanging the finished plan in a visible spot in the home, or carrying a copy in your purse of briefcase, will insure that it’s accessible whenever you need it and helps you stay on track for the high school years to come.
Leave a Reply