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Every age and grade brings a different set of challenges, but, Yes, you CAN homeschool successfully through high school.
The middle or junior high school years are an important time to polish academic skills and testing skills and prepare for the future.
This is also the very best time to prepare for the new job of High School Guidance Counselor by preparing yourself and exploring your options.
Questions about home education in the high school years need to be carefully considered. Frequently asked questions (and answers!) are included in the CAPE Resource Manual.
We have reproduced a portion of one page here for your consideration:
High school is the culmination of the homeschool commitment.
Home schooling through high school is easier than ever, but it’s still not easy. Neither is anything else worth doing, and these are incredibly worthwhile years to invest in the training and discipleship of these young adults.
Academically, there are more ways than ever to satisfy potential college requirements. And there are more higher education options to consider than ever before, including college at home, apprenticeships, and home-based businesses.
It is a precious time when disciples become co-laborers, and children become adults, usually without the traumatic stereotypical teen rebellion.
Homeschool high schools are flourishing!
High School at Home
Do we need an accredited program? An accredited program is NOT necessary for college entrance. However, since the transfer of high school credits is left up to the discretion of each public high school, it may be difficult (but not impossible) to return to a public-school program without standard credits. If there is no commitment to home school all the way through high school, an accredited course of study is recommended.
Click here for more details on the transfer of credits.
College – Will homeschooled graduates be accepted?
Homeschooled students are not only accepted by colleges across the country, they are actively recruited! Considered well-educated and strong independent learners by admissions counselors, homeschoolers are receiving scholarships created especially for them. In New Mexico, state law guarantees that home school diplomas are accepted at all state colleges and universities.
There is now a National Honor Society for homeschooled high school students, Theta Alpha NM. Contact the NM Coordinator.
Sports – What are our options?
In 2007, a new state law opened the door. Excerpted from SB 1098, “A homeschool student is eligible to participate in one school district athletic activity at the public school in the attendance zone in which the student resides, according to the New Mexico activities association guidelines. The school district shall verify each homeschool student’s academic eligibility to participate in school district athletic activities.” This was amended in 2009 to increase the number to three. School districts were also funded for up to three athletic activities. In 2012, the word “athletic” was removed from the law, allowing funding for up to three activities defined as “athletics, co-curricular and extracurricular activities sanctioned by the New Mexico Activities Association.”
Does CAPE oppose homeschool involvement in public school sports or activities? CAPE does not work either for or against such legislation, unless we see a potential to erode homeschool rights. We will review any potential bills or policy changes to make sure that any application for academic eligibility doesn’t surrender any parental right to direct home education, or leave a door open to violate the rights of the rest of the homeschool community.
There are a variety of opportunities available to homeschooled students within the homeschool community and the private sector including competitive athletics programs run by homeschoolers for homeschoolers, club ball organizations, and more.
High School Driver Education
What is the latest on how a homeschool student gets a driver’s permit and certified for their license test?
CAPE-NM, along with Ramon Martínez, homeschool grandparent* and the instructor of Cordura Correspondence Course, worked with the Traffic Safety Bureau to provide an alternative way for homeschooled students to take driver education as a part of their homeschooling.
Homeschooled students may take driver education at home, under the supervision of their parents IF they use a state-approved correspondence course. No one is better equipped than parents to measure the skills, character, and maturity necessary to become a safe and responsible driver.
Click here for a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process.
The very latest is changing, and effective with permit requests dated September 1, 2011 and later there will be additional certifications needed for academic proficiency in the eighth grade and attendance in the ninth grade. Those forms are being designed and we will update the guide when the state has them available. This link describes the details.
*Home School Grandparent: any mom or dad or legal guardian who has operated a home school through high school graduation. An honored and respected member of the home school community; a veteran.
DESIGNING A PROGRAM, POST-SECONDARY OPTIONS, DEVELOPING TRANSCRIPTS, COLLEGE TESTS, APPLICATIONS, FINANCIAL AID, etc., all require thought and preparation. There are excellent websites and books we recommend, along with convention workshops.
Home School Legal Defense Association – Home Schooling through High School
CAPE Convention Workshop Recordings
