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Whether you are an experienced homeschool par-
ent or just getting started, you may have questions
about planning the high school years. There are a
few distinctive differences between the elementary and second-
ary years that can be helpful to consider as you create a plan.
PreK – Grade 6 are the foundational years where you enjoy
learning right alongside your student, as you are teaching them
the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Your student’s days
are filled with play, visits to the library, and short math lessons
Together, you explore people, places, and ideas through your
choice of resources. Parents often have a general plan for the
year, but each day is fluid and the pace is set by your student’s
interests, development, and understanding of the material.
Grades 7 – 12 require more direction and planning. The pace
and content of the secondary years, while still taking cues from
your student’s development, transition to completing parent-
directed courses that satisfy your graduation goals. Transcripts
need to be prepared, college admission requirements met, and
personal skills acquired to enter today’s job market. Remember,
you, as the homeschooling parent of your student, will set your
own graduation requirements, create your own transcript, and
certify your own homeschool high school diploma.
STEP 1. Multi-Year Planning
Creating a comprehensive multi-year plan can help you feel
confident that you’re meeting your goals. Without a plan, par-
ents often wonder, “Am I doing enough?”
A planning template can help you create this plan. I offer a
free Planning Template on my website, you can download that
at
Next, pencil in the courses and activities that you envision
your student completing in each of the grades. Begin by writ-
ing in courses that progress in a sequence, such as math. Adjust-
ments will be made based on your student’s ability and interests
in the last step. Refer to your state statute to ensure you are ful-
filling all requirements. I also encourage parents to review col-
lege admission requirements and recommendations from their
local state university to ensure they are preparing their college-
bound students for a seamless transition.
STEP 2. Work Smarter, Not Harder
Once you have crafted an initial plan, consider eliminating, re-
arranging, and adding courses based on these suggestions.
Eliminate repeating subjects. Instead of having your student
study a course with similar content in Grades 7-8 and again in
high school, consider eliminating the repeat. Pencil in the course
just once, when your student is ready for the high school level.
For younger students with strong reading, comprehension, and
vocabulary skills, this might be before ninth grade. For other stu-
dents who aren’t ready to advance early, this may leave a hole in
their schedule. Instead of repeating a subject with similar con-
tent, replace it with something different. For example, eliminate
Creating a Comprehensive High School Plan
BY CHERI FRAME, 2019 CONFERENCE SPEAKER