For Parents - Planning Your
High School Program

Planning Your Program

Homeschool Resources

Testing Options

Typical Course of Study

First of all, gain an understanding of a typical course of study to see what topics of what subjects are covered to what extent at various age levels in America. Does your child need to be just the same? No, of course not. But you need a plan. This is a solid place to start. See the World Book example below for another typical course of study.

Here's World Book's Typical Course of Study. You needed this before your children ever started school, and now here they are (they grow up so fast!) approaching high school!

As an excerpt, here is what Americans typically study in Social Studies in ninth grade:

Reference Set (Encyclopedia)

Get an up-to-date set of World Book Encyclopedia. This reference set is already keyed to the natural interest levels of children at various ages, through adulthood. The articles are written at reading levels appropriate for the age most likely to need or want the information (follows the typical course of study).

Going to the library is not enough if you're homeschooling, now is it? When your son wants to know how starfish eat, will you run out the door to the library? Good "let's find out" skills require an up-go-date reference set on the premises. You may consider a computer reference set or using online reference resources.

For instance, both World Book and Encyclopedia Britannica offer an online subscription for a reasonable price. Your high schooler can obtain up-to-date research material from a trusted source.

Curriculum

Are you creating your course studies from scratch, or are you ordering materials? The following companies offer either just books and materials (you do all the teaching) or enrolling your high schoolers in their correspondence program.

A Beka - If you're planning a traditional curriculum, A Beka Books has a proven track record with both student and teacher materials, including tests. A Beka students typically test two grades ahead on standardized testing.

Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) - If you're interested in your high schooler working him/herself through correspondence-type workbooks for credit, examine ACE materials.