How We Homeschool High School and Graduate at 16 

I felt the same way when I was in school. So much of it was a waste of time, and I did not want my children to waste precious years of their youth when they could be moving purposely toward their goals.

@@TheBealles You wanna hear about a waste of time? As if the time management done in public schools isn't already enough the schools here are now offering online school in the same way they would do regular school but online. They require the kids to sit for as long as they normally would for regular school but on the computer. I can't even wrap my brain around how that is beneficial or even practical. My mom Homeschooled my other 4 siblings and she was done by noon each day. It's wild to think kids would be sitting for potentially 7-8 hours a day + homework assignments.

stand That is ridiculous. I wish every parent was able to homeschool their children

That’s very wise.

You can do it! Your children will be just fine ❤️

Thank you! High school is right around the corner for you! You can do it!

They had really great preschool products! Enjoy! It is such a great deal, and if there is anything I like, it's good quality products for a deal :)

Eclectic Jill Thank you 😊

You must be a high school student to take advantage of dual enrollment in any state. However, in our state, they were limited in the number of classes they could take. Time was a more important factor to us. Brian was able to finish his associates in one year as a high school graduate, but would have never been allowed to go at that pace as a dual enrollment student. Because of his grades, test scores, and other factors, he was still able to get free tuition. Each family should determine the best route for them. Thank you for sharing your experience!

Did you homeschool your children

Val Francis Thanks, Val

So glad it was a blessing to you 🥰

Thanks 😊

I try my best and pray

A goal usually helps 😊 Blessings to you all❤️

Consider his future goals. He’s a little young, so cover the broad bases and let him volunteer to discover his passion in time. You can do this!

Its an amazing achievement what u have done ! Moviing to charlotte nc soon from nyc , GOD wills

Great deal!

We did do formal writing. That is the composition portion of high school English- which you will hear more about on tomorrow's video. I did not, however, require a lot of writing, and we only took a cursory look at APA and MLA. This was intentional. I knew they would hit college and that was ALL they would be doing :) I did interview both boys after their first year of college (need to do that with Briana) and asked them what they wished I had done more of and both said writing. I also asked them if knowing then what they know now, would they change it, and they said no- they didn't really want to do more and they did fine. You can watch the videos in my homeschool playlist. Part of the reason we graduated early was that it was more complicated (and unnecessarily so) to do dual enrollment, and they limited the number of classes you could take. It made more sense to graduate and take as many classes as you want. That is how Brian got his Bachelor's by 19. Anyway, don't forget to check her dream 4 year college and graduate school before making your plans. Some frown upon community college (graduate schools especially), and you may have to work around those requirements. Blessings to you!

@@TheBealles Thank you. Actually she already knows the university she wants to attend and thankfully they have a good relationship with the community college where she would attend. She is in the youth orchestra at the university where she wants to attend and the conductor and I were talking about her plans and he told me that he recommends community college before coming there. He says he sees too many of his music students come in and either flunk out or withdraw because of the size of the university and the load that it carries. That is very good advice though, because I've heard that some do frown upon community colleges. My husband is in college now (also an art major) and he's had to write so many papers! I definitely know I want to spend some time for her to learn how to write (and will probably do a co-op class in high school) but just wasn't sure if I wanted to wait until high school for that or go ahead and start it in 8th grade. Also, my husband's advisor advised that he take his 2nd Biology with the community college instead of taking it at the university. He thought he had maxed out on the number of credits he could transfer to the university, but he had 4 credits left.

It is far from normal in the US.

AMEN Homeschoolers SOOOO much! All of our kids must go to college debt free, so we have plenty of experience. Grants to start, CLEP exams, jobs, good grades for scholarships, other scholarships, overloading classes to pay for fewer semesters... that’s a few ideas to start. Brian and I could literally write a book

The Bealles I would buy your book!

When you are homeschooling, you have to comply with the laws of state you legally reside in. Therefore, you should currently be homeschooling according to the laws of North Carolina. If and when you move, you would need to be in compliance with the laws of that state. The future possibilities are irrelevant when it comes to what you should be doing now. Focus on where you are, complying with the laws there, and get the best home education possible. That would be the best way to be prepared for whatever your future holds. If you are watching this video because you want to work hard and graduate early, understand that the laws of every state are different. You may want to take into consideration the homeschool laws in whichever state you land. Not every state makes early graduation easy. Lord bless you!

Why not? I would think so. High school level work should get high school credit. Of course, you should double check your state laws to make sure it won’t be an issue where you live. Assuming that’s not a problem, then I would count it.

Sure. I understand. I chose to divide my transcripts into four segments for Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years. Next to each category, I put the dates completed. For instance, 2023-2024. The junior and senior year has the same dates. It never caused an issue as the courses were Junior/Senior level courses.

www.thefundamentalhome.com/what-if-i-mess-up-my-child-and-other-homeschool-worries/ I created this blog post several years ago. It still applies. I hope it encourages you 😊

Agribusiness prepares the students for jobs in agriculture. There are different tracks. Some students plan to work for agriculture based corporations. If Briana goes beyond her two year degree, she would probably transfer to an Agricultural Education program. Then, she could teach Agriculture in Secondary schools or work for the County Extension office or other agriculture related government positions. That being said, I think she will stop with the Associate's degree. She really wants to be a wife and mom, and we support that decision- but she has to get at least one college degree first :)

The Bealles that sounds amazing! I’m praying for her and her future.

I’m not sure if different cities have different requirements. You will need to check with your locality to be sure.

None of our children got their drivers license at 16. Brian was 19, but I was just about 19 when I got mine. Eventually they get it because they all want freedom 😉. Not everyone has plans either. Maybe they’re anxious. Did they express that to you or are you assuming because they don’t seem to be in the pace you think is correct? I would say be patient. Don’t rush them. It’s not a race, it’s a journey. Let them enjoy the scenery. Encourage their dreams if they discover any. Let them get a job and explore. They just need time and experience.

Correct

I was wondering if you could go over the english credits again and courses you used? Am I understanding you correctly that you gave seperate credits for grammar, literature, and composition? ​@TheBealles thank you!

I’ve never heard of running start. If there are two different names for programs, there may be some differences. Check with your local homeschool organization to find out about programs for your area. If you know what college you child plans to attend, go to their website and search for entrance requirements. You could also call and talk to an admissions advisor.

I like Rod & Staff through 10th grade and after that it depends on the students needs. If they are 100% competent, then I will do a simple workbook based course like Christian Light for 11th & 12th. If I feel they need more practice, then I like Write Shop. Remember, college is ALOT of papers. They should be competent in writing if they are going to succeed.

As I mention in all of my videos, homeschooling laws are different in every state and sometimes within a locale. I recommend that you find a local homeschool organization in your area and connect with them to find out more about what is required where you are. But first, I must caution you. Homeschool is hands on. While there are some children who are disciplined and focused enough to homeschool largely alone, it is not usually the case. I want to encourage you, but if you don’t feel you have time to dedicate to educating your son, this may not be the best option for him. Be honest with yourself about your ability to commit. There are many parents who think they can sit their child in front of a computer to “do school” and that is sufficient for an education. It is not. Children need people, activity, books, teaching, and attention. They are people who get bored and lonely. I cannot advocate strongly enough against leaving a teenager home alone to do school with an online program. I’m not saying that’s your intention, but if they try to tell you they can do it and it will be fine, and you are overwhelmed enough to think it’s worth a try, you might be tempted. You have asked for my thoughts, and as an experienced homeschool mom, I feel it is imperative to steer you away from this type of “schooling” as strongly as I can. As far as choosing curricula and subjects, in many states that is completely up to the parents. I believe I mentioned on this video that we started by looking at what their potential future colleges required and based our choices off of those requirements. We choose electives that suited their interests from offering available from curriculum publishers. I really think you would benefit from connecting with homeschoolers in your area if this is a serious consideration for your family. You can get a better idea of what effective homeschooling really looks like. My best wishes and blessings to you and your family❤️ You’re in a tough spot, but if you really want to, you can sort through this.

@@TheBealles yes !!!! Thank you for your reply. This is why I don’t want to fail him, it was much easier for me to be hands on when I was a stay at home mom. It’s much different now that I am a single mom! And yes you’re 100% right. I don’t want to leave him in the dust and not be there for him. That’s why I was choosing the programs which were more involved. I have been watching more of your videos and I’m thankful to have found your channel. Thanks again for all of your content. It’s been very helpful.

AP courses have specific requirements. You will need to look into them to see if your course of study meets the standard.

I used a couple of different options to suit each child. My oldest did Rod & Staff’s Record Keeping for Christian Stewardship. He ended up getting his bachelors in business administration with a concentration and entrepreneurship, and a minor in business law. He said that that curriculum was better than some of his college books.

Knowing what is required for graduation in your location is very valuable information

@@TheBealles yes, well that was in 2010 for MY graduation requirements. Now I'm in a different state with 5 children... Never hurts to prepare a bit in advance! 😊

I really wish I could help, but I know nothing about the laws or availability there. I recommend connecting with other homeschoolers in your area to get more information that is relevant to your situation. Blessings in your journey ❤️

Feel free to email me. info@thefundamentalhome.com

@@TheBealles Thanks!

I do 😉 try not to worry so much about socializing. My best advice is to connect with a local homeschool group and participate in their activities. An older student is much better able to manage their own social skills. Just provide them opportunities and maybe require a few if they are particularly reluctant to connect with others.

How quickly you can graduate depends on the homeschooling laws in your state. I recommend you find a local homeschool organization and talk to them about high school graduation requirements in your area. That being said, it would take a lot of work to complete enough credits to graduate in one year no matter where you are- but it is not impossible if you are dedicated.

Ask away!

Well, since you asked, I only have one daughter who I have always encouraged to focus on being a wife and mother. That being said, her father highly values education, and he required that all of our children complete college degrees. She chose Agribusiness and worked with a local homeschooling, homesteading family for her internship. The mother of that family runs a profitable business from home that includes homemade cosmetics (soap, moisturizer, deodorant, etc…). As the Proverbs 31 woman also had a home business, I felt this was a valuable educational opportunity and lesson on Godly womanhood. Briana was married shortly before she graduated. She and her husband determined that she would continue working at the coffee shop she worked in through college until they have children. She keeps her home beautifully and they just celebrated their two year wedding anniversary. I think my daughter is among the most excellent of young women. While I raised her with certain values, she is now an adult. A married woman. As such, she and her husband will determine what course they will actually take. We do not always agree on everything, but I know she loves the Lord, so I trust that He can guide her far better than I at this point. After all, my role in her life has changed. Generally speaking, she makes very wise decisions, and the reality I’m not always right 🤷‍♀️ I say all of this to encourage you. Do the best you can with your girls. Show then the beauty of being a Godly woman, and encourage in the values you feel are important. However, you must also understand that they are their own people with their own relationship with God, who loves them more than you. There will come a time when they step away. Did you not step away from your own mother’s values? I know I did. Just try to ensure they know how to step toward God, and do not provoke them to step away. That is the best advice I can give on sharing your values with your daughter. I hope that helped.

@@TheBealles ahh.. married already.. how wonderful.. i feel like i just watched one of your videos when she was 12 just the other day.. time flies... thank you for sharing.. you really have touched me with such words of wisdom and i pray for the strength to apply this wisdom .. hugs :)

Always dive in :) I am not sure what you mean by your mom wants to write it, or what your specific question is, but I will help if I can.

@@TheBealles thank you I was talking about my transcript but I think I can get to work now a lot of the high school classes I have to take I've already covered in 7th and 8th grade because I've taken pre ap so now I am wondering is there a test I can take to get out of all these classes that will credit me?

@@briannaking1903 I have no idea what you mean by pre ap. There is not test to get out of high school credits. You must take the courses. Your mom should contact a local homeschool organization to find out the laws in your area. Then, she can create a program that fits your needs.

@@TheBealles oh it is like honors, instead of a 7th grade class (all subjects ) I took the year up for 8th grade the same. I lived in Texas and homeschooling requirements for high school is pretty laid back. As far as the government knows, we're still there so I have to do the curriculum as If I hadn't moved. I was just asking that because I have covered those topics for 9th grade, should I circle back after I work on Alhebra 2 and physics etc.

Favored4life Private School was not for us, but each family has to make their own decision. A university does not require 4 years. They require 4 credits. In NC, with only 180 days required (when my children graduated) per school “year,” you can complete 4 years of school in 2.5 years. I cannot speak for MD.

@@TheBealles thanks for your reply. This is what it says from my daughter's choice university. Do years refer to credits here? "There is no single academic path we expect all students to follow, but the strongest applicants take the most rigorous secondary school curricula available to them. An ideal four-year preparatory program includes four years of English, with extensive practice in writing; four years of math; four years of science: biology, chemistry, physics, and an advanced course in one of these subjects; three years of history, including American and European history; and four years of one foreign language."

It is referring to credits. If the secondary school she is seeking to enter has such "rigorous" requirements, you might want to check to see how often they accept homeschoolers and what their pathway is for that. Those courses can easily completed in homeschool, but no all colleges are homeschool friendly.

@@TheBealles awesome, thanks. Yes, they did say on their website that homeschoolers are accepted and follow the same requirements as everyone else.

It has changed since we finished, but thank you for commenting this for future reference.

Jeanetta R They probably won’t open it until early next year. Sorry. I will let everyone know when it’s available

The Bealles ok well, I was led to ask, so I did! Thanks! If you led to revisit your decision please let me know. It would truly be a blessing with so many! Sending you love and light

Jeanetta R It’s not my product to open or close.

I’m sorry, but it doesn’t seem like there is an option😞. Homeschooling legally would require compliance with legal standards.

Is it possible that another family member could oversee your homeschooling? Do you have an aunt, uncle or maybe a grandparent that can help? Are there any co-ops in your area or pods you could join?

Check out my homeschool playlist. I have a video on my favorite high school curriculum pieces.

I can't speak to the laws all over the world. You will have to research them in your area.

No. They graduate early and then do college full-time

@@TheBealles What age did they start high school?

@@mujtabaalam5907 It varied depending on their birthday, but as soon as they finish a normal 8th grade, they roll into an accelerated (ish) high school program.

@@TheBealles Okay so they started at 14 and finished in 2 years?

@@mujtabaalam5907 2 1/2 to 3 years, but 3 school years. I had one that worked through a summer.

Of course. They have expenses.

@Thefundamentalhome great, anyone here. From charlotte nc, ? But the word coop sometimes could mean volunteers , we have in nyc the largest food coop , paid by volunteers in brooklyn , everyone works 2 hours a month, But agree all have expenses. I would love to meet u guys soon. Tech coop Math coop English coop Language coop Soccer coops I have seen these !

It depends on where you are located as to what legally constitutes a credit. However, generally speaking, the homeschooling parent gives the credit on a transcript once the student completes the coursework for the credit.

Favored4life The first thing you need to be aware of is that, if your daughter is serious about medical school, then community college is out of the question. She will need to go straight into a 4 year university program, which means you will need to know exactly what they require on a high school transcript for acceptance. Her test scores will need to be top tier, so make sure she takes the SATs or ACTs (depending on what your college requires, at least twice- be sure to get study guides and tutors if necessary to max your score potential. I would also highly recommend that your daughter volunteers at a hospital. It’s important for med school acceptance, but also for her to be sure that is what she really wants. You can do it if you have a serious plan and you are both very dedicated. Start with her preferred medical school requirements in mind before making your plan. It is a bit overwhelming to have such a lofty goal. Just take it one step at a time.

@@TheBealles thank you. I kind of figured community college was out but I'm not sure why? Is it because med schools look down on community colleges? Is dual enrollment out as well? Yes, she will start PSAT practice this year. We had a medical summer program lined up for her this summer before Covid hit. I'm looking at Johns Hopkins university for their high school program now. Do I just assign her 9th grade level work now and promote her to 9th grade if I feel she is ready?

You really need to start researching med school. There American Medical College Application Service has standardized medical school applications. They do not look favorably on applicants with community college science credits, which would make dual enrollment at a community college out, as well. The medical school application process is very competitive. If you want your best chance, look at what the AMCAS requires and work backwards. As to grade promotions, I cannot speak to that. I do not know what state you are in or what laws they have toward homeschooling and college. I highly recommend you connecting with an experience homeschool family in your area to find out more about this. No about or research I could do on the internet would take the place of a family who has been there and done that.

@@TheBealles thank you, I'm in Maryland.

Favored4life That’s great! We are originally from MD, so I know there are lots of great homeschool organizations there and many students there graduate early, too. You should definitely be able to find some answers. Blessings to you both!

I do not know where you live or the laws in that state. Look into the legal requirements for homeschooling where you are and maybe connect with a local homeschool organization. Also, you should be aware that a GED is not the same as a high school diploma. It may limit your child’s opportunities.

I'm in TX, thanks

I pulled my 9th grader out of school. We did "Unschooling" Absolutely the best decision for my child. As a homeschool I will graduate my child this year! No GED needed, but it was something we seriously considered. Her future College doesn't require a GED or Diploma. They are accepting her as a homeschool graduate. We are so happy she will be attending College in the fall.

I suppose it depends on how you define early. If they complete the required course materials, and that is an acceptable form of credit in your state, then it’s not really early.

If you take a full Algebra course and finish it in 1 month, you have that full credit for Algebra. The same amount of credit that a public school kid would get for a while year of school.

I think on the HSDLA webinar they actually said 75-80% of a textbook is considered complete, no matter how much time it took. If you think about public school, how often did you ever finish a textbook? I literally never finished a single one in my experience!

They did stay around. No one left until at least 18. They just finished high school and moved on to college level work sooner. The benefit to that is that they can be done with college sooner and live their lives sooner. All of my children had debt free degrees by 19 (staying out of debt is another benefit of doing college while young and at home). Everyone has been able to explore their passions and enjoy their young adulthood with the pressures or college and debt behind them. I feel like I have given them the gift of time and freedom🤷‍♀️ Anyway, that’s my thoughts on the “rush.”

@@TheBealles The debt-free college is definitely a blessing.

@@TheBealles How were you able to do dual enrollment without paying for it? In our state, dual enrollment costs the same as regular college, and you can't get a scholarship until you graduate from high school. So, for us, it would be cheaper to wait until the student graduates, and then he/she can get a scholarship. I'm just wondering if this is something different in your state.

@@Scout-bt3mo we did not do dual enrollment. They graduated at 16, and they enrolled as graduates into a full-time college course.

@@TheBealles Oh, okay. Gotcha. Thanks

Check out my homeschool playlist for details on the curriculum I used

That's what we do here, but you will need to check your local legal requirements

@@TheBealles I live in PA

So if so i can

can you give me a link to that

aaliyah Fertick I do not know the laws in each state. You will have to check your local legal requirements.

Thank you 😊