Preparing Your Home Schooled High Schooler for the "Real" World

People sometimes question the wisdom in homeschooling high school age students. Even those who are comfortable with the idea of home educating at the lower grade levels seem to believe that teenagers should be sent off to high school in the 9th grade. However, there is no reason to give up on homeschooling just because your child is entering high school.

When parents decide to continue on with homeschooling through the high school years, they will need to look for ways to meet their teen's changing educational needs and individual tastes. This article contains ideas that you can put into action to help prepare your teen for the "real" world.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships aren't what they used to be. A teen can be an apprentice to someone even if they have no plans on entering that field of work. An apprenticeship doesn't have to be under someone who is actively seeking extra help...rarely are there "apprentices wanted" ads in the classifieds.

Your teen may have to seek out a place of business himself and volunteer to apprentice under someone. There are likely many professionals in the community who would appreciate the chance to impart some wisdom to a young person.

Your teen can hop from apprenticeship to apprenticeship all through high school if he so desires. Gathering a little hands-on experience in a variety of areas may help him in making informed career choices later on.

Volunteer Work

This is something that kids of any age can do and that families should try to do together, but going solo (or in with some friends) on a volunteer project will help foster a sense of independence and accomplishment in your homeschooled teen.

Check out local hospitals, homeless and abused women's shelters, crisis pregnancy centers and other worthy causes and help your teen choose what suits her best.

A Part Time Job

Teenagers who earn their own money and learn early on how to budget it will be more responsible adults. Encourage your teen to look for employment during your non-school hours.

Help him write out a budget based on his needs and wants and teach him how to maintain a savings account. Guide your child but allow him to make his own financial decisions as long as they aren't too risky. It's important that you don't bail him out financially too often; teens often learn best from their own mistakes. And no one will be bailing them out when they're all grown up. Unless, of course, you want to be doing it when they're 35 and married with children.

Community Education

Many communities have classes available to anyone within their county. These community classes are often held at a local school in the evenings and throughout the summer. They are usually affordable and can be a good way for a teen to learn about topics that you may be unable to cover at home.

You can even take classes with your high schooler; if you have younger children you can both share what you have learned with them.

College Classes

Check your local community college to see what sort of classes are available to students who are still in high school. Many community colleges offer courses that can be taken by homeschoolers.

You can successfully homeschool your high schooler!