We talk a lot about the benefits, but what about the cons of homeschooling high school?

Some things you just can’t plan for. Whether it’s an unforeseen circumstance such as family issues, accidents, or an ongoing issue like a move or chronic health problems, it’s just as possible to fall behind in home-school as it is in public school. In fact, it can be more possible since the freedom homeschooling affords means it’s easier to put off school for one more day, one more week – and before you know it your student has missed an entire year. In the worst case, sometimes a student finds himself at age eighteen with no math education past a sixth, seventh, or eighth grade level.

As frustrating and heartbreaking as that situation is for both parent and student, it’s not the end of the road. There are three important things to commit to – no matter your circumstance – to make sure your student gets the best education possible.

Be Willing to Reach Out for Help and Support

No one needs to do it alone. There are more resources available to homeschooled students than ever before. Whether that’s a class, an online resource, a tutor, friend, or advisor, this kind of support and accountability can help you succeed, even when times are tough.

Model a Respect and Love for Learning

Consciously or not, your attitude teaches your children what you value. If you act as if education is about getting away with learning only as much as you need, your children may remain unmotivated. If you want them to be curious, and to appreciate the world, you must cultivate that attitude in yourself. So be careful of modeling an attitude that says education is merely a means to obtaining wealth and status down the road. Be careful about acting like education is something you must do because the state is MAKING you. Students who see parents love learning for its own sake are far more likely to be driven to succeed academically.

Don’t Give Up

It’s a big responsibility to prepare any child to send out into the world. But if you are committed to their education, you’ve already taken the first big step. Most of us got into homeschooling because we care about how our children are educated. The years that you have put into your child’s education are just now starting to pay off. You’re almost there.

Keep going.

— Lauren Shearer, registrar at Basic Skills, former curriculum consultant for Exodus Books.

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