You made it (almost)! Your child’s senior year is here. Now you can sit back and relax, right? Not so fast! Even though most homeschoolers are relatively independent by this time, there is still a lot for you to do to ensure your teen is ready for the future.
Academic Completion and Documentation
Your child’s final high school requirements will depend heavily on their postsecondary goals. If they plan to attend college, be sure to review Florida’s graduation requirements and document that all necessary credits are met. While you have immense freedom to teach what and how you want as a homeschooler, colleges will still look for specific courses as they seek to determine if your child would be successful at their institution. Typically, this involves reviewing the academic courses and extracurricular activities your child has completed before applying to college.
If your child intends to attend an alternative educational setting, such as a technical school, an apprenticeship or enter the workforce directly, collecting and documenting their activities will be equally important when they apply for admission or employment. Those may best be documented on the child’s official transcript.
Creating Official Transcripts
Unless your child is enrolled in a program that provides a transcript, you will need to create one yourself. Compile a comprehensive transcript with all coursework and grades. Include any standardized test scores (ACT, SAT, CLT, PSAT, AP exams, etc.). List extracurricular activities, volunteer work, leadership roles and document any special projects, internships or independent studies. You may also find it helpful to have your evaluator review the transcript.
Exploring Options
If you haven’t done so already, this is a great time to explore options with your child. Identify colleges that align with your teen’s academic interests and career goals. Research admission requirements for homeschooled students and visit campuses to get as much information as possible. This may include phone calls with admissions counselors and attending prospective student information sessions. Consider factors like size, cost and available support services.
Seniors are sometimes so focused on finishing their final year that they forget to reflect on what they value for their future. Help your child explore career options. They may complete an online interest inventory, explore career paths in areas of interest, and research job market trends and growth industries. When they find a career that seems interesting, encourage them to speak with professionals in the field or even shadow them for a day. For example, Santa Fe College allows interested students to shadow student zookeepers as they perform their daily duties.
Supporting Your Teen’s Emotional Transition
Don’t be surprised if your teen becomes a little anxious this year. The idea of independence is both exciting and frightening at the same time. Acknowledge frightening at the same time. Acknowledge that feeling nervous about change and big decisions is a normal reaction. Provide emotional support while encouraging independence and healthy coping strategies.
Looking Forward
Remember, learning and growth will continue long after graduation. Maintain confidence in your homeschool approach and your teen’s preparation for adulthood. Continue to provide support and guidance as they navigate new challenges independently. Then celebrate the unique individual you’ve helped develop through homeschooling!
Related Articles:
A Guide to Starting Your Homeschool Journey
How to Motivate the Unmotivated Homeschool Student