April 15, 2026 – Help! High School is Next!

Lani Carey

“Help! High School is Next!”

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About the author

Lani Carey has been homeschooling since 1990, graduating four children and three grandchildren. As a homeschool guidance counselor for 21+ years, she developed programs for NCAA eligibility, military/military academy admissions, and many more. A speaker since 1997, Lani shares her expertise through conferences, webinars, and workshops. She is passionate about the value of play, relaxed schooling, and empowering parents. https://www.homeschoolcounselingteam.com/

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

Tyndale House Publishers: Their Future Is Shining Bright

Homeschooling through the high school years can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. What once felt manageable now carries higher stakes, bigger decisions, and far more questions. You may be wondering whether you’re qualified to teach advanced subjects, how to keep your teen engaged and motivated, or how to make sure they’re prepared for life beyond graduation. The pressure to “get it right” can feel heavy.

Helping your teen navigate course work, college admissions, and career paths while trying to nurture their character, emotional health, and independence can bring a new kind of overwhelm. Perhaps most challenging of all is the tension between structure and freedom. You want your teen to develop discipline and responsibility, but you don’t want learning to become joyless or transactional. You want to guide them wisely without micromanaging or burning yourself out in the process. And somewhere in the midst of it all, you hope your relationship with your teen can stay strong as their parent and teacher.

Their Future Is Shining Bright offers a steady, encouraging way forward. Drawing from her own experience, Rachel Kovac provides practical guidance for navigating the high school years with clarity and confidence, and creating a home-based school experience that prepares your teen both academically and emotionally. Perfect for both new and seasoned homeschool parents, Their Future Is Shining Bright invites families to see high school homeschooling not just as an educational choice, but as a chance to deepen relationships, support independence, and help teens step confidently into their futures.

Todd Wilson

Be Insane! 

The way the world looks at it, homeschooling a kindergartener is sweet, homeschooling a third grader is ideal, homeschooling a seventh grader is noble, but homeschooling a high schooler is insane!

After all, how are we going to prepare them for college! What about calculus, transcripts, college, or graduate school?!

Yes, homeschooling is fine to a point, but doing high school at home crosses the line.

Sadly, many homeschoolers have adopted this same thinking. Moms cruise through the early grades, but somewhere around seventh grade, doubts begin to gnaw at their game plan, and they are plagued with the idea that maybe ‘the system’ can do a better job for high school.

Well, you know the Greek word for that kind of thinking . . . baloney!

High school is the perfect time to homeschool. My friend from Teaching Textbooks is convinced that homeschooling does a better job of preparing high school students for college and careers than any other type of schooling.

I agree. Plus there are a dozen other reasons for homeschooling through high school that have nothing to do with academics. So, if you agree that it’s best to homeschool through high school, then stick to your guns, plug your ears, and dare to be insane!

Be Real,
Todd

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About the author

Todd Wilson is a dad, granddad, writer, conference speaker, and former pastor. Todd’s humor and down to earth realness have made him a favorite speaker at homeschool conventions, retreats, and churches across the country. As founder of Familyman Ministries and the Smiling Homeschooler, his passion and mission are to remind dads and moms of what’s most important through weekly e-mails, podcasts (The Familyman Show & The Smiling Homeschooler), seminars, and books and products that encourage parents. Todd, and his wife Debbie, still homeschool two of their eight children (six have graduated with four married) in northern Indiana. You can read more at www.familymanweb.com.

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Lona Gorman

High School—It’s More Than Just Credits!

Homeschooling through the high school years can feel daunting. The stakes seem higher, the subjects more complex, and the questions louder: Am I qualified? Will my student be prepared for life after high school? Am I doing enough?  If you’re asking these questions, you’re not alone.

High school is not just about credits, transcripts, and test scores. It’s about shaping a young adult who knows how to think, learn, adapt, and grow. Homeschooling is uniquely positioned to do that.

One of the most common concerns parents have is they don’t feel qualified to teach high school‑level material. Thankfully, homeschool parents are not required to know everything. Today, there are abundant educational resources available: online courses, tutors, co-ops, and dual-credit college classes. You don’t have to know all about chemistry or algebra, but you do need to find the best resource to teach your child these concepts. 

Planning for the high school years can take longer than planning for lower grades. Give yourself some extra time to prepare and make sure your student will meet the graduation requirements. 

Besides academics, teaching your teen life skills, where to find answers, as well as a good work ethic are important lessons during the high school years. Homeschooling affords opportunities for work experience, volunteering, and entrepreneurship. Skills like time management, financial literacy, communication, and problem-solving are all an important part of the high school experience.

Homeschooling high school takes planning and preparation. But the rewards are worth it!

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About the author

Lona Gorman is a homeschool mom of  years (and counting!) with six adopted children, and five grandchildren. One of her favorite things is teaching homeschool workshops for parents. As a board member of KSHE and the Kansas Homeschool Expo director, Lona has many opportunities to encourage homeschool families. You can find more information at kshomeeducators.com.

Christine Hage

Mission Possible: Homeschooling the High School Years 

With so many curricula and online learning options, parents have more resources available today than ever before to help them navigate the high school grades. When your students are nearing high school, it’s important to take time to let them express their interests and future plans while taking into account any state laws or requirements regarding graduation.

Post graduation plans should set the stage for the high school years. For example, if your student plans to attend college, be sure to become familiar with college admission requirements, etc. and plan high school courses accordingly. If your student prefers to jump right into a trade or his own business immediately upon graduation, then focus on courses that will prepare him for his chosen trade. Allow your student to focus on courses that will give him a head start in what he plans to do. For the future business owner, think business math, economics, marketing, speech, etc. High school should be a time for the student to prepare for the next stage in life.

High school is also a great time for parents to allow their child to transition into adulthood. By the time students are in high school, they should be responsible and trustworthy enough to be given a schedule, duty, assignment, course, etc. and complete the requirement within a reasonable time frame without many reminders or much nagging from parents. It’s important to keep in mind our purpose as parents—to make sure our children are prepared for life in every way, including spiritually, physically, and academically.

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About the author

Christine Hage has been homeschooling in West Virginia for over a decade. She strives to live a simple, eternity-minded life as she raises her family and serves in the ministry with her husband. She and her husband lead a local homeschool support group, and also offer homeschool support and a free Homeschool Resource Guide at www.teachingnaturally.net.

High school is a milestone for students, and their parents! Equip yourself and your student for the next phase in their academic journey with resources and tips from the High School Help learning center. Use the Homeschool Records Center to start learning about transcripts and what your student will need the next four years, then look at the great courses available to build out the course list!