How To Navigate High School In The Freshman Year

Navigating homeschool high school during the freshman year involves a blend of careful planning, understanding legal requirements, and fostering an environment conducive to learning. Your student will also start taking responsibility for their own academic progress. This guide reflects the 9^th grade year and the possible goals.

Please Keep in mind that every learner is unique, and God created your child to be unique. A method that may be effective for one might not suit another. Stand firm against the influence of other educators or parents who may have their own ideas about what your student ought to be doing. Trust in your understanding of your student’s capabilities and desires, and tailor their education to fit their individual needs and aspirations.

9^th Grade Guide + Goals

Legal Requirements

First, understand your legal requirements as a homeschooling high school parent. Ensure you’re in compliance with your state’s homeschooling laws. This may involve submitting necessary paperwork to your local school district along with making sure you attempt to cover the basic academic requirements for this grade.

Most 9^th Grade students will have courses that looks like this:

While this course schedule is typical for most, it can also look different for many students, especially if your 7^th or 8^th grader took some of these courses already. You will still add them onto your four-year plan but star them as, “*taken in _ grade.” Then your student can move on from there.

Remember that in homeschool, there is nothing to stop your students from advancing. In fact, many students have taken college courses at only 9 years old!

Evaluate Academic Needs

You can use the freshman year to address any gaps in your student’s education. If they are transitioning from public school, it’s possible their previous grades can help identify areas needing more focus. But don’t count on this! Your student could have scored differently being in a different environment. Talk to them and let them tell you where they think they are, and where they want to be. This will help you create goals for them to obtain during this year. Don’t be afraid to challenge them with some advanced reading books and or math, while testing to see where they are academically.

Map Out The Plan

Now that you know what’s required of your student, what they are good at, and what they desire to know, you can plan out their 9^th grade school year. Grab the four-year homeschool high school planner and start writing down the courses your student will need to take. Also include extracurricular studies, projects, or classes.

Choose electives that align with your student’s interests and future goals. You can encourage participation in extracurricular activities to develop new skills and passions.

Most high school curriculums often encourage self-directed learning. As a homeschooling parent, guide your student in managing their time and studies effectively. Help them see what times they can do their schoolwork, chores, projects, etc. Make sure they DO NOT over pile work on themselves in which they feel overwhelmed.

You can even try block scheduling. For example, on Monday and Wednesday, a student might do English 1, U.S. History, and Art.

The Environment

Find or designate a specific area in your home that’s organized and free from distractions. This will be your student’s central hub for studying and learning. I have always used the dining room table for all my homeschool students, but as my twins enter college, I realize that there are too many distractions, and they need to focus more. So, find an area you can keep an eye on, but they can be and feel productive.

Try to teach your student essential skills like intensive studying and time management. These skills are crucial for success in high school, college, the workplace, and life!

Strike A Balance!

It’s important to strike a balance between academic responsibilities and personal well-being. Ensure your student gets adequate rest, nutrition, and stress-relief. Here is where Physical education comes in handy. Encourage your students to exercise their body with exercise or sports, and their mind by meditating on God’s Word.

Tips For Creating The Academic Plan

While high school does have certain mandatory courses, there’s also considerable flexibility in scheduling these and filling out the rest of your credits. With strategic planning, you can choose courses that not only align with each other but also advance towards your students graduation goals. Here are some tips for devising a robust four-year academic plan:

Explore Early:

Even if college isn’t on your students’ radar yet, look into institutions that offer programs they’re interested in. What are their admission prerequisites? Combine these with your state’s graduation requirements to create a list of challenging courses that keep their future options open.

Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment:

Are your students inclined towards AP or dual-enrollment classes? Help them list potential courses and ponder how they fit into their overall academic trajectory.

Align Interests with Courses:

Help your students reflect on their interests. Which core subjects and electives could further these passions?

After listing potential courses, draft a tentative four-year academic blueprint. It’s likely to evolve annually, but it’s better to modify an existing plan than to have none. This proactive approach will serve you well in your educational journey.

Encourage Building a Portfolio

Last, but not least, having a portfolio is very important! Check out the articles, How To Collect Homeschool Records And Why You Need To, and What Are Work Samples? How To and Why Collect Them.

Many of your students extracurricular activities may feel second nature, but they are also valuable additions to their high school portfolio. This year, make it a practice to show them how to document these activities so that they’re ready when it’s time to compile their portfolio. Here’s what you should consider including:

A good reading list

Keep a log of insightful books and classic literature they’ve read or plan to read.

Volunteer and Internship Experiences

 Record any volunteer work or internships undertaken.

Employment History

Note down any job experiences, whether they were short-term gigs or longer commitments.

Club and Artistic Endeavors

Document any involvement in sports, the arts, or other club activities.

Test Preparation

Set goals for standardized tests like the ACT and decide if you’ll attempt the PSAT/NMSQT.

In Conclusion

By following these steps, you can create a supportive and effective homeschooling environment that prepares your student for the challenges and opportunities of high school and lay a solid foundation for your students high school years right from the start!

Use the four-year homeschool high school planner, along with our Freshman Checklist, to help your student get started! Remember to print one per student because each students academic year is different.

From Our Shop to Your Homeschool:

Recent Homeschool Articles: