How To Successfully Homeschool the Eighth Grade

Congratulations and welcome to eighth grade! Your student is on their way to high school, but before we get there, there are some important steps we must take. With two past eight graders under my belt and three to go, I can’t wait to help you learn how to successfully homeschool the eighth grade!

As the final step before high school, your student should be growing more comfortable working on their own, which will be invaluable for tackling future tasks (like dual enrollment)! However, if they still need support, continue encouraging self-directed learning. Guide them in reading instructions carefully and following directions (before calling out to mom and dad)—skills that will be foundational for success in high school and beyond.

Building On 7^th Grade Skills

Eighth grade is your child’s final year before high school, but as exciting as this sounds, they should have at least mastered some major middle school skills. From pre-algebra to writing research papers, this year is about honing what they’ve learned so far and preparing them for (depending on where they are academically, and your curriculum choices) the more rigorous challenges ahead.

Not to scare you, but it is worth mentioning that it’s also a time for your child to start thinking about their future. Whether they’re college-bound, interested in trade skills, or have a passion they want to pursue, this year is about getting them ready for that next step.

They will also be diving into more advanced topics, refining their study habits, and building the confidence they need for high school. Homeschooling allows you to tailor this year to fit their unique strengths and areas of growth, all while continuing to weave in their faith. Everything will set the stage for a successful high school journey.

(sixth grade, 9th grade)

How Can I Teach 8th Grade?

Teaching eighth grade does require you to balance structure, and like with the previous grades, flexibility. You’ll want to ensure they’re mastering key subjects like math and writing, but also give them room to explore topics they’re passionate about. This is a great time to introduce them to more independent study and project-based learning if you have not already. Also around this time, I find that incorporating more research and writing into their curriculum really helps them out in English 1 and 2 of high school and even if they were going to be dual enrolled.

No Holding Back!

You don’t have to hold your 8^th grader behind if they are not doing good in math or writing. Too many times I hear parents complain that their student isn’t “where they are supposed to be.” Your homeschool is a “tailor-made” education fit for each student. Not one student is alike. If you feel that your student isn’t 100% up to speed, simply meet them where they are. Practice in the summer but keep things fun. They will always be where they need to be! Trust the process my parent teachers!

Unit Studies Still Work

If your homeschool has enjoyed unit studies, you can continue using them in the eighth grade. In fact, I still use them for my high school students, as they explore varies topics in government, science, etc., while being dual enrolled. Unit studies let you combine multiple subjects around a single topic, which can make learning more cohesive and fun. For example, if your child is fascinated by ancient civilizations, you can tie in history, geography, reading, and even science projects related to that topic. For this reason, I have created various units around our favorite subjects that are for sale in the shop. If you want to learn how to create a unit study of any kind, check out my article on how to do it and do it right!

High School Courses

And if they’re ready, you can even start thinking about high school-level courses. Using a resource like the Homeschool High School 4-Year Interactive Planner can help you map out their high school path and start recording any high school credits they earn early.

Don’t forget to bring faith into your lessons! I cannot recommend this enough. You child is growing up in a world where their faith and values will be tested. Helping them understand how to stand will help them be better students at home and in a classroom. Whether through family devotions or connecting biblical principles to their studies, eighth grade is a perfect time to strengthen their spiritual foundation before high school.

Resources To Add To The Homeschool Library 

Eighth grade is all about deepening knowledge, so you’ll want to make sure your homeschool library reflects that. If you have not yet started building up a great homeschool library, the article Ultimate Homeschooling Supplies For Elementary School Mastery, will help you get started with the basics!

Add advanced reading materials, history documentaries, and hands-on science kits (You can find some amazing science subscription boxes!). You can also start gathering resources for high school, like more advanced textbooks or online learning tools.

And don’t forget to use the Interactive High School Transcript Form to start documenting any high school-level courses they take.

8^th Grade Core Subjects 

Below, you’ll find the core subjects and what to expect at this grade level. If your student hasn’t fully mastered their current level yet, don’t worry! Every student learns at their own pace, and homeschooling allows us to create an education that fits their unique needs. Focus on the areas where they need a little extra help, and, in time, they’ll catch up. This is essential for their success in high school.

Math: Algebra, geometry, and basic statistics.

Language Arts: Research papers, literature analysis, and essay writing.

Science: Physical science, basic physics, and chemistry.

Social Studies: U.S. history, government, and civics.

Physical Education: Fitness goals and personal health. You can track your child’s physical education easily with the Interactive Physical Education Log. 

Is My Child Ready for the Next Grade?

As your student wraps up eighth grade, I want to remind you again that every student is different and so their paths will be too!

Try to consider whether they’ve mastered the necessary skills to move on to high school. Such as, are they comfortable with algebra? Can they write a research paper with proper citations (doesn’t have to be perfect)? Do they understand basic government and U.S. history? If so, they’re likely ready for homeschool high school!

Conclusion  

Eighth grade is such a pivotal year. But it’s also bittersweet because we see just how much our “baby” is growing up. Hey, it’s only up from here!

It’s not just about academics—it’s about preparing your child for the independence and responsibility that high school will bring. If you haven’t read the articles How To Master Middle School Records, and How To Prepare For High School Success, now is the time to check those out. They will help you along this middle school journey. You might also want to follow along offline with our eBook, which contains the entire guide to homeschooling middle school. And the Homeschool Middle School Grade Checklists, which was created to follow along with the guide. Each grade is broken down into manageable steps that will keep you on track academically, ensuring you’re prepared for high school and beyond, while keeping the journey stress-free.

This ends my middle school series! Keep fostering their love of learning, encourage their spiritual growth, and help them understand that with God’s guidance, they can accomplish anything!