For us high school was not really something we planned to do when we began homeschooling. In fact people would often ask questions about how we could teach chemistry or calculus and we were still trying to decide which phonics program was best. We had figured by the time we were at the end of Grade 8 we would be done. Then, as I said, it seemed like a flash and we were there. We had spent the previous eight years teaching and training and we had all grown in the process. Yet it didn't seem like we were finished. Out oldest child had no desire to attend traditional high school and we had no desire to send him. The homeschool adventure grew and continued.
Certainly if we were going to do it again there are many things we would do differently, but that too is a topic for another time. Today we want to think about how to make this big decision. As people struggle through this I hear many comments like:
"I'm afraid I will destroy my child's future job prospects"
"I'm afraid they won't be able to attend college or university"
"I never finished high school. I'm not smart enough to homeschool a high school student."
"I still have young children who need my help. I just don't think I can handle this load."
While these are definitely concerns I do not believe they are the most important considerations in this matter. To me there is one most crucial question that must be asked before we worry about the concerns expressed. The question is simply, "What does God want us to do, from an educational perspective, in our children's high school years?" This is the most important question that must be asked. For many, us included, home educating our children grew from a preference to a conviction. We believed with our whole heart that this was something God called us to do. Since this had become a calling it meant the question was not "Should we send our children to high school?" but, "Are we released from the calling to home educate our children?" Just because our son turned thirteen did not mean our calling had changed. In fact for us it became clear that we were to stay the course and continue on through the high school years. It became a faith journey. Harold and I both have post-secondary degrees so higher education was important to us, yet, clearly and unmistakably God was leading us down a path that was outside our preconceived educational box.
Today I think that many get caught in the fear trap. God does not call us to have fear. If He is calling you to homeschool through high school then enter the arena with confidence in Him and the plans He has for your children. Home educating through the high school years may not look like it did in the elementary years. With on-line courses both private and public and a myriad of other resources there are many, many ways your student can meet necessary post-secondary requirements. Above all we must remember that our child's future is more important to the Lord than to us. He cares so much more about their future than you ever can. God's plan for each of our children has been as unique and varied as they are. It hasn't looked at all like we thought it would. Yet it has been accomplished and we can say that with God's help it has been finished.
So how about you and your family? If God has released you from home schooling at Grade 8 then proceed with a light heart to the next step in your children's education. If you feel the nudge to carry on the process then you also can prepare for high school with a light heart knowing that He who has lead you this far will hold you in His hands as you take the next steps.
Unless the Lord Builds the house they labour in vain to build it
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