Why you MUST include Entrepreneurship in High School
The world is changing, but fast. We’re in what’s called the 4th Industrial Revolution, and like every Industrial Revolution before it, jobs and fortunes are lost and made- sometimes incredibly quickly. Developing an Entrepreneurial mindset is one of the best ways to ensure vocational and financial stability, regardless of what’s happening in the world.
Teaching our kids to think entrepreneurially will allow them to develop the skills to identify and make the most of challenges, opportunities, and failures. It will give them the confidence they need to succeed in a variety of situations and circumstances, despite a crazy economy and ever-changing vocational landscape.
Massive shifts are already underway. In fact, it’s estimated that by 2024, 87 million jobs will be displaced by shifts to machines. But, it’s not all bad news as 97 million new roles may emerge across various industries and economies (for more on this, check out our podcast on The Future of Work for more on this) Our kids are going to have to be more vocationally agile and flexible than ever before.
What’s so Important about Entrepreneurship?
Let’s start with the basics. What exactly IS entrepreneurship? An entrepreneur is, according to the Oxford Dictionary:
“Entrepreneur: a person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so.”
Entrepreneurs also play a key role in the economy. They anticipate the needs of society and bring those ideas to bear in the form of products and services. They are willing to take on the risk of creating something new, and as a result, they are rewarded with profit, recognition, and, most importantly, more opportunities and continued growth.
In an Industrial Revolution, as societies change and morph, Entrepreneurs have unprecedented opportunities for profit and growth, particularly as technology creates new opportunities related to transportation and communication.
Furthermore, in a time when there is rapid change, entrepreneurs can create their own stability if they have the wherewithal and ability.
Skills an Entrepreneur Needs
You’ll notice that successful entrepreneurs develop skills that allow them to succeed regardless of what they do vocationally.
Versatility- entrepreneurs might find themselves providing customer service, marketing, bookkeeping, sales, graphic design, taking out the trash, and who knows what else. A successful entrepreneur must know things or at least be willing to learn and lean into what they need to know next!
Flexibility- entrepreneurs must listen and hear from customers and adeptly provide goods and services that meet the needs of their customers.
Resilience – Grit might be the fine line between successful and unsuccessful in the world of entrepreneurship. Being able to handle disappointments and failure and get up with the determination to succeed is a necessary entrepreneurial skill.
Money Sense – understanding Profit and Loss, Revenue, Cost per Acquisition, Monthly Expenses, and Conversion Rates can mean the difference between failure, mediocre and wild success.
Focused -the ability to set a goal and unwaveringly work towards it.
Understanding of Business – Understanding Business, the Target Market, strengths and weaknesses of the company, and the market are what savvy business owners do.
Communication Skills – All businesses require excellent communication skills- the ability to market, sell, work with vendors, promote, write, and speak are necessary for business owners.
Types of Entrepreneurs
There are many types of Entrepreneurs with different abilities and personalities:
Builders- work to create big biz fast ($5M in a few years that will expand to $100 mil and beyond)
Opportunist– seeks opportunity, grows biz during the height of opportunity, and exits before the opportunity busts
Innovators are those rare individuals that come up with a great idea or product that no one has thought of before. They care more about the influence than the money
Specialists are analytical and risk-averse, building their businesses through networking and relationship building. This usually results in slower growth than for the builder.
What’s this Have to Do with High School?
7 Reasons your Homeschooler Must Study Entrepreneurship
Our kids are going to live and work in the Gig Economy, many of them will be going from gig to gig, and they’ll need to know how to market themselves, manage their own finances and taxes, sell, find new opportunities, and more!
Having an understanding of the framework of business allows for flexibility and adaptability. Most businesses, regardless of their industry or niche, or organized in a similar manner. Understanding the structure of business allows our kids to apply that to whatever circumstance or opportunity they find themselves in.
Failure is an important aspect of success. By now, we all know the famous Thomas Edison quote, “I have not failed 10,000 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those 10,000 ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work.” Entrepreneurship develops the ultimate growth mindset!
Through Entrepreneurship, kids learn the 4 C’s of Education
Communication – this is a critical component of any successful entrepreneurial endeavor, as you must communicate with fellow workers, customers, and vendors. This is one of the most important job skills your kids can develop.
Critical thinking – by definition, Entrepreneurs must think critically as they assess their market, set pricing, set up and close sales, negotiate, and so much more!
Creativity– is there anything MORE creative than developing a business? You’re creating something from nothing, and that’s pretty awesome.
Collaboration- Entrepreneurship means finding people you can trust, setting good and clear boundaries, and working with people in a variety of ways, and with the emerging global economy,
Develops Work Ethic – Entrepreneurship will develop those work ethics muscles in ways that little else will.
Develops resiliency
Develops growth mindset for an uncertain future._87 million jobs are going to be lost while 97 million new jobs will emerge
Not sure where to start? Check out our Entrepreneurship Class! And don’t forget to check out our other marketable life skills classes, such as Video Editing, Computer Science, Computer Illustration, Canva, Photoshop and Photography, and Digital Tech.
Entrepreneurship will provide students an opportunity to learn the basic steps of what it takes to start a small business. Whether that business is the selling of goods or services, the students will learn how to promote themselves via different types of marketing platforms.
Entrepreneurs act as managers and oversee the launch and growth of an enterprise. Entrepreneurship is the process by which either an individual or a team identifies a business opportunity and acquires and deploys the necessary resources required for its exploitation.
Students who may consider becoming an entrepreneur are those who want to:
Control their own work experience
Control their earning potential
Control their location and where they work
Have an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy
Some students may want to use this course as an opportunity to create a Micro Business that will earn them money, experience, and business relationships. This is a must-take course for any student as the future of work is changing rapidly, most adults will work in the “gig” economy, and having a side hustle is becoming more than the norm than the exception.
One Semester Course – 1/2 Credit: The class will be taught and graded by your True North Homeschool Academy teacher. The coursework your child will complete in this high school level course is equal to one half-credit hour, which your homeschool may award upon completion. If you want help determining your students’ credits or creating a transcript, check out our Academic Advising.
Required Materials for Entrepreneurship: Provided by teacher
Middle school or Junior High Students who want to be challenged may join this high school level class.
Entrepreneurship will provide students an opportunity to learn the basic steps of what it takes to start a small business. Whether that business is the selling of goods or services, the students will learn how to promote themselves via different types of marketing platforms.
Entrepreneurs act as managers and oversee the launch and growth of an enterprise. Entrepreneurship is the process by which either an individual or a team identifies a business opportunity and acquires and deploys the necessary resources required for its exploitation.
Students who may consider becoming an entrepreneur are those who want to:
Control their own work experience
Control their earning potential
Control their location and where they work
Have an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy
Some students may want to use this course as an opportunity to create a Micro Business that will earn them money, experience, and business relationships. This is a must-take course for any student as the future of work is changing rapidly, most adults will work in the “gig” economy, and having a side hustle is becoming more than the norm than the exception.
One Semester Course – 1/2 Credit: The class will be taught and graded by your True North Homeschool Academy teacher. The coursework your child will complete in this high school level course is equal to one half-credit hour, which your homeschool may award upon completion. If you want help determining your students’ credits or creating a transcript, check out our Academic Advising.
Student success might seem more elusive than ever before. Education is facing a crisis, and everyone seems to be aware of it. Public schools admit the problems and issues are reported regularly in the mainstream news. Parents and even students recognize that there are problems, including violence, loneliness, failing test scores, rising expenses. These are just a few of the challenges that families are grappling with as they wrestle with how to educated their children!
So, What’s a Parent to Do?
Sure, homeschooling is often touted as a great alternative, but let’s be honest here—there can be challenges with homeschooling as well. There’s many reason why homeschooling can be challenging, both parents are working full time, kids might have learning challenges or crazy dream beyond the parents skills set. And what if your kids simply lack motivation and refuse to listen or do schoolwork?
We are living in a really unique time! Families can literally pick and choose from a wide variety of educational options. It’s quite possible to participate in public school sports, belong to a homeschool coop, take online classes as well as Dual Enrollment at a local college. The sky is the limit!
For many families, choosing online classes, both synchronous and asynchronous, allows them ultimate freedom. It makes it possible to provide academic oversite, ensure a healthy and safe physical environment for their kids as well as provide academic excellence for a mere fraction of what a private school would cost.
3 Fundamental Aspects of Future Success!
As you consider where your kids will be educated, consider three fundamental aspects of success: developing study skills, fostering flexibility, and nurturing a strong foundation of faith.
First and foremost, it’s essential to equip your children with effective study skills. Our kids will need to pivot quickly throughout life. Study skills allows them to upgrade their skills and pivot as necessary. This ability to adapt is crucial as we navigate the uncertainties of the future.
Second, focus on cultivating flexibility. In addition to study skills, your children will need a range of soft skills; most importantly flexiblity. Flexibility will allow your student to navigate new challenges, seize opportunities, and adapt to the demands of a changing job market.
Third, don’t overlook the importance of a strong foundation in faith. In a world bombarded with diverse ideologies, our kids will face countless influences. Equipping our kids with the tools they need to stay grounded provides them with a precious gift that will serve them well throughout their lives.
While the core principles of education remain steadfast, it’s also crucial to adapt the curriculum to an unknown future!
Classes that are Highly Beneficial for Every Student
Career Exploration: A solid career exploration class can be a game-changer. It will save both your children and you valuable time, money, and frustration. Students will gain insight into their own skills, abilities and interests. Students will begin to think about what kind of life they want to lead. Students will consdier the cost of college as well as alternatives. A solid Career Exploration class can literally change your student’s life!
Entrepreneurship: These skills will be invaluable as most of us will be working in a global, gig economy in the future. Encouraging your children to embrace entrepreneurial thinking will empower them to create their own opportunities. This will be more important than ever before in a disrupted, competitive market.
Foreign Language: In an increasingly globalized world, being bilingual or multilingual will undoubtedly give your children a competitive edge. It will open doors to diverse cultures and opportunities. Furthermore, it will boost their confidence and enabling them to connect with people from all walks of life.
World Geography: Often dismissed as just another “nice-to-have” class, world geography is so much more. It provides a holistic understanding of politics, history, and the economy. By grasping the interconnectedness of nations and regions, your children will develop a broader perspective on the world, fostering empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a deeper appreciation for diversity.
Student Success is Possible!
By reimagining education and incorporating these classes into high school curricula, we can equip our children with the tools they need to thrive in an uncertain future. Let’s prepare them to become lifelong learners, adaptable problem solvers, and compassionate global citizens. Together, we can transform education and pave the way for a brighter future.
Save big this summer!
True North Homeschool Academy is offering a BOGO deal on all their summer classes. 6 Weeks of skill building and fun June 5- July 15! Classes include Study Skills, Career Exploration and more!
Sign up now and get twice the learning for half the cost!
No coupon required! It’s this simple: choose two classes, add to cart and the $149 discount will be automatically applied!
Summer jobs and teens go together like sun and sand! Getting a summer job can teach your teens o many wonderful life skills. Life skills such as communication, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and more! Not to mention building their savings account and giving them a sense of independence as they have their own money with which to make choices.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of great summer jobs for your tweens and teens!
Head to Camp!
Summer camp is such a magical place for kids and teens! If your teen loves the outdoors, and helping kids they should consider working at a camp. Depending on their age, they can be a Jr or Sr Camp Counselor, cook, janitor, help with Admin and even work on the maintenance crew. Church, Scout, and Family Camps are a great place to start!
Chick-fil-A
Who doesn’t love God’s chicken? All kidding aside, their food is good, the store is always clean, and the employees are always so kind and courteous. More to the point, their leadership is incredible, and your kids can learn a lot about customer service and serving with a humble heart by working at Chick-fil a. And if Chick-fil-A isn’t hiring, other fast food joints usually are.
Lifeguard
If your teen loves all things outdoors and is a competent swimmer, have them consider lifeguarding. They get to hang out around pools, keep the world of water recreation safe and make some money while doing it. Some things to keep in mind with this job is that it is very serious business and your teen needs to understand that they might be saving someone’s life that summer. Also, there will be CPR and lifeguarding classes and certifications they will need to get at the beginning of the season as well.
Water Safety Instructor
If your teen is already a lifeguard, have them go a step further and obtain their WSI -Water Safety Instructor Certification. This will allow them to teach swimming and it’s a great way to work at camps, as well as pools, year-round.
Movie Theater Attendant
If your teen enjoys a good movie and the smell of popcorn in the air, then working at your local movie theater is a great option. From popping corn to taking tickets, there are a myriad of jobs, but all are geared towards helping movie-goers have a fantastic experience.
Snow Cone Stand Attendant
Nothing says summer quite like snow cones, right?! Right around April, our snow cone trailers start popping, and you know summer is almost here. The soft ice, the sugary syrup on the snow cone, and in the air of the summer breeze; it’s a winning combination! If your teen likes people, is super nice, and enjoys delighting others with sugary goodness in a cup – the snow cone stand attendee is for them!
Theme Park Attendant
Snow cones and theme parks. Yep. Summer has also arrived when the theme parks open. With theme parks being so large, there are usually quite a few different jobs they can choose from. From ticket taker to funnel cake maker and everything in between, including singing and dancing! This job will more than likely call for late hours, but if they really enjoy the environment at theme parks, it’s a win.
Landscaper
Landscapers are generally super busy during the summer months and can use extra help. This job is demanding and requires physical strength and mental stamina as most landscapers do hardscaping as well.. Kids who work for landscapers work hard, haul heavy stuff and get down and dirty. Besides all that, the pay is generally very good and your kids might develop muscles they didn’t know they had!
Lawn Maintenance
Encourage your kids to open their own mowing business. We have known several homeschooling families who have created incredible micro businesses out of simply mowing lawns, doing simple planting and weed control. Encourage your kids to use their summer free time to create a simple business plan, make and pass out flyers around your neighborhood and do a great job on the homes that hire them. It could lead to steady income long past the summertime and even lead into a snow removal service.
Golf Caddy
Another fun outdoor job to consider is being a golf caddy at your local country club or golfing range. If they know the sport of golf well, they are even better. If they are new to golf, encourage them to learn the rules of the game as they wait for their interview.
Referee/Umpire
Does your teen enjoy and understand the rules and nuances of sports? Have them consider being a referee/umpire for summer sports! They’ll get paid while they keep in shape and provide wonderful summer experiences for other kids!
More Summer Jobs for Kids
Grocery Baggers/Cashier/ Shopper
I don’t know about y’all, but our local grocery store will do the grocery shopping for us. We download the app, pay and then we let them know that we are there, and they will bring it out to our car. Grocery shoppers go around the store with a digital list and a large cart and grocery shop. And of course, there is still the bagger and cashier option as a job as well.
Has your teen always loved to dress up and create events? If so, you might encourage your teen to go be the entertainment at parties as characters from movies and books. They could create their own business or join a company already offering those services. If creating their own, of course, make fliers for your community, but also, I would recommend they tap into their babysitting network as well.
Tutor
Does your teen want to be a teacher or enjoy helping others learn subjects? Then maybe they should consider being a tutor. This, again, maybe one of those entrepreneurship opportunities where they announce on the community board and put a flier up at church sharing what ages and subjects they are helping tutor this summer. They can make their own hours and can meet in places like the local library to do the job or even on Zoom.
Nanny
There is always a high demand for nannies during the summer. In many families, both parents work, and they need your teen’s help! Have them search the local community boards and papers for possible nanny opportunities for the summer.
Dog Walker
If your teen enjoys dogs and wants to get their steps in for the summer, being the community dog walker is just the trick. If they would prefer to work for someone else, they might consider talking to the local vet or animal shelter and see if they are hiring part-time workers for the summer.
House Sitter
For older teens, being a house sitter is freedom! You would need to decide if you were comfortable with them staying at the home by themselves while the owners are gone or if you would prefer, they can just visit the house daily to take care of animals and water plants. Either way, they get out of the house each day doing work for money.
Sales
You are never too young to learn to sell; it’s an important skill that will benefit your kids regardless of what vocation they eventually go into. Tweens and teens can sell online or through local boutiques at local Swaps and Craft Fairs. They can sell items of their own making or purchase items to mark up and re-sell.
Summertime is a great time for your kids to dive into the world of paid work. Not only will they earn spending money or money to invest, but they’ll gain valuable life skills!
Career Exploration (formerly titled Orienteering) focuses on vocational and career exploration. Students will understand their strengths, challenges, and more as they prepare to launch as adults in a complex, digital, and fast-changing world!
Students will leave class with a Personal Pathway based on strengths, interests, passions, and gifting paired with real-world career exploration.
The student will identify spheres of possibility instead of a single job or career.
Students will also create an occupational interest inventory.
Creating a Lifestyle of Learning in your home begins with some building blocks of success- with the hierarchy you build up starting at the bottom
Systematize and Prioritize
Prioritize: determine the order for dealing with (a series of items or tasks) according to their relative importance
Systemize: arrange according to an organized system – then repeat
Define system: a set of principles or procedures according to which something is done: an organized framework or method
Roles and Responsibilities
Role: the function assumed or part played by a person or thing in a particular situation (management)
Responsibility: the opportunity or ability to act independently and make decisions without authorization
Delegation: The person who is responsible for the role delegates the tasks.
Example: It’s my responsibility to manage “the kitchen.” It is my son’s role to empty the dishwasher and my daughter’s to clear the table (the manager delegated those tasks)
Relationships vs. Tasks
Relationship: the way in which two or more people or groups regard and behave to each other:
Tasks: a piece of work to be done or undertaken.
Training our kids is a front-end load proposition. It seems like it’s harder at the beginning, but not teaching/training is more difficult in the long run.
Shelter: Safe & Clean, Comfortable, De-Cluttered, A Place for everything/ everything in its place, Functional for YOUR Family, Regular Maintenance, Upkeep, and upgrading – exterior, landscaping, interior, Zones for Eating, Sleeping, Hygiene, Working Out, Work, School, Rest, Family, Alone, Pets
Clothing: Planning/comparison shopping, Gathering, Storing, Cleaning, Laundry- drycleaning, Sorting through, Repairs, Dressing up and special occasion clothing, How to match clothing, Accessories & make-up
Systematize, Prioritize, Determine, and Assign Roles and Responsibilities
2: Vocational work (SUPPORTING YOUR LIFESTYLE)
Do what you love, and the money will follow. OR Follow the Money & You’ll be able to do what you LOVE!
Career Exploration- 4th IR- lots of job shifts and changes
Preparation & Training- initial and ongoing
Entrepreneurship & Lifestyle of learning is so important
Entrepreneurial skills are a MUST
Find a Money Mentor for today’s world
3: Time and Money
Allocating Resources
Budgeting – Keeping track of money/ Spending money
Are you getting by or creating wealth?
Covering the Basics, Fun Money, Goals –short & long term
It’s not how much you make. It’s about how much cash flow you have.
Faith Development: OUR ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES IN GOD’S FAMILY
PERSONAL FAITH DEVELOPMENT: Bible Reading, Prayer, Fasting, Service
Communal faith development
Family prayer
Family Service
Family Ministry
Family study
Study as worship: Languages, Church History, Archeology, Memorizing Scripture, Understanding Genres of the Bible, Biblical Translations vs. paraphrasing
Rythmes and Routines
Daily Flow of the Family
Establish Weekly and Daily Check-ins: Weekly Family Planning Mtgs, Monthly big picture overview, Weekly Student Planning Mtg –habit training, schedule
Daily routines: Morning Meetings, Meals, Chore-Time, Reading, and Study aloud
6. Lifestyle of Learning
Stages of learning
Grammar – Knowledge
Logic -Understanding
Rhetoric –Wisdom
Active vs Passive Learning
The difference between owning ones education vs. being spoon-fed
Engage with material, don’t just regurgitate for a test.
Feedback loop
Various forms of assessment –Tests, Quizzes, Papers, Projects, Presentations, Group Work
Future Proof Your Kids
Limit Devices- Get OUTSIDE
What do you have in your hand? God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
IN CONCLUSION
Systematize
Prioritize
Define Roles and Responsibilities
Pro Tip: Spend time on SET UP
Utilized your “maid-servants”: Grocery pick up, Online ordering, Kitchen blender, Online classes, Cleaning service
Hire your kids
Be intentional: What is your Vision and DREAM for homeschooling?
Over plan and then Go with the flow!
Rock Your Homeschool Printable Ebook Mega Bundle
Homeschooling high school can be intimidating, but True North Homeschool Academy has your back! Get the resources you need to make it through, from printables to course of study ideas.
Subscribe below and receive over 20 printables and ebooks to rock your homeschool and launch learning, interest, and fun!
You’ve got it! You created that million-dollar idea, product, or service that you know will be successful! What now?? You need to sell it!
Copywriting 101 is a semester-long, half-credit course that is part of True North Homeschool Academy’s Entrepreneurial Series. In this course you will learn persuasive writing, storytelling, and sales techniques that are crucial for effective copywriting. Creating compelling text, learning basic design elements, and exploring tools for brand communication will round out your study as you produce digital and print copy.
At the conclusion of this course, each student will be armed with a professional digital copywriting portfolio demonstrating newly acquired skills to share with potential clients, employers, or college admissions personnel! Start now to grow your own business through effective copywriting or to prepare for the best writing jobs in advertising, media, and commercial communication!
Aspects of copywriting that will be covered include: defining copywriting, selling versus educating, and understanding the AIDA model of professional copywriters. We will learn various persuasion techniques and the art of effective storytelling. Grammar will not necessarily be the focus of this course, but students will practice and demonstrate a command of correct and appropriate grammar; it is imperative to effective copywriting!
Students will learn about branding, basic design elements and techniques, and more!
Required Materials:
Personal Email
Reasonable internet access to search and explore copywriting examples
Ability to establish free accounts for various digital design projects
Personal Finance is a skill that your students will use on a daily basis for the rest of their lives! This course is a fun, engaging, and hands-on approach to learning how to steward and manage money well. Students will begin to strategize how to use money through role-playing real-life choices, like investing in higher education, having children, and more. Students will also discover the financial cost of divorce and other challenges including layoffs and other unforeseen events.
This course focuses on three key areas of Personal Finance:
How to make wise money choices now
How to make wise money choices in the future
How to prepare for financial independence
Lessons Included in Personal Finance:
College and Careers
Budgeting
Car Purchase Apartment Rental
Spouse Selection
Credit Cards and Interest
Baby & Payroll
House Purchase
Insurance
School Choice
Investments,
Business Basics
Layoffs and Reconciliations
Income Tax
The Dangers of Divorce
Retirement
This class will discuss difficult issues like layoffs and divorce. And while everyone says it won’t happen to them, the statistics say that 43% of American workers will be laid off at least once during their working years and 42-45% of all first-time marriages will end in divorce. Understanding the financial costs of life decisions is the hallmark of this course. Think “Money Make-over” meets the Game of Life.
The benefit to your students is that they get to play the game at this point without high risks. This is a Personal Finance Course that is unique, hands-on, and engaging!
Pair Personal Finance with Orienteering, Entrepreneurship, and Economics, or any of our other fantastic Senior High Courses for a robust year of learning.
Semester Course – 1/2 Credit: The class will be taught and graded by your True North Homeschool Academy teacher. The coursework your child will complete in this high school level course is equal to one credit hour which may be awarded by your homeschool upon completion of the course. If you would like help determining your students’ credits or creating a transcript, check out our Academic Advising.
HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL Entrepreneurship for the Homeschool Student High school students thrive with our creative, interactive online classes. They get feedback and fellowship from the other students as well as the guidance of their teacher. True North Homeschool Academy...
As the world of Homeschooling has expanded and options have increased and become more focused, it’s a great time to be homeschooling.
Frankly, the options for High School Homeschooling are better than ever! As the world of homeschooling has expanded and the unknowns of the next school year loom, parents of high schoolers are wondering how to plan for what’s ahead. A basic understanding of a typical course of study can be a simple and helpful guide to planning the future, even when that future seems uncertain!
Focus on the Core 4 in High School
You should focus on the Core 4 high school subjects and then add electives and extra-curricular ones. Some of this will depend on what type of transcript you are creating and where your students plan to land after high school. Vocational programs, college or university, ivy league or conservatory, or the Military all warrant focusing on different aspects of your student’s learning program.
I will link to classes we offer here at True North Homeschool Academy since we try to create classes with a typical course of study plan for each age group. Still, you should choose the curriculum or classes that work best for your family. It’s always awesome if you decide that means our online classes, but we want this blog article to help you make an amazing transcript for your high schooler, even if TNHA classes don’t fit your plan.
Typical Course of Study: High School
Let’s start by looking at high school as a four-year program. This will give us a long-view approach and help us determine what classes make sense within our subject areas. I’ll list each subject and then a common 4-year course of study. You are going to want to focus on the Core Four and go from there:
(History can also include other areas or times of History like Ancient History)
Once you plan these, filling in with electives and extracurricular activities will be much easier.
Typical Course of Study: High School – Electives and Extra-curriculars
Foreign Language– this can be any Ancient or Modern Language. Keep in mind that Latin is a fantastic foundation for grammar and learning how to learn a Foreign Language, and Critical Languages are a great way to earn Scholarship Dollars; French, German,Spanish, Hebrew, Chinese, Latin
Physical Education – ½ credit each year. Check out our amazing Dance at the Movies for a fun credit of P.E!
Music – a general overview of music, including Music Theory, Voice, Songwriting, or instrument lessons- also counts. Check out our Music at the Movies for a fascinating look at the power of music in culture!
Art/Humanities – a general understanding of Form and Color, Photography, Photoshop, etc.
Bible/Apologetics Studies – should include a general overview of the Old and New Testament, Church History, and Apologetics. Every educated person was expected to have a general understanding of the Bible and could easily reference books and passages. Take time to read and discuss the Bible together and memorize Scripture. Awanas and the Bible Bee are excellent programs to commit the Bible to memory.
Basic Computer Information Systems – Powerpoint, Video Editing, Internet Safety, and Accountability.
Health – should include general health information, introduction to addictions, cybersecurity and addictions, ages and stages, and reproductive health.
Vocational & Career Interests, including Entrepreneurship – in today’s quickly changing market and the gig economy they will inevitably be a part of, your students need to explore Vocational and Career Options as Life Skills and Personal Finance.
Typical Course of Study electives can vary and be wildly diverse. Think about students’ areas of interest and what’s available to them. Many students delve deeply into a subject area that piques their interest, like art, drama, music, electronics, etc. And don’t forget to provide a robust reading list for your high school students, including short stories, novels, plays, and poems.
High School is also a time to explore new areas of interest so take some time to seek out and expose your student to activities and unique experiences.
Include Community Service in Your Homeschool
A typical course of study for your high school should also include Community Service– I would recommend 15 hours a year or more. It’s tricky with Covid, but you can always write letters to service men and women and collect coats or food for the local coat drive or food pantry. You might have to get creative, but high schoolers typically are creative.
Please teach your students about internet safety and how to protect themselves from addictions, pornography, and perpetrators. Teach them how to manage social media and how to be accountable. Getting snared in addiction at a young age can have devastating implications for them. I highly recommend Glow Kids for every parent and young adult.
Testing Options and More
ACT Test Prep can save you thousands of dollars in Scholarship earned, National Latin Exam looks great on a transcript, and our Performance Series test is a straightforward way to assess where your student is at and helps them gain confidence with standardized tests.
Want to know more about credits, transcripts, and standardized tests to ensure your high school student is getting a typical course of study? Survive Homeschooling High School is a comprehensive eBook that will walk you through how to plan and prepare for high school. Suppose you have a good handle on your high school plan but want help with the logistics of a transcript or assigning credits. In that case, you may want to check out our Academic Advising- we offer Academic Advising, SPED Advising for nontraditional learners, and NCAA Advising for those looking to compete for an NCAA position.
It’s a great time to homeschool, and the options for High School Homeschooling are better than ever! Check out our live online dynamic, interactive classes taught within an international community by world-class teachers! Students interact and work together- we believe excellent education occurs within a community!
Money Saving Bundles
And, in case you didn’t know, we offer Bundles for terrific savings.
We hope you have found our quick guide to a typical course of study for high school helpful. We invite you to join our Facebook group to let us know and to chat with other homeschool parents about credits, transcripts, curriculum, and everything homeschool.
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