Have you ever wondered why some nations rise in freedom while others fall into tyranny? Or why two students can sit under the same teaching—one growing in wisdom and the other resisting every rule? The answer lies in a powerful Biblical truth that the founders of our nation understood well: liberty begins within.
Internal Liberty: Freedom of the Heart
Before a person can enjoy external liberty—freedom in their home, community, or nation—they must first learn to govern themselves. This is what we call internal liberty.
Internal liberty is born when an individual chooses to align their thoughts and actions with God’s Word. It is the freedom to do what is right, not merely what one wants. Scripture reminds us that “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17).
True liberty isn’t granted by governments or written into laws—it’s cultivated in hearts that are ruled by God’s truth.
When students learn that self-government under God is the foundation of all other forms of government, they begin to see that history isn’t just a collection of dates and events—it’s the unfolding of His Story.
External Liberty: Freedom in Society
The Pilgrims who settled Plymouth understood this principle. They practiced individual self-government, which naturally extended to family and church government, and finally to civil government. Over 150 years, those Biblical ideas shaped the foundation of a new nation.
Internal liberty leads to external liberty. A people who can govern themselves will require less external control. But when internal liberty is lost—when individuals abandon self-discipline, faith, and moral responsibility—external government must grow stronger to restrain wrongdoing. The result? Freedom fades.
The colonists recognized that liberty was not a human invention but a divine gift. They pledged “their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor” to protect it—not because it was convenient, but because it was sacred.
Teaching Liberty in the Classroom
Helping students grasp the connection between internal and external liberty transforms the way they learn history—and the way they see their own role in it.
Here are a few ways you can cultivate this understanding in your classroom or home:
Start with Scripture. Discuss verses that define liberty and responsibility (Galatians 5:13, James 1:25).
Encourage self-reflection. Ask, “How am I governing my own thoughts and actions today?”
Connect the dots. Trace how individuals like William Bradford, George Washington, or Abigail Adams lived out internal liberty that produced external liberty for others.
Use reasoning questions. Instead of memorizing facts, invite students to analyze cause and effect—how character shapes culture.
A Call to Restoration
Today, as our culture wrestles with questions of authority, freedom, and truth, teaching students the principles of internal and external liberty is more vital than ever. If we desire a nation of free men and women, we must raise a generation who understand that freedom begins with self-government under God.
Let us return to the same Biblical principles that built this Republic. As families, churches, and educators, we have the privilege—and responsibility—to prepare our children not just to enjoy liberty, but to preserve it.
🎓 Foundations of American Liberty & Government | Full-Year, 1 Credit Course
Most government classes stop at the Constitution — this one begins with the Bible.
In this thought-provoking course, students will:
Uncover the biblical roots of America’s founding
Explore key documents that shaped our nation
Build the ability to think critically and reason biblically about liberty, law, and leadership
Perfect for high school students earning a full credit in Government, this course connects history, civics, and faith in a way that’s both intellectually rich and spiritually grounded.
You settle your teen at the desk, cue up a fresh Google Doc, and—silence. A minute ticks by. The sigh arrives. “I don’t know what to write.”
If that scene feels familiar, you’re not alone. Most young writers hit three predictable hurdles:
Idea drought – the blank-page panic that freezes creativity.
Story chaos – plenty of ideas, but no path from first spark to finished draft.
Sharing jitters – the fear that someone will read (and judge) their work.
The good news? A small prompt can dismantle all three.
Grab the Prompt Pack (Free Download)
We’ve bundled 25 imagination-sparking prompts—drawn straight from True North Academy’s live creative-writing classes—into a downloadable PDF. Pop it into your cart (it’s free), check out, and the file lands in your inbox ready for printing or copy-pasting into your student’s writing folder.
Set 15 minutes, choose a random prompt, and write without stopping.
Beats perfectionism and sparks raw ideas.
Family Swap
Everyone (yes, even parents) writes to the same prompt, then swaps pages for a quick read-aloud.
Normalizes sharing and shows drafts aren’t scary.
Revision Challenge
After writing, trim the piece by 30 %.
Teaches clarity and tight editing—skills that matter in all subjects.
When Your Writer Wants More than Prompts
Prompts jump-start creativity, but consistent coaching turns sparks into strong, finished pieces. That’s where our small-group writing classes come in:
The Literary Intelligence Agency (LIA) is seeking sharp, inquisitive minds ready to decode powerful literature texts and craft powerful intelligence reports to make a compelling case.
Students will delve into the worlds of classic and contemporary dystopian literature, exploring the dark “what ifs” that have intrigued readers for generations.
Classes meet live online, cap at 15 students, and include personalized feedback on every draft—so that blinking cursor turns into words your student feels proud to share.
Next Steps
Download the prompt pack (it’s free).
Test one of the mini-methods above this week.
If your writer lights up—or still feels stuck—explore the course that fits their spark and stage.
Writing shouldn’t feel like pulling teeth. With the right nudge and a bit of community, it can become the highlight of your student’s week. We’re cheering them on!
As the world changes at lightning speed, today’s teens will enter adulthood with opportunities and challenges no other generation has faced. For those who dream of starting their own businesses or launching new ideas, entrepreneurship can be a rewarding path. But how do parents, guardians, and educators help teens think and act like entrepreneurs?
Here are some simple but powerful steps—along with insights on both the upsides and potential challenges of starting a business.
1. Cultivate Curiosity and Creativity
Entrepreneurship begins with curiosity—asking questions like “Why does this happen?” or “What if we tried it another way?” Encourage teens to explore what interests them. Let them do projects, experiments, or art that allow them to play and make mistakes. Creativity grows when they use what they learn to create original ideas, rather than just memorizing facts.
Practical Tip: Help your teen identify everyday problems—things that waste time, feel annoying, or could be improved. Ask them to think of ways to fix those problems. This exercise shows them how even minor issues can become business ideas.
Real-Life Example: Mikaila Ulmer started her lemonade business, Me & the Bees, at just four years old after being stung by a bee. Instead of fearing bees, she used her curiosity to learn more about them. She blended her grandmother’s lemonade recipe with honey and soon turned a simple product into a growing company that also helps save bees.
2. Teach the Value of Collaboration
Gone are the days of the lone inventor tinkering alone in a garage. Modern entrepreneurs succeed through teamwork. When people work together, they can do much more than they could alone.
Practical Tip: Encourage group projects, local club activities, or teamwork in activities like robotics or theater. This teaches them how to communicate, lead, and combine strengths—skills every future founder needs.
Real-Life Example: Moziah Bridges, the founder of Mo’s Bows, worked closely with his mother and grandmother to design stylish bow ties. Their collaboration helped him grow from a small Etsy shop to national recognition.
3. Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool
Entrepreneurs don’t let failure stop them. They see it as a chance to learn and improve. If you want teens to be confident risk-takers, give them space to make mistakes. Show them that small failures don’t define who they are—these missteps often lead to better solutions.
Practical Tip: When your teen faces a setback—like a poor grade on a test or a project that doesn’t work—guide them in thinking it through. Ask, “What went wrong? What can we do better next time?” This teaches them to bounce back and solve problems.
Potential Downside: Constant trial-and-error can frustrate teens, and some might want to give up quickly. Remind them that every mistake is a chance to learn and improve.
4. Foster Digital and Financial Literacy
Knowing how to use digital tools is no longer just helpful—it’s a must. From online marketing and e-commerce to social media and coding, strong digital skills give future entrepreneurs an enormous advantage. They also need to understand money—how to budget, invest, and grow funds for a new venture.
Practical Tip:
Encourage teens to take free or low-cost online courses in coding, web design, or app development.
Talk about budgeting and investing as a family. Share how you pay bills or manage money so they can learn from real-life examples.
5. Let Them Practice Real-World Entrepreneurship
Nothing drives entrepreneurial thinking like actual experience. Let teens launch a small project or business now—such as selling art, tutoring, running an online shop, or building an app. These activities help them learn how to plan, pitch, deal with customers, and track finances.
Practical Tip: Look for local incubator programs or competitions for high schoolers. Many offer guidance, mentorship, and sometimes even funding for student ideas. For example, check out organizations like DECA or local Junior Achievement chapters.
Potential Downside: Running a business—no matter how small—can mean long hours and pressure to succeed. Teens should know these challenges before diving in. Remind them that stress management and balance are also part of being an entrepreneur.
6. Encourage Networking and Mentorship
Networking can sound scary, but it really just means making helpful connections. A mentor—someone with experience in business, teaching, or a related field—can be a great guide for a teen. Mentors can offer advice, share their stories, and even help teens find internships or job shadowing.
Practical Tip: Have your teen send a polite email or message to a local business owner or professional in a field they like. A quick request for advice or a short interview can give valuable tips and open new doors.
Where to Look:
Local Chamber of Commerce events
Online platforms like LinkedIn
7. Promote a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is the idea that you can develop your abilities through effort, good strategies, and help from others. It’s a huge part of being an entrepreneur. Encourage your teen to see challenges as chances to learn, not as roadblocks.
Practical Tip: Celebrate effort and improvement over perfection. At dinner or on a drive, ask your teen what they learned that day instead of just focusing on grades. This shows that learning is an ongoing process.
Real-Life Example: Elon Musk has started many businesses—some succeeded, some struggled, but he kept pushing forward. His willingness to keep learning has led him to develop projects in areas ranging from electric cars to space travel.
8. Link Entrepreneurship to Purpose
Many teens care deeply about social issues, such as the environment or equality. Entrepreneurship can be a way to help solve these problems. When teens connect their business ideas to a cause they care about, they’re more likely to stay motivated.
Practical Tip: Ask, “If you could fix one problem in the world, what would it be?” Then, help them think of a product, service, or organization that could tackle that issue.
Considering the Challenges
While starting a business can be exciting, it isn’t always smooth sailing. Many entrepreneurs work long hours, face financial risks, and might see their ideas fail before finding success. Teens should understand these realities to prepare themselves and decide if entrepreneurship suits them.
Conclusion
Raising an entrepreneur today involves more than teaching business facts. It’s about building curiosity, resilience, teamwork, and a hunger for learning. By encouraging real-world problem-solving, seeing mistakes as lessons, and linking teens’ passions to meaningful goals, we create an environment where the entrepreneurial spirit can thrive.
The future belongs to those who aren’t afraid to try new ideas, keep learning, and bring others along for the ride—and our teens are ready to lead the way. With guidance, support, and plenty of room for exploration, today’s teens can grow into tomorrow’s innovators.
Entrepreneurship High School One Semester 1/2 Credit Course Meets: FALL 2026 | Friday, 10:15-11:15 am CST Instructor: Hannah Nehring Required Materials: Teacher Created Materials “I enjoyed the class and even started my own tee shirt business as a fund raiser for my church youth group.” – Student, TNHA Middle school or Junior High Students who want to be challenged may also join this high school-level class.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Gina Steffy, Marketing Director Email: marketing@truenorthhomeschool.academy
True North Academy Announces Provisional Accreditation by Cognia, Launch of Core 4 and Dual Degree Programs
[Parker, SD, 12/16/2024] — True North Academy (formerly True North Academy) is proud to announce that it has been granted provisional accreditation by Cognia, underscoring the institution’s commitment to excellence in digital learning. With this milestone achievement, True North Academy also unveils its new Core 4 Program and Dual Degree Program, expanding its robust array of educational offerings that already includes à la carte, live online classes for students around the globe.
As a digital learning school, True North Academy provides families with the flexibility to choose a supplemental or full course load taught by experienced teachers who are subject matter experts. Whether students are seeking to enhance their homeschool curriculum or looking for an accredited alternative to traditional education, the Academy offers personalized pathways designed to meet each learner’s needs.
A Holistic Educational Approach That Prepares Students for the Future
True North Academy’s learning model is grounded in the belief that education should equip students not just academically, but socially and emotionally. The newly launched Core 4 Program offers a well-rounded curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, communication, creativity, and collaboration—key competencies for future success.
Experienced and Passionate Educators
Underpinning every course is a team of subject matter expert teachers who bring both passion and real-world experience to the virtual classroom. This dedicated faculty ensures that students receive high-quality instruction aligned with national and international standards.
A Legacy of Excellence
Formerly True North Academy, True North Academy continues its legacy of serving the homeschooling community through innovative online educational solutions. “This provisional accreditation by Cognia is a testament to the strong academic standards we have upheld since our founding,” said [Name, Title]. “We are thrilled to bring these new programs to families who want a comprehensive, future-ready education.”
Community, Accountability, + Done-for-You Grading and Transcripts
Students benefit from a supportive online community that fosters accountability and connection. True North Academy’s robust administrative support system also includes done-for-you grading and transcripts, reducing the burden on parents and ensuring that academic records remain accurate, comprehensive, and easily accessible.
Comprehensive Advising Services for Homeschool Families
True North Academy provides comprehensive academic advising designed specifically for homeschool families. These services include:
Personalized educational plans based on each student’s unique needs and goals
Live, online classes for families looking for a digital learning school option
Tutoring and test preparation to build confidence and academic mastery
Career planning and special needs support for a wide range of learner profiles
Transcript creation and grading assistance to ensure every student’s educational journey is properly documented
Introducing the Dual Degree Program
Alongside its Core 4 curriculum, True North Academy’s new Dual Degree Program allows high school students to earn college credits, giving them a head start on post-secondary education. This program is designed to help students transition seamlessly to higher education and opens new opportunities for them to explore potential career pathways.
Provisional Accreditation and Candidate Status
True North Academy’s provisional accreditation by Cognia reflects its adherence to rigorous performance standards that prioritize continuous improvement and student achievement. The Academy is also proud to be a Candidate for Accreditation with NCA CASI, NWAC, and SACS CASI, further demonstrating its pursuit of the highest educational benchmarks.
For more information about True North Academy’s programs, or to speak with an academic advisor, please visitwww.truenorthhomeschool.academy (soon to fully transition to True North Academy) or contact our admissions team at +1 605-496-9681 or marketing@truenorthhomeschool.academy
About True North Academy True North Academy (formerly True North Academy) is a digital learning school committed to providing high-quality, flexible academic solutions to homeschooling families worldwide. Through provisional accreditation by Cognia, innovative programs like the Core 4 and Dual Degree options, and expert-led live online classes, True North Academy equips students with a holistic, future-focused education designed to help them thrive in an ever-changing world.
Homeschooling high school may feel like a daunting task, but with the right plan and resources, it can be a rewarding experience for both you and your child. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or transitioning from earlier years, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Get Started Homeschooling a High Schooler
Starting the high school journey involves more planning than the earlier grades. Here’s how to set yourself and your teen up for success.
Consider College and Career Goals Whether your teen plans to attend college, pursue a trade, or start a business, it’s important to tailor their curriculum toward those goals. Research dual credit options, apprenticeships, or certifications.
What Do I Need to Homeschool High School?
Homeschooling high school requires a blend of curriculum, planning tools, and flexibility.
Curriculum Choices Choose curriculum options that match your teen’s learning style. From textbooks to online classes, there’s something for every subject.
Record Keeping Maintain transcripts, attendance records, and any course syllabi. These will be helpful for college applications or future job searches.
Support Networks Join local homeschool groups or co-ops. These communities offer social opportunities and support for both students and parents.
Don’t Worry, You Can Homeschool High School
Many parents worry that they aren’t qualified to teach high school-level subjects. But remember, you don’t need to know everything!
Use Online Classes and Tutors Our online courses provide expert instruction in areas like chemistry, calculus, or foreign languages.
Take Advantage of Dual Credit Programs Dual credit allows high school students to earn college credits, easing the transition to higher education.
Outsource When Needed It’s okay to use tutors or online resources for challenging subjects. Many parents also swap teaching duties in co-ops.
Core Subjects and Electives Ensure your teen completes core requirements in math, science, history, and English. Electives like art, music, or coding help shape a well-rounded education.
Grading and Transcripts Assign grades based on effort and performance, and regularly update transcripts. Many homeschool programs provide templates to make this process easier.
Preparing Your Child for Independence
High school is the time to teach essential life skills and promote independence.
Financial Literacy Teach budgeting, savings, and other personal finance skills that will benefit them long-term.
Leadership and Volunteering Encourage community service or leadership roles in local organizations to build character and experience.
Educating Your Child for Success
The goal of homeschooling high school isn’t just to finish courses—it’s to prepare your child for life after graduation.
Explore Career Options Expose your child to different career paths through internships, mentorships, or job shadowing.
Develop a College or Trade School Plan If your teen is college-bound, research entrance requirements early and take practice exams like the SAT or ACT. If trade school is the goal, explore apprenticeship opportunities.
Encourage Lifelong Learning Instill a love for learning that continues beyond high school, whether through reading, hobbies, or self-paced courses.
Additional High School Homeschooling Resources
Here are a few resources to support you along the way:
Online Homeschool Platforms Websites like True North Academy offer online courses that meet high school requirements.
Transcript Templates and Record-Keeping Tools Find free templates to track grades and credits.
Homeschool Support Groups Join online forums or local meetups to connect with other high school homeschooling parents.
Homeschooling high school doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With proper planning, resources, and support, you’ll not only meet your child’s educational needs but also help them grow into an independent, capable adult. Remember, you are not alone—thousands of parents are successfully homeschooling through high school, and you can, too!
