Though Homeschooling the high school student seems a Herculean task when first starting out, in many ways it is less time consuming than teaching at elementary levels. Though the high-schooler has more independence, they should not be left too much on their own. All of their work must be reviewed by an adult. Discussions MUST take place between the teen and yourselves on the issues raised by their studies. This is how they will learn and how you will share ideas and values with them.

The high schooler chooses his/her own curriculum within limits. The tendency might be to take on too many or too few subjects, or to take courses that aren't necessary to graduate. So, parental review then comes into play. Programs like Seton also have counselors who will review with the student their course needs. The local public high school to which your child is assigned also must supply the child with a guidance counselor. This resource person can be used for setting up your initial schedule, for obtaining information about PSAT's, ACT's, and the SAT's, or for receiving scholarship information.

High-schoolers can make their own lesson plan. We do lesson plan books for one-quarter of the year at a time. Quarterly tests are given after completion of each quarter. These quarterly marking periods are goals to be met. They can be moveable for a good reason only.

What of the most difficult courses? There are a number of homeschooling programs that offer the math and science programs in video format. Our program (Seton) has a professor on call five days a week to help out. So, there is no need to feel intimidated by a subject you know nothing about. Most high-schoolers can effectively teach most courses themselves.

Here in Rochester, a Catholic Homeschooling Youth Group (ages 12 and over) has been in operation for about five years. The youth meet once a month for a formal meeting and usually a sports activity and/or a work of mercy, such as praying the rosary outside Highland Hospital on Saturday mornings when abortions are being done there. They rotate the three officer positions so that all the youths can have the opportunity of learning how to conduct a business meeting and lead discussions.

The standardized testing for the juniors and seniors is done at their local high school. Homeschoolers usually do much better on these tests than their peers and have no problem attracting colleges.

The teen years are tumultuous ones at best, but they are also the most sensitive, the most questioning and inquisitive ones. Would you rather the answers to their questions, dilemmas, and frustrations come from their peer group, their often-not-too-Catholic teachers, or from you?

We can't make our children choose God and choose good, but we sure can give them the spiritual and intellectual background they need to choose well! And then we PRAY!