Back2Basics: C is for Curriculum

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You can’t homeschool high school without some type of curriculum.

Why You Need Curriculum?

1. Each state has different requirements to earn a high school diploma.
2. Some colleges require certain high school credits for entry.
3. If you child attends college, you want them to be prepared for the upper-level classes.

That’s not to say you need to purchase expensive books. On the contrary, you can get a full and academically challenging education at most public libraries or inexpensively online.

How to Earn High School Credit With the Public Library or Internet

Most libraries carry educational titles. In my local library system (Memphis Public Library), I found text for biology, physics, chemistry, algebra, trigonometry, grammar, and of course literature and history. These should only be used as a foundations. You would need to add labs to the sciences, and you would need to determine a way of assessment. Colleges like to see grades.

Sometimes, you can access classes for free through colleges. EdX is a wonderful site where you can access high school level classes that prep you for college. Most are free, but some have minimal cost.

If your child isn’t college bound, you can still use the library or internet to further their future career choice interest. There are videos/DVD’s that can be checked out from the library, or you can utilize websites with teaching videos. Lynda.com is only one example.

What if You Want a More Traditional Route?

For a more traditional high school education at home, there are many choices open to your student. A Beka and Bob Jones are two, or you could look into the plethora of online high schools. Although some of the online high schools can end up costing as much (if not more) than local private schools.

Even in a more traditional route to homeschooling, you personally can select individual subjects for your student.

Where to Find High School Curriculum?

We discussed finding curriculum at your public library, other choice places to search are:

1. Online:
2. Salvation Army and resale shops
3. Used book stores
4. Big-box, or warehouse type, stores.

Whatever you do, don’t be intimidated by the overwhelming selection of curriculum choices. Pick what you like, or better yet, have your student do the selecting. They are more likely to be interested in the subject matter when they have a say in the selections. Then, when they complain about a subject, you can put the blame on them for making that particular choice. (This would fall into the category of “Suck it up, Buttercup!”)

Buyer Beware

Remember, you may be saving a dime or two on used books, but make sure they are intact. A few times I’ve purchased books on the cheap only to discover several pages missing.

If you search online for curriculum, here’s a few places to start:

1. Timberdoodle
2. SAS Curriculum Pathways
3. Amazon
4. Khan Academy
5. Learning Things
6. Bob Jones
7. A Beka

There are a lot of sites that sell curriculum. I’ve just listed a few. If there is a particular subject needed, search it out, just don’t become overwhelmed with the choices. Many can be weeded out immediately.

And don’t be intimidated by the books contents. You can do this.

Who Can Homeschool High School?

Any parent is more than capable of managing their high schoolers homeschool curriculum. You weren’t given an instruction manual when you gave birth, but every state gives you a blueprint of what they expect your child to know when they graduate high school. If a subject is over your head, then allow them to take outside classes, or co-op with another family. You teach some subjects, and the other parents can take on the rest. You can do this. Don’t be intimidated–learn with your student.

When is the Best Time to Find Curriculum Deals?

Now is the time to start planning for next year. It seems like a long time off, but by starting now, you can take advantage of sales and wait for the right price on used curriculum. When you find a deal, snatch it up.