As we begin homeschooling high school (in the fall), I’m realizing just how different this season feels from the younger years — but also how exciting it is to help shape a 9th grade homeschool plan that keeps future options open.

But also, wow. I truly can’t believe I’m here writing this. The younger years of homeschooling absolutely flew by and now I’m here figuring out biology with lab options, geometry, and Spanish instead of the library, nature walks and crafts. The good news is she is ready for this next challenge, even if my heart is taking its time catching up.

When we started homeschooling we committed to taking one year at a time and adjusting as we went to best fit the needs of our kids. I’m proud to say we’ve done that pretty well and my goodness, how we’ve enjoyed the journey. This coming year will be another adjustment for us but one I think is appropriate and best fits our current needs.

Our plan for homeschooling high school started with talking with Hailey about what she wants to do after graduation. That’s a pretty big ask of a 14 year old and while we of course did not expect her to have it all mapped out, it helped to start having these conversations and seeing what excited her. Ultimately we decided we wanted her to have options; one of those options being large public universities.

From there I went down a rabbit hole of researching what some of these colleges were looking for in admitted students. I did this through visiting websites, emailing admissions, and watching internet videos from college admission coaches.

David and I also talked about factors outside of academic pursuits and liked the idea of her having social opportunities, like prom, expanding her social circle, and continuing to develop time management skills. With all these factors combined, we pieced together our plan.

The plan is to outsource some of the core academic classes that are more challenging to navigate at home, like science with a lab and foreign language. The teaching side of me is thrilled with this! The emo side of me will have to adjust to her being out of the house two days a week. The logical side of me believes this is a solid next step for all of us.

For 9th grade, Hailey will be taking:

• Honors Biology with lab
• Honors English with American Lit
• Honors Spanish I
• Honors Geometry
• Engineering Design (Elective)
• Fine Arts Study

The science, English, Spanish, and Engineering Design will be outsourced and geometry, art and music study will be using Saxon and Nicole the Math Lady and BF Music Appreciation and BF Art Appreciation respectively.

She’ll also be continuing with her piano and music theory program, as well as playing soccer and basketball. Our fall season is going to be exciting and full!

It’s a crazy place to be as a parent nowadays, trying to navigate education with the rise of AI. We’re watching and learning and keeping our focus on raising capable, creative, problem solvers that understand technology but aren’t overly dependent on it. It’s quite the task!

However, I’m so grateful to be here (and to have David actively engaged by my side) to help guide our girls into this new frontier, doing our best to balance academics and real world skills.

But first, we will fully enjoy all the wonders of summer schedule! Read alouds, hobbies, crafts, outdoor activities… and yes, a little math still, too 😉

Any questions? What are your thoughts about education and AI? I could speculate for hours about how things might change over the next few years; an engaging discussion indeed!