Homeschooled & Headed for College: Your Road Map for a Successful Journey

By Denise Boiko

Can homeschoolers successfully navigate the path to college?The answer is an enthusiastic "Yes!"If you love homeschooling but need a clear road map for the journey from high school to college, this is the book for you.

You'll appreciate this practical, detailed guide th

• Language: English
• Publisher: Denise Boiko
• Release date: Jun 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781087888859

Denise Boiko

Denise Boiko and her husband, Ron, homeschooled both of their children from kindergarten through high school. With acceptances to multiple colleges, their daughter earned a B.S. and an M.S. in biology at Stanford University before going on to medical school, and their son chose the University of Southern California, earning a B.S. in engineering. Since then, Denise has successfully walked more than 150 homeschooled and traditionally schooled students through the college admissions process, with acceptances to universities such as MIT, Columbia, Cornell, University of Pennsylvania, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Duke, and Rice. As a speaker at homeschool workshops, and in one-on-one sessions, Denise loves to partner with homeschooling parents and lend a hand as they construct customized curricula, create credible transcripts, and craft compelling counselor letters. Homeschooled & Headed for College was written to help other homeschoolers benefit from the many years of research and personal experience that facilitated the Boiko students' admission into selective colleges. With a degree in biology and a lifelong passion for writing, Denise has taught biology, composition, and literature since 2006 at a local homeschool academy and at other homeschool class sites. Since she seeks to make these subjects come alive, a classroom visitor might witness a mock-up of the Berlin Wall, an Ides of March party to conclude Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, or a lively model of the cell's plasma membrane, composed entirely of teenagers. In her pockets of spare time, Denise enjoys making friends with neighborhood cats (especially black ones), baking lemon bars and peanut butter-oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies for the holidays, watching old Monk crime drama episodes, creating colorful quilts, meeting former students for coffee, and reading dozens of books while running on the treadmill or climbing the never-ending stepmill. Connect with Denise through her website, https://HomeschoolRoadMap.com

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Denise Boiko

Homeschooled & Headed for College: Your Road Map for a Successful Journey

Copyright © 2020 by Denise Boiko

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, including information storage and retrieval systems, without prior written permission from the author, except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in a review.

This publication is designed to provide information based on the research and experiences of the author regarding the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding that the author/publisher is not engaged in rendering legal advice or other professional services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. Homeschooling families are advised to consider membership in Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA, website https://hslda.org/) for support and defense in case of legal challenges, as well as for numerous other helps. Although the author/publisher has extensively researched many sources to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this book, she assumes no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or other inconsistencies contained within the book.

While the author/publisher has made every attempt to provide accurate internet addresses at the time of publication, she assumes no responsibility for errors or for changes that occur after publication. Further, the author/publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for third-party websites or their content.

Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book and on its cover are trade names, service marks, trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publishers and the book are not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. None of the companies referenced within the book have endorsed the book.

ISBN-13: 978-1-0878-8885-9 (Ebook, 2nd edition, 2020)

ISBN-13: 978-1-0827-5294-0 (Print, 2nd edition, Kindle Direct Publishing, 2019)

ISBN-13: 978-1-0878-8884-2 (Print, 2nd edition, IngramSpark, 2020)

ISBN-13: 978-1-61623-607-6 (Print, 1st edition, Lulu Press, Inc., 2009)

Front cover photo © iStockphoto. Used by permission.

Photo credit: © iStockphoto/Vasyl Dolmatov

Background pattern: © iStockphoto/fourleaflover

Requests for information should be addressed to:

Denise Boiko

[e-mail]

Author’s website: https://HomeschoolRoadMap.com

Second edition

ISBN: 978-1-0878-8885-9

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Contents

Reader Testimonials

I. TAKING THE MYSTERY OUT OF COLLEGE PREPARATION

1. Daunting But Do-Able: Homeschooling the College Bound Student

Meet the Boiko Family

Searching and Researching

Promoting Visibility and Credibility

Our Purposes

Who Can Benefit From This Book?

How to Use This Book

The Two-Path Concept for Homeschooled High Schoolers

A Few Important Messages

2. Warm-Up Time: Designing a Personalized Middle School Program

Review Your Reasons

Recognize the Advantages of Foresight

Reassess Your Student’s Needs

Relish the Middle School Years

II. DIVING INTO THE HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

3. Course Planning Basics: Credits and Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements vs. College Preparatory Requirements

Selective College Requirements

Sketching Out Your Student’s Personalized Course of Study

Planning Course Content

Record Keeping 101 for High School Courses

Documenting Courses

The High School Handbook: A Must-Have Resource

High School Graduation Requirements: Credits and Courses

Graduation Requirements Completion Chart

The Next Step: Deciding What to Teach

Course Titles and Course Descriptions

Course of Study

Finding the Help You Need

Documenting Course Completion

4. Beyond the Three R’s: Subject-by-Subject Suggestions for a Strong High School Program

English: 4 Years

Mathematics: 3-4 Years

Laboratory Science: 2-4 Years

History and Social Studies: 2-4 Years

World Language: 2-4 Years of the Same Language

Fine Arts: 1 Year

Physical Education: Variable Requirements

Bible, Theology, Worldview, and Faith-Building Studies

Electives and Vocational Courses: Variable Requirements

5. Sources for Courses: Where to Find Your High School Curriculum

General Tips on Finding Sources for Your Courses

Home-Based Options

Homeschool Group-Based Options

Community-Based Options

Traditional School-Based Options

Hybrid Options

Other Tricks of the Trade

6. Putting It All Together: More Tips and Sample Four-Year Plans

More Course Planning Tips

A Few Cautions

Reality Check: Some Practical Examples

Most Rigorous Course of Study for Highly Selective Colleges

Rigorous Course of Study for Moderately Selective Colleges

Standard College Prep Course of Study

Preparation for Community College Entrance

7. Education by Design: Creating Customized Courses

Overview of the Course Planning Process

Phase One: Choosing

Phase Two: Planning

Phase Three: Making Lists and Logs

Phase Four: Learning

Phase Five: Documenting

8. A Real Example: The Life Cycle of a Typical Course

Phase One: Choosing

Phase Two: Planning

Phase Three: Making Lists and Logs

Phase Four: Learning

Phase Five: Documenting

9. The Dreaded Red Pen: Grading Your Student’s Work

Semester Grading Log

Grading FAQs

High School Essay Rubric

10. Keeping Tabs on the Paperwork: Record Keeping and GPAs

Keeping Orderly Records: Who Does What?

More Record Keeping Tips

Calculating GPAs: A Mystery Solved

11. Your Official Documents: The Transcript, Portfolio, and Diploma

The High School Transcript

When to Start Creating a Transcript

Dissecting the Transcript

Updating the Transcript

Official and Unofficial Transcripts

Transcript Dos and Dont’s

Sample Transcripts

Special Circumstances

The Portfolio

The High School Diploma

12. Jumping Ahead: Honors and Advanced Placement® Courses

Honors Courses

The Advanced Placement® Program

Advantages of AP Courses

Exam Scheduling and Format

How to Choose AP Courses

How to Plan an AP Course

Tips and Cautions

13. New Kid on Campus: Community College During High School

Which College Prep Paths Benefit from Community College Courses?

Advantages of Community Colleges

Precautions Regarding Community Colleges

14. More Tips: Making the Most of Your Community College Experience

Deciding How to Use Community College Courses

For Students: Optimizing Your Community College Experience

For Parents: A Few Tricks of the Trade

15. Extra! Extra! Extracurricular Activities and Employment

Benefits of Extracurricular Activities

What Colleges Look for in Extracurriculars

General Categories of Extracurricular Activities

Tips and Cautions

16. Being a Leader When There’s No Student Body: Leadership Skills

What Is Leadership?

Challenges for Homeschoolers

Leadership in Current Extracurriculars

Leadership by Initiative

Opportunities for National Leadership Recognition

Translating Leadership into Admissions Committee-ese

17. Staying on Track: Timetables for a Smooth Journey

Getting Your Bearings

7th and 8th Grades—Years of Acclimation and Exploration

9th Grade—Year of Foundation

10th Grade—Year of Development

11th Grade—Year of Perseverance

12th Grade—Year of Decisions

III. MASTERING THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

18. Decisions, Decisions: The College Search

Phase One: Doing Your Homework

Phase Two: Refining Your Information

Phase Three: Visiting Colleges

Phase Four: Narrowing the Search

19. Sharpen Those #2 Pencils: SAT® and ACT® Exams … and the Rest of the Tests

How Important Are the SAT and ACT Exams?

How Do These Exams Fit in with Diverse Paths to College?

The SAT Exam

The PSAT/NMSQT® Exam

The ACT Test

SAT and ACT Test Preparation Options

The Classic Learning Test

Advanced Placement® Exams

CLEP® Exams

The GED® Test and High School Equivalency Exams

State Standardized Tests

College-Based Tests

Test-Taking Strategies

20. Information, Please: A Tour of a Typical College Application

Approaching the Application: A Few Pieces of Advice

Getting Acquainted

Filling Out the Application

The School Report and Counselor Recommendation

Teacher Recommendations

21. Working Smart, Not Hard: Tips and Precautions about College Applications

Tips for a Compelling Application

How to Shine During Interviews

Remember That a Few Final Steps Are Coming

Transfer Students—And Inadvertent Transfer Status

22. Your Life in 650 Words or Less: The Application Essay

Importance of the College Application Essay

Just What Is a College Application Essay?

Helpful Resources

General Tips for Essay Writing

Using Your Essay to Highlight Your Homeschooling

The Essay-Writing Process, Step by Step

23. The Sealed Envelope: Letters of Recommendation

Why Colleges Want Recommendations

Typical Requirements

Choosing Your Recommenders

Elements of a College Recommendation Letter

Typical Format for Recommendations

Tips for Requesting Letters of Recommendation

The School Report and Counselor Letter

How a Parent Can Write an Informative, Effective Letter

The Mid Year Report

The Final Report

24. Behind Closed Doors: The Admissions Process

A Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Admissions Process

Application Strategies

Special Considerations

25. Show Me the Money: Financial Aid

Getting Acquainted with Financial Aid

Locating Financial Aid Information

Understanding the Types of Financial Aid

Applying for Government and College-Based Financial Aid

26. More on Financial Aid: Private Scholarships and Helpful Tips

Applying for Private Scholarships

Navigating the Financial Aid Process

Minimizing the Costs of College

Special Considerations for Homeschoolers

IV. THRIVING, NOT JUST SURVIVING--AND EQUIPPING YOUR STUDENTS FOR THE REAL WORLD

27. A Taste of Reality: Internships and Career Planning

What Is an Internship?

Why Consider an Internship?

Ideas for Internships

How to Set Up an Internship

Career Planning

28. More of a Good Thing: Considering a Gap Year or a Super Senior Year

What Is a Gap Year?

Why Take a Gap Year?

How to Arrange a Gap Year

Ideas for Filling the Year

Cautions and Considerations

Super Senior Year (Fifth Year Senior)

29. You Can Do It! Survival Tips for Parents

Surviving Academic Challenges

Surviving Spiritual Challenges and Encouraging Maturity

Surviving Time Management Challenges

Surviving Social Life Challenges

Surviving Stress and Anxiety Challenges

30. Ready, Set, Go! Gearing Up for College Life

One Last Summer …

An End and a Beginning

Administrative Tasks

Academics

Social Life

Personal Health and Safety

Preventive Health

Managing Belongings

Life in the Residence Halls

Finances

Transportation

Spiritual Life

Summer Dynamics

Orientation

Move-In Day

Crises

Letting Go

…And Starting Over

31. Concluding Thoughts: Encouragement for the Journey

Remember Your Reasons for Homeschooling

Count Your Blessings

Savor the Teen Years

Bathe Your Students in Prayer

Don’t Give Up Too Easily

Put First Things First

Appendix

Useful Websites and Recommended Resources

Trademarks

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Reader Testimonials

Denise’s book gave me the confidence to homeschool my son through high school. Because of his academic focus and skills, I wasn’t sure I could prepare him adequately for those first-tier colleges and universities. But after reading her book when he was in ninth grade, I was able to plan out a challenging and exciting high school course of study that would meet his needs as an individual, and yet convince college admissions officers that our schooling would indeed produce a successful and prepared college student. We saw the results in multiple admissions offers with handsome scholarships. Thank you, Denise, for the expertise and encouragement I received from your thoughtful and meticulous research. – Michelle B.

"This book was such a relief to me! I needed information about the homeschooled student who was striving for, and had the capacity for, attending an upper-level university. The topics in the book are so well-laid-out and well-written. I’m grateful to have had this book at such an important time in our lives. As of this printing, our older daughter has earned her B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology from Lewis and Clark College, while our youngest is pursuing acting and attending classes in Los Angeles. Homeschooled & Headed for College definitely helped reduce our anxiety level and gave us many things to consider so that we could plan our path." – Sharron W.

"Almost ten years after I used it with my own daughters, Homeschooled & Headed for College is still relevant—even with the ease of today’s internet searches. With a plethora of information available, having it all in one place is so convenient. As a private school administrator serving homeschooled students, I keep several copies handy and refer anyone I counsel to it. It is an excellent one-stop resource, a trustworthy reference book, and—for those wondering if the college prep journey is even possible—an inspiration. Denise’s clear and concise instructions will help you step by step on your journey." – Angela A.

"The prospect of homeschooling from middle school through high school seemed like an overwhelming responsibility, especially when homeschooling was practically unheard-of to me back then. Moreover, the thought that the courses my children would be taking from then on would impact their college application process was quite nerve-racking. This book is a godsend to me and served as my resource and reference guide for many years. I have used it so much and highlighted so many pages throughout my homeschool journey that I can say it’s one of the reasons why I was able to successfully homeschool my children. They are now doing extremely well in top-tier engineering schools. Homeschooled & Headed for College is a must-have!"– Billie N.

The college application process is more complex than it was thirty years ago. Traditionally schooled students have access to professional college counselors to hold their hands through the process—and yet most of these professionals are not familiar with the unique aspects of the application process for homeschoolers. This book helped me, a homeschool mom, become my students’ college counselor. Denise’s detailed advice helped us prepare and present a challenging college prep course load and guided us through the details of preparing their transcripts, college applications, and resumes. I highly recommend this resource for homeschooled students who plan to apply to a four-year college. – Kathy Y.

As a homeschool mom of a high school sophomore, I was overwhelmed when my son indicated that he was interested in going to medical school after undergrad. Mrs. Boiko’s book helped immensely in information on AP classes, selective schools, and extracurricular activities. I have recommended this guide to all my friends, even those with children in seventh grade, because her book speaks to planning in middle school. I am so thankful to have gleaned so much from Mrs. Boiko’s wisdom and research. – Christie H.

"Homeschooled & Headed for College was my trusted, go-to guide, as I nervously treaded and navigated the unknown waters of homeschooling my first child through high school. Not only did it serve as a ready reference for the nuts and bolts, but it was also a treasure trove of creative ideas for courses, extracurriculars, and leadership/service opportunities. Whenever I felt uncertain, I looked to it for encouragement and reassurance that I was on the right track. Homeschooling high school is an adventure of faith, and Denise’s advice was one of God’s provisions for me at just the right time." – Grace K.

"After being introduced to Denise’s book, I was relieved to find that homeschooling my high schoolers and sending them to college was no longer an impossible mission, but a feasible, exciting, and rewarding quest. Homeschooled & Headed for College helped guide our family step by step, from the middle school years through the transition to life as a college freshman. Though we were already emphasizing a rigorous academic course of study, the book expanded our family’s focus to include a variety of meaningful and creative extracurricular activities, internships, and even part-time jobs, as this is what truly highlights the passion and uniqueness of a college bound student. Words of inspiration, encouragement, and pro tips fill every chapter. I highly recommend having this book handy as soon as your students enter middle school. Armed with this resource, we were able to send both of our sons to their first-choice universities after garnering acceptances and scholarships from many schools, both private and public. Thanks to Denise’s exceptional work, we finished our homeschool journey strong!"– Cindy P.

Using Denise’s advice, tips, and clear, step-by-step guidance, our family was thrilled to see our son be accepted into his first-choice, top-level university. Though he was definitely a strong student, the application and admission process for homeschoolers seemed daunting and at times mysterious, with numerous unexpected twists and turns. With its organized curriculum suggestions and practical, detailed four-year plans, Denise’s book helped us navigate the path with confidence, and we are delighted with the results!– Sophie H.

"Got the college-planning jitters? This book is very comprehensive and will answer most, if not all, of your questions when it comes to preparing for college. Go directly to the table of contents and then start reading up on the topics that interest you the most. If you are ambitious, get together with moms from your support group and talk about a chapter once a month. Don’t forget to enjoy this journey with your young adult!"– Jere & Crissi A.

Homeschooled

&

Headed for College

Your Road Map

for a Successful Journey

Denise Boiko • 2nd Edition

I

TAKING THE MYSTERY OUT OF COLLEGE PREPARATION

1

Daunting But Do-Able: Homeschooling the College Bound Student

When our daughter, Julie, was three years old, she loved to shop. Accompanying us on shopping trips, whether for groceries, clothing, or common household items, was a big delight, and she enjoyed exploring each new store. One day, my husband and I mentioned the word college in our conversation. Julie perked up right away and exclaimed, College? That’s my favorite store!

Though we have no idea why she was already fascinated by the concept of college at age three, her statement proved prophetic. From about seventh grade on, Julie became increasingly interested in researching colleges to discover how she, as a homeschooler, could maximize her chances of being accepted at a selective college. Her research paid off admirably and became the subject of this book.

Meet the Boiko Family

To back up a bit, I’d like to introduce my family. My husband, Ron, and I took the plunge into the homeschooling adventure when our daughter was a kindergartner and our son was two years old. Since then, we’ve navigated the college application process not once, but twice. During our active years of schooling, our house was a typical homeschooling house, with piles of books and papers adorning our tables and other surfaces. Science projects often lurked in our kitchen, competing with hungry teenagers—Julie once accidentally ate her brother’s science experiment relating to growing mold on bread!

Our family was originally drawn to homeschooling because it allowed us to teach godly values and to spend time with our children. We also appreciated teaching them according to their own learning styles and at their most appropriate pace. Although at first we planned to homeschool for only three or four years, those years swiftly grew to nine, and suddenly our homeschooling had naturally progressed into the high school years.

Little did we realize at the outset of this adventure that, though daunting, even high school at home could be a rewarding and do-able endeavor. Yet that progression from grade school to high school raised dozens of major questions and hundreds of smaller ones that needed answers. The most insistent of those questions was What about college?

We are now on the other side of that question, with a successful conclusion. Having been accepted by five universities, Julie chose to attend Stanford University for her undergraduate education, earning both a B.S. and an M.S. in biology. From there, she went on to complete medical school and is now a pediatrician. Her journey prepared us well for the second round of college applications with our son. After receiving acceptances from six public and private universities, he chose to attend the University of Southern California in Los Angeles (USC), where he earned an engineering degree. He is now putting that degree to good use in the technology industry.

As for me, over the past thirteen-plus years I have taught homeschool group classes in biology, literature, and composition. Additionally, I have provided personal college application help and advice to more than 150 students and have presented numerous workshops and seminars on college prep topics.

Searching and Researching

As Julie entered her high school years, she began to search out information about the college admissions process. In a traditional school, much of this information is doled out to students by their teachers and guidance counselors. Homeschoolers, however, need to do more digging to seek it out. What types of courses should a student take? How can a homeschooler take honors or Advanced Placement® (AP®) courses? Is community college an option? How does a student prepare for the SAT® and ACT® exams? How can a home educated student show leadership ability without being elected class president?

Julie’s high school journey and her intense desire not to be left out of the running for the more selective colleges fueled her search for answers, and I, the persevering but frequently perplexed mom, followed along in her wake.

In the process, we read nearly twenty books and perused countless websites. Some of these dealt with the subject of high school for homeschoolers. Others covered college admissions for students in traditional schools. While the books for homeschoolers did an excellent job of describing how to do high school at home, they did not provide enough detail on the college entrance process—especially for selective colleges. And although the college admissions books presented helpful tips about applications, essays, and academic planning, they did not address the specific needs of homeschoolers. The story was incomplete. Though we picked up a wealth of information from both types of books, we did not find an exhaustive resource specifically for homeschoolers seeking advice about the often-competitive area of college admissions. Nor did we come across a book that addressed in great detail some of the key issues (such as Advanced Placement courses) for students who wish to apply to selective universities.

Additionally, we recognized that the task of teaching high school still seems daunting to many homeschoolers. Foreign languages, higher math, and lab science require some specific planning and strategizing. Extracurricular activities, particularly the pursuit of leadership roles,take some ingenuity. Yet parents still desire to provide a home-directed education for their children. As we delved more deeply into our research, Julie and I were gratified to discover that college prep homeschooling was quite possible. In fact, it could be extremely rewarding.

Recognizing a Growing Trend

Homeschooling is a rapidly growing form of education in America. Estimates are that as of 2016, about 2.3 million students were being homeschooled in the U.S., and that number is increasing by 2 to 8% every year.¹ As a result, more students continue to homeschool through high school. Colleges have witnessed a surge in homeschooled applicants and have, for the most part, opened their doors to them and made the process more straightforward than it once was. Many colleges have created policies specifically designed to evaluate homeschooled applicants. To thrive in this environment, homeschooling families need practical information about high school courses, record keeping, and, of course, college admissions.

Sharing Our Findings

Eventually, Julie and I decided that we should write the book we would have found so useful in the college preparation process. We wanted to show that high school at home can be accomplished successfully and that parents should not give up just when their efforts are beginning to bear fruit. In particular, we wanted to help students aiming to apply as freshmen to four-year colleges, where admissions staffs might be looking for Advanced Placement or honors courses, strong recommendations, and evidence of leadership ability. However, we wanted the book to be helpful to all homeschooled students, regardless of the level of competition they would face in college admissions.

So, beginning in Julie’s freshman year of high school, we tackled this project. Though Julie did much of the research and drafted some of the initial chapters, her busy high school (and later, college) schedule prevented more involvement. The task became mine to finish, but because I would never have launched this project without her, I am indebted to Julie’s enthusiastic digging early on.

Promoting Visibility and Credibility

A key focus of this book is helping homeschoolers gain visibility and credibility as they apply to college. By visibility, we mean that colleges, particularly selective colleges, are seeing homeschooled applicants in greater and greater numbers. But beyond this, they need to recognize the achievements and unique educational experiences homeschoolers can bring to their campuses. We want colleges to know that homeschoolers are not confined to the home but are out in the community learning, contributing, and innovating with passion and commitment. Visibility is crucial.

Credibility of homeschoolers is also essential. Though it is natural to dislike the extra scrutiny that homeschoolers’ applications receive from certain colleges, it is not difficult to understand why some colleges hesitate to admit homeschoolers without the extra requirements. A home-directed education is stimulating and innovative, but it is also nonstandard and difficult to compare to that of other applicants. Without some standard benchmarks such as detailed curriculum descriptions or college entrance exam scores, colleges would be taking a guess as to the potential success of a particular homeschooled applicant. Valid or not, this additional scrutiny has been a factor in many colleges’ treatment of homeschooled applicants.

Consequently, one major goal of this book is to help families learn how to make their students’ applications comparable to—though certainly not identical to—those of their traditionally-schooled peers. By taking advantage of community college courses, AP courses, techniques to improve SAT or ACT scores, and other strategies, homeschoolers can pursue their individualized style of education while still presenting themselves favorably before admissions committees. Our method of education is credible, but we need to demonstrate it, not just defend it.

Reporting Some Good News

Fortunately, most colleges have put in the effort to understand homeschooling and to welcome homeschoolers through their front gates. These changes include adding homeschool-specific instructions to their websites, allowing student portfolios in place of or in addition to transcripts, accepting parental evaluations in place of a guidance counselor’s letter, or simply expressing enthusiasm for the diversity that homeschooled applicants bring. Revamping application policies to view the applicant more holistically, instead of statistically as a collection of GPAs and test scores, even a few of the large state university systems are now more welcoming to homeschoolers and other nontraditional applicants.

Even top-tier universities such as Harvard, Yale, and Stanford have become more homeschool-friendly as they have seen homeschoolers excel. Jon Reider, a former senior associate director of admissions at Stanford University and a recognized college admissions expert, commented some years ago, Home-schoolers bring certain skills—motivation, curiosity, the capacity to be responsible for their education—that high schools don’t induce very well.² Similarly, Katie Fretwell, Amherst College Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, told NBC News in 2016 that homeschoolers have thicker folders, in a good way and that they are often innovative thinkers with a lot to bring to the table.³

In the 1990s and 2000s, the first college bound homeschoolers blazed the trail for other homeschoolers. With their excellence in academics, their love of learning, and their passions and involvement, they set a shining example for those who would follow them. Many were admitted to top colleges—primarily because of their abilities, of course, but perhaps partially because of the innovative, fascinating features of their education. Even today, homeschoolers frequently retain an edge because of the uniqueness of their education. However, in some cases they still meet difficulties at colleges that are not homeschool-friendly or that insist on adhering to traditional methods of evaluating applicants. And of course, homeschoolers now face competition from fellow homeschoolers for limited spots in selective colleges.

Our Purposes

Recognizing this competitive atmosphere and wanting to help homeschoolers shine, we outlined four main purposes as we planned this book.

To offer encouragement for all college bound students

Because homeschoolers pursue all kinds of educational paths, we want to encourage and advise homeschoolers aspiring to attend a college of any type—two-year or four-year, highly competitive or less competitive. And despite the disgusting presence of cheating and fraud in the college admissions world—as evidenced by the massive scandal uncovered early in 2019—we want to encourage homeschoolers with legal, ethical, common sense advice. Connections and falsified credentials have no rightful place in the application process; hard work, motivation, and genuine pursuit of passions all have a prime place.

To provide insight into selective college admissions

We want to describe the traits that colleges, especially the selective ones with unbelievably low acceptance rates, are looking for in a student. More importantly, we want to present ideas for providing these elements in a home-directed environment. For example, we include detailed discussions of Advanced Placement courses and community college courses as stepping stones to four-year colleges. And if you were intrigued by the reference on this book’s back cover to the number one secret for college admissions, we won’t leave you in suspense. It is passion. Students who can show dedication, a love of learning, and most importantly, a proven track record of pursuing their skills and interests to the deepest level possible will stand out from the crowd of applicants. Homeschoolers, with their flexible time schedules and with their course designs often guided by strong interests, are in a perfect position to display passion in one or several areas at application time. Keep this in mind as you read through this book and plan your student’s high school courses and activities.

To inspire excellence in academics and character

Through this book, we want to encourage families as they seek excellence in academics as well as in character. Homeschooling parents have rightly placed a strong emphasis on character development and personal integrity. As a result, their students are some of the most responsible, mature, and hardworking young people to be found anywhere. Even more, their compassion and service are exemplary traits. Character first is a fitting motto, and we wholeheartedly promote the development of strong, godly character.

In addition, we seek to equip homeschoolers with the tools they need to pursue excellence in academics. In this way, these students’ commendable character traits may be put to use in fields that require rigorous, disciplined study. Homeschoolers, with their emphasis on a life of character and integrity, can positively influence the world. Why shouldn’t they be represented in medicine, law, scientific research, the arts, journalism, and other fields frequently populated by individuals who are sharp and intelligent but who sometimes lack basic human and godly values? In order to be represented here, our students need to have the robust academic background to compete in these fields. Granted, these highly competitive goals are not for everyone, but for these aspirations to be attainable in the first place, families must understand how to provide strong preparation for all colleges, including those with the stiffest competition.

To provide support in nonacademic areas

Furthermore, we want to assist parents with a few of the nonacademic issues that come up during high school. These include extracurricular activities, leadership, and career planning, including finding internships in the field of interest. Homeschooling a high schooler is a holistic undertaking, and your student is a multifaceted jewel with academic, social, physical, spiritual, and practical natures. In your homeschooling, you can intermingle school lessons with life lessons. As a bonus, a chapter on preparing for the big send-off to college is included.

Who Can Benefit From This Book?

Though we focus on giving homeschoolers the inside scoop on what selective colleges want to see in students, this book can be used successfully by several different groups of readers:

Families deciding whether to continue or start homeschooling a high schooler

If you arrive at the middle school years, or even at that crucial summer between eighth and ninth grades, and are still unsure about whether homeschooling through high school is right for your family, this decision time may be quite stressful. Some families in this category are new homeschoolers who may come with a history of unfortunate experiences in previous schools. They may even feel a sense of desperation about how to provide the best educational and social environment for their students. Other families may already be homeschooling but are wondering about taking the plunge into the high school years. This book, along with similar resources, can help solidify your decision for homeschooling. Discovering that others have thought through all the areas that are causing you anxiety—and have found solutions for them—is a tremendous comfort. If you have a middle schooler, these years are the ideal time to warm up to the idea of college prep homeschooling. We hope that this book will alleviate most of your fears and make the task look manageable—and perhaps even exciting.

Families committed to homeschooling through high school

Families who approach the high school years with a commitment to continue homeschooling may not need convincing, but they do need information and help. This book seeks to encourage families who see high school as the next step in the progression of teaching these children God has entrusted to them. We desire to provide you with the information you need to do a great job.

Concerned relatives and friends of homeschooling families

Though homeschooling is growing in popularity, grandparents or other relatives and friends may continue to harbor concerns about homeschooling and its success rate. These concerns may escalate as your child approaches high school. They may have tolerated seeing your children homeschooled during the earlier years, but they may express serious doubts about whether homeschooling through high school will work. The questions may begin in earnest now. Will your student have a valid diploma? Will he or she be admitted to college—and do well there? Reading about others’ experiences and successes can be a tremendous help in easing familial anxieties and bringing peace to family gatherings.

Families of students with special needs

Families whose students intend to apply to college but who are home educated because of health issues, physical challenges, or learning differences may find advice in this book to help their students present themselves in the best light to college admissions committees. Knowing what a university is looking for and then understanding how to communicate the student’s strengths and skills is vital information for any family. However, it is especially important for families who need to plan ahead and work harder to help their students achieve their life goals.

Homeschooled high school students

Not only parents, but also high school students, may appreciate reading this book to receive advice for their journey. Motivated students who want to take ownership of their studies and maximize their options for college should read this book to understand the college preparation process.

How to Use This Book

The subtitle Your Road Map for a Successful Journey provides an apt word picture for the homeschooling adventure. Journeying from the late middle school years to the desired destination—college admission—can appear to be a long road fraught with bumps and surprises. But, as with any journey, a proper map or GPS helps tremendously. And rarely do maps show only one way to reach the destination. More commonly, the traveler can choose a combination of roads, depending on the goals of this particular trip (timing, scenery, or opportunities for side trips along the way).

As you traverse the sometimes-smooth, sometimes-bumpy road of homeschooling a college bound high schooler, use this book as your map to show you your options. Certain stops along the journey will be required for nearly every student, but many others will be entirely up to you. During the middle school years, read through this book quickly to get the lay of the land. Enjoy the panoramic overview of high school and begin to set expectations for what is to come. You can do a more focused reading later, setting your intended itinerary as plans firm up and the high school course of study takes shape. Do leave time for plenty of side trips, though!

While planning your trip through high school, read with the goal of seeking out the topics most pertinent to your family. You will also want to explore the roads that seem most mysterious to you at the outset of the high school journey. If you already have a good idea of how to accomplish the academics, you might appreciate the tips on extracurriculars and leadership. If you need advice on constructing Advanced Placement or honors courses, you can turn to these sections for guidance. If the college application is a complete puzzle, schedule a sightseeing trip through those pages. Follow up the ideas presented in this book by searching out the websites and other resources recommended in the chapters. Also check with local school districts to see what is required of or recommended for students in your area, and check with community colleges to find out how enrollment of high schoolers is handled. These policies vary from community to community and also change rapidly over time.

Seeking out what is uniquely important to you and your family is part of the beauty and joy of homeschooling. Remember that no single itinerary exists for the journey of successful homeschooling through high school. The map will show you the options, and even a suggested route, but your family will decide on the details.

The Two-Path Concept for Homeschooled High Schoolers

As you read this book, realize that homeschooled high schoolers follow one of at least two typical paths. Like two roads that eventually converge at the same destination, these two approaches to college admissions will appeal to different types of students coming from different points of origin.

One path is for students who need an extremely strong college prep program so that they may apply to selective colleges. The other is a more mainstream (and perhaps more sane) college prep program for those who may start at a community college or at a less selective to moderately selective public or private college. While students on the two paths will use the information in this book differently, both groups of students possess valuable skill sets, gifts, and abilities. In fact, students pursuing the second path are frequently just as capable academically as those on the first path. They may simply have different goals, or their family finances may dictate the choice of a less expensive route to a good education.

If your student is on the ambitious, competitive path, he or she will want to ponder all the concepts in this book and use them to assemble an attractive college application. Learning about honors and AP courses, strategic extracurriculars, internships in the field of interest, strong leadership activities, and focused attention on college essays and recommendations will all be worthwhile at application time.

If your student is interested in a somewhat less competitive path to college, find out which elements of a high school program are non-negotiable with his or her favorite colleges. This student may not need to display quite as many outstanding characteristics as the students on the competitive path must demonstrate, but since more students are competing for admission to all colleges today, it makes sense to present oneself in the best possible light when applying. Thus, a certain number of key extracurriculars and advanced courses may very well be in order.

For the most part, the advice in this book will address students on the competitive path, since the task is more complex for these students and requires more instruction and insight. Families of students on the less competitive path can still use this information by adjusting it to their students’ needs. Thankfully, their students will not need to jump through so many hoops.

Parents, remember that at the outset of high school, you cannot always predict what your student’s interests, ambitions, and abilities will be by the time his or her senior year rolls around. Keep the options open for as long as possible by planning and pursuing a reasonably rigorous program that matches your student’s capabilities and interests. However, pay attention to the natural bent of your child and don’t force him or her into the wrong academic mold. After all, homeschooling is designed to eliminate the molds and stereotypes of traditional schooling.

A Few Important Messages

First, realize that, inevitably, some of the information in this book will change over time and may even go entirely out of date. Examples include online resources, details about college entrance exams, college admissions procedures, or Advanced Placement course and exam guidelines. Do be proactive as parents, recognizing that you will need to double check some facts when you and your student begin the college preparation process. Fortunately, it takes only a few minutes to visit a website and confirm pertinent information.

Next, even though parts of this book have a Christian focus, please know that if you are homeschooling a high schooler and do not happen to be a Christian, this book is still for you. The vast majority of the book, providing academic information and college application advice, is directed to all homeschoolers. Feel free to skim or skip over the sections that address Bible curriculum or prayer. In this adventure of homeschooling our high schoolers, we parents have a great deal of common ground, and we all want the best for our children. Seek out the information that speaks to you the most.

Additionally, understand that the ideas in this book are based on our research and experiences—which, though extensive and encompassing more than sixteen years, are not exhaustive. Moreover, this book and its implied or stated content should in no way be considered legal advice, nor a guarantee that if you follow all these suggestions, your student will be admitted to the college of his or her choice. Continue to abide by your state’s homeschooling or private school regulations, as applicable. If you are a member of Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), check with this organization for assistance with details specific to your state or to your situation. HSLDA is an extremely helpful organization, open to all homeschoolers regardless of religious affiliation. All homeschoolers would be wise to join this organization for protection of their homeschooling and parental rights.

For college admissions information, start your own research by going to the College Board® website and the sites of your student’s favorite colleges. You will always want to have the most up-to-date information. Keep in touch with these colleges throughout the high school years so that you and your student fully understand what will be required for a successful application as a homeschooler.

Above all, please do not let this book cause more anxiety than it alleviates. We did not even come close to doing everything we suggest or describe—and even so, we faced our share of stress and fatigue along the way. You will likely have better ideas or wiser perspectives in some areas, so use only the advice that helps you, and ignore that which is not for you. Tap into your creativity, follow your instincts, pray for wisdom, and use our suggestions as guidelines as you design your student’s education in this last and most significant phase before he or she goes out into the world. While the journey is not exactly easy, the rewards are tremendous.

Spending these last four years with our high schoolers is a joy. Since the teen years are such a busy time, we parents know that if our students were in a traditional school, we would rarely see them. Remember to thank God for this opportunity and aim to enjoy these last and best four years with your students, with a minimum of anxiety and a maximum of excitement for the next phase of the journey.

One more piece of advice: don’t keep your eyes on the map the whole time. Be sure to look out the window and enjoy the pretty scenery!

¹ Ray, Brian D., Ph.D., General Facts, Statistics, and Trends, Research Facts on Homeschooling, National Home Education Research Institute, January 13, 2018. Accessed August 15, 2018. https://www.nheri.org/research-facts-on-homeschooling/.

² Golden, Daniel, Home-Schooled Kids Defy Stereotypes, Ace SAT Test, The Wall Street Journal, February 11, 2000. Accessed August 15, 2018. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB950223885404935034.

³ Tate, Allison Slater, Colleges Welcome Growing Number of Homeschooled Students, NBCNews.com, February 17, 2016. Accessed September 11, 2018. https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/college-game-plan/colleges-welcome-growing-number-homeschooled-students-n520126.

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Warm-Up Time: Designing a Personalized Middle School Program

During the middle school years, parents who enthusiastically plunged into homeschooling when their children were five or six may begin to worry a bit. High school is just around the corner. It is one thing to teach a first grader, or even a fifth grader, the three R’s, with some creative science and history projects thrown in. It is quite another thing to tackle algebra, trigonometry, advanced writing, lab science, and a foreign language.

But pre-high school jitters in and of themselves are not a reason to abandon homeschooling. Don’t let the looming lineup of courses tempt you to discard a type of learning that has worked for you so far. You won’t need to be an expert in all high school subjects; many sources of help are available.

During your student’s sixth through eighth grade years, you will warm up to the idea of high school. As you review your reasons for homeschooling and recognize your many options, you will be equipped to enjoy these prime years with your students.

Review Your Reasons

If you are standing at the middle school/high school crossroads, you are at the perfect vantage point to review your reasons for homeschooling. These reasons, which you may have articulated when you began homeschooling, include some combination of the following:

Freedom to work at the student’s pace and according to the student’s optimum learning style in order to remedy weaknesses while intensifying strengths.

Flexibility of the school schedule, allowing time for hobbies, sports, jobs, travel, or volunteer work.

Increased time and bonding with family members, as well as opportunities to reinforce the rich heritage of your family’s beliefs and traditions.

Lower likelihood of peer-dependent behaviors, since the student does not need to seek approval from agemates.

Opportunities to delve deeply into areas of strong interest and to design projects that integrate several school subjects.

Option of starting college courses during high school, possibly shortening the time to a degree.

Benefit of parental advice and insight when the student encounters controversial or mature concepts in textbooks or literature reading. Because they are learning together, parent and student can discuss these issues and put them into perspective according to the family’s values and beliefs.

Ability to practice an independent, responsible style of learning that will serve the student well in his or her future education. Home education is a great preparation for college.

Freedom to choose books, media, real-life experiences, and other curricular elements to create a customized course of study.

Most importantly, the privilege of learning, discussing, and practicing the family’s spiritual values without daily resistance from a peer or school culture that might tend to erode these values during the critical teen years. Parents and other adults, not peers, can be the role models for teenage students.

Homeschooling your middle schooler or high schooler can continue under the tenets of your highest priority philosophies. While not easy, homeschooling a teenager can be even more rewarding than homeschooling a younger student. The middle school years allow you to gear up for the task by seeking out information and thinking about the courses your student will tackle during high school. And, of course, they are opportune years for you to enjoy your middle schooler rather than allowing someone else the privilege of teaching this unique and lovable person!

Recognize the Advantages of Foresight

Parents who look ahead proactively to the high school years gain certain advantages over those who wing it. The following are some of these advantages:

Solid Preparation of the Student

Planning ahead eliminates the dismay of discovering that an essential course has been overlooked.

Relief of Parental Anxieties and Ability to Counsel Others

The earlier you begin investigating the idea of high school at home, the less daunting it seems. You can spend time gathering resources and ideas at a more leisurely pace, allowing you to warm up to the idea of high school. Additionally, families who approach the high school years but cannot do extensive planning and research on their own will be grateful for the advice of those who have blazed the trail for them. You will be a valued mentor in your homeschool support group if you have diligently investigated the options for homeschooling the high schooler and are willing to help other families.

Discovery of What Type of Student You Have

You may have a student who is still growing and maturing in the area of study skills, perhaps needing extra help in one or more areas. This scenario is very normal and is nothing to worry about. Or, you may have a student who is exactly at grade level and right on track for upcoming high school studies. For this student, middle school will be a time of enriching the current knowledge and laying the groundwork for high school courses. Finally, you may have a middle schooler who is already a high schooler at heart, at least in a few subjects. This student will be ready for more advanced work right away, and you may, in fact, have your first clue as to which college admissions path to pursue.

Reassess Your Student’s Needs

Keep on looking at your whole child—academic, physical, spiritual, and emotional—and keep doing this throughout high school. Don’t worry if your student is in sixth, seventh, or even eighth grade and does not yet appear ready for more advanced studies. The last thing you want to do is to burn your student out with an unmanageable workload or with stress-producing expectations. Follow your instincts while continuing to investigate courses of study and college/career options. Some students make a leap in maturity and academic abilities during the early high school years, while others do not make this jump until late in high school. A high variability on this timing is entirely normal.

During the middle school years, families begin to reap the harvest of the love of learning they cultivated in the earlier years. Many students begin to go full speed ahead during their early teens, while their traditionally-schooled peers are still sitting in classrooms reviewing basic grammar and math.

How can a homeschooling parent best utilize these years from the sixth through eighth grades? Three basic options exist (with variations, of course), depending on the type of student you have.

Reinforce the Basics and Close Up Any Gaps

At the outset of middle school, inventory your student’s reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic skills. Now is the time to solidify your student’s understanding of these vital areas. Needless to say, reading skills should be addressed so that by the end of eighth grade, your student reads rapidly, fluently, and with good comprehension. Pay attention to the comprehension questions at the end of reading selections, or make up your own to discuss with the student. If you need more help, find a reading comprehension workbook requiring students to read a selection and answer comprehension questions, but do your best to jazz it up and make it more meaningful and fun. Choose one whose selections encompass literature, poetry, science, social studies, and other diverse areas of study. By the time high school starts, students should be able to read both fiction and nonfiction selections with adequate comprehension.

If, despite your best intentions, you have not done much writing practice with your student, now is the time to remedy that. Writing skills are important and should be built year by year. Before entering high school, a student should know how to construct coherent sentences and paragraphs and then should build on these skills to begin to write essays. One foundational book I like is The Elegant Essay by Lesha Myers, a resource that walks students (and parents) painlessly through the steps of the essay writing process. You can also use interest-driven activities to practice writing skills. Have your student write business letters to companies, requesting information that will be fun to receive in the mail. For instance, our son wrote letters to professional hockey teams requesting information and photos. He was pleasantly surprised to receive decals, buttons, bumper stickers, and other freebies. Another idea would be to write to a food company asking for specific information and perhaps a sample or a coupon. You could also have your student read factual material such as biographies or articles about science or inventions and then summarize the information in the form of an engaging magazine article aimed for younger children.

If math skills are lacking, analyze the problem areas and make a concerted effort to address them during these years. The task will not get any easier as your student moves on to algebra and higher math. This is a good opportunity for timed drill work, using paper-and-pencil resources such as CalcuLadder® Math Drills produced by The Providence Project® or websites such as https://www.math-drills.com/to speed up and automate basic arithmetic calculations. Or go higher tech with gizmos such as FlashMaster® or math websites (for example, https://www.multiplication.com/ or any fun sites currently recommended by fellow parents). Use interactive activities and games to drill these math facts and prepare your student for more fluency in higher math. By now, students should be old enough and mature enough to handle daily drills without fuss. However, a small incentive system can’t hurt.

In short, you should use these years to address any deficiencies while utilizing as many enjoyable modes of learning as possible.

Investigate Special Interests and Spark New Ones

If your student’s basic skills are in place, but you sense that he or she is not yet ready for high school studies during middle school, seek to explore current interests and to prompt new ones. This may be the time to investigate hands-on skills and interests that could lead to hobbies, talents, a small business, or even a career path later. Depending on the student’s interest, you might try computer projects, robotics, chemistry sets, sewing or needlework, music lessons, cooking, or outdoor skills such as camping, rock climbing, or survival skills. For high-energy, athletically inclined students, you could encourage increased participation in sports. Other ideas include dance, theater, or visual arts.

Some students will be ready to take current interests to the next level. Those with a flair for writing might help with a homeschool newsletter, write stories for children, or enter writing contests. Math whizzes might seek out competitions or enjoy brainteaser math problems. Science or history buffs might collect biographies or other nonfiction books in their areas of interest, scope out local museums, or tinker with experiments and in-depth projects.

Don’t overlook the talents of students with a strong aptitude for computer skills. Find opportunities to go beyond the basics. Perhaps someone has a computer system that your student can dismantle and reconfigure. Seek out programming courses while also encouraging your student to become completely literate with documents, spreadsheets, photo editing, web design, and other useful programs and apps. With time, this practice may work into a hobby, a ministry, or even a small business. Our son used the middle school and early high school years to teach himself a number of skills, including web design, which provided him with income during high school.

You may find that the middle school years are your prime time with your students. They need less direct help from you with their schoolwork and with daily tasks. Additionally, they may not have started the whirlwind schedule of the high school years, when they need Mom or Dad to drive them to numerous events. This is the time to explore interests that may not find their way onto the calendar in later years.

If you don’t yet know your student’s key interests, browse fun catalogs and websites such as the one produced by the Timberdoodle Company. This company’s products span the categories of science and technology, arts and crafts, language arts, and practical skills. Kits, games, and hands-on activities teach these skills in engaging ways and make a great starting point for discovering potential interests.

Dive into High School Studies

If your student is ready to tackle high school level work, go for it! Using the tips in the following chapters, you might choose one or two subjects for advanced work and keep the others at grade level. Or your student might forgo traditional middle school and plunge entirely into high school work. Depending on your goals, this path could result in an early graduation date, transferable community college credits, or deeper study in areas of interest before graduation.

The middle school years are also an opportune time to begin study of a world language, and you may introduce the language more slowly than you would at a high school level. Rather than completing Spanish 1 all in one year, you could take two years or even the full three years from sixth through eighth grades. In doing so, you would have more time for games, media, field trips, and other non-textbook approaches—and still prepare your student for the next level of study in high school.

You’ll be ahead of the game in high school if you have your middle school student begin reading some classic literature. While certain books would be too difficult or sophisticated at this stage, many enjoyable classics would be just right. As soon as your student is able to handle more advanced reading, investigate lists of books commonly known as the Great Books for classics that begin with ancient Greek literature and move through the centuries to survey time-honored Western literature. Two books that parents of middle schoolers might want to read are The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise and The Well-Educated Mind by Susan Wise Bauer. The former is a road map of classical education for homeschoolers; the latter, a guide to a classical education and to the art of reading.

By the way, middle school students are at a prime age for memorization. Take advantage of this developmental stage and have fun at the same time by challenging your student to memorize poetry, Scripture, and even longer speeches and portions of literature.

During the middle school years, begin compiling a list of books you would like your student to read by the end of high school. Then assign the easier ones during middle school or toward the beginning of high school. You can find dozens of suggested reading lists online, and no single list will meet every family’s needs. One book that might be helpful is Reading Lists for College-Bound Students by Doug Estell, Michele L. Satchwell, and Patricia Wright, a compilation of lists from 103 colleges and universities. The book challenges high schoolers to try to read one hundred books from this list before entering college.

If you think your student will be interested in taking Advanced Placement® courses in high school, obtain suggested reading lists for AP English courses. By starting with the lighter and easier works, you can spread the reading list over four to six years (middle school and high school) rather than condensing the reading into a one-year course during a busy high school year. Your student will be truly prepared by the time high school is over. More detail on AP courses can be found in Chapter 12.

If you have a gifted or high-achieving student, check into programs such as the Duke Talent Identification Program and similar regional programs, open to seventh graders who receive high scores on standardized achievement tests such as the SAT or ACT exams. The other programs are Northwestern University Center for Talent Development, Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth, and the Center for Bright Kids Western Academic Talent Search. The Davidson Institute for Talent Development is another key program for highly gifted students. Its Young Scholars program offers summer programs, support services, an online community, and many other resources to help nurture academic giftedness. Additionally, investigate the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program, which works with high-achieving, low-income students through the high school years, providing them with individualized educational resources. Students apply as seventh graders and, if chosen, receive scholarships to cover high school educational expenses. In general, if your student is gifted, make a habit of regularly browsing gifted and talented websites and forums to seek out opportunities, classes, tips, and ideas to help your student thrive. (See the Appendix for websites of these programs.)

Some students may be ready for high school level extracurricular activities. For example, many students join a speech or debate team during middle school or take their art or music studies to a more intense level.

Relish the Middle School Years

Besides focusing on