Help with switching to homeschool for 9th and 10th graders mid-year

[HilJoy14]

Some background:  We homeschooled 2-5 grades (ish).  My girls went to a private classical school the next two years.  Then public school for two years, then we moved.  They are in a new public school here, and it's all distance/online learning because of COVID.  I just don't feel that it's working well.  The kids say they don't get much feedback, don't really "learn" much.  And I'm not happy because I can't keep track of what's getting done or not (esp. my 10th grader who has zero self-motivation).

So I'm thinking we may need to homeschool for the rest of this school year.  (The school district has already said they'll be online only through early February, and I'm guessing there's no way they'd send everyone back to school in February, with COVID likely increasing this winter.)  I'd love for them to head back to public school next year, so I want to keep curriculum consistent enough that it won't be a problem to slide back in.

I think the best learning solution would be classes that have a video component (so they're not just reading textbooks for themselves).  But probably not an actual teacher/online class - because they'd prefer to move at their own pace.  (Although I'm not sure about Spanish - will they need an instructor to properly learn Spanish?)

Here are the classes I'm trying to sort out, and I'd LOVE any suggestions/advice.  I'm thinking this may happen in the next week or two, so I'm kind of in a rush and can't spend weeks researching, like I'd usually do.  As a working mom, I'd also love anything that self-grades or at least is easy to grade.

10th grader:  Pre-calculus, Spanish 3, Chemistry

9th grader:  Algebra 2, Spanish 2, Physics (because they do physics in 9th grade here, so I guess I'll stick with that, even though I'd prefer biology)

I think we're flexible on history (won't have to do exactly what the school would) - I guess I'm not really sure what I'd like to do yet.  10th grader is currently in US History (for the 4th time or something, because we've switched schools so many times).  9th is in world history.

For English, I think I'll try to focus on reading novels, writing skills, and grammar.  Unless someone has specific programs to recommend for that?

My students have always been in honors classes and are capable of that work.  IF I can get them to stay on task while I'm working.

I really appreciate any advice.  I feel like I'm being thrown into this without the time to "research everything" that I'd prefer!

[Lori D.]

Welcome back! 😄 

I'm going to first copy-paste my response to a recent post switching to homeschooling for high school, as I think these are very important issues to work through FIRST before committing to homeschooling high school -- and #1 is CRUCIAL to research and get an accurate answer from your school district BEFORE you make your final decision, since you want them to return to the brick-and-mortar high school after covid-19.
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Copy-paste "reprint":

1. Will going BACK to a brick-and-mortar high school be a possibility at some point?
Now is the time to look at this question, because in many areas, choosing to homeschool high school is an all-or-nothing option. If you start with homeschooling high school and decide to switch to a school, many school districts have the policy of not accepting homeschool credits. So in THOSE cases, the student either has to start back at 9th grade (even if they were going into 10th, 11th or even 12th grade), or if the school policy allows for it, the student must take and pass the end-of-year test for each and every course in order for the school to transfer the credit to their transcript. (There are also public schools who DO accept homeschool credits straight up with no hoop-jumping, so it really depends on your area.)

2. Parent involvement reality check:
I found that homeschooling high school required MORE of my time and involvement, rather than less. Even if the student works independently for the most part, there is a ton of stuff you have to spend time on as the homeschooling parent when you hit high school:

- researching -- esp. for DIY, but also in lining up materials that are a great fit for the student, or finding a unique class desired by the student
- discussion -- just about all courses, but esp. Lit./English, History, and often Science require a lot of talk time
- facilitating -- scaffolding into high school level work; working with student on scheduling, study skills, executive function skills, etc.
- tutoring -- stepping in when the student needs help (i.e, parent needs to go over previous lessons to learn it first to then teach it)
- grading -- oi! Geometry proofs! and essays and other Writing assignments! -- very time consuming!
- administrative -- standardized tests (PSAT, ACT/SAT, AP); transcripts and record keeping; etc.
- "counseling" -- career exploration; life lessons and maturing talks; college search/application process; etc.

3. Teen ability/attitude reality check:
I do think that the teen's attitude and/or ability is really critical to being able to homeschool high school. Period. If there are special needs or delays (ability), OR if the student rejects parent teaching (attitude), then homeschooling high school really may not be the best educational option for a student. Learning just doesn't happen when it's a pitched battle day after day with a 15, 16, 17yo who does NOT want to do school at home. Or if the student needs special programs or methods of learning that the parent doesn't have the ability to provide. Just something to ponder and think about the particular student. 😉


(Note: I think #3 may be less of an issue for you, if your students will be going back to the public school (if the school's policy permits you to switch to homeschool this year and then switch back to the school next year. But it's still a point worth considering, esp. if you end up being stuck with homeschooling for the rest of high school if your public school won't count/transfer your homeschool credits.)
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I will be very frank: since the goal is to just homeschool for this school year and return to the high school next year, and since you work and the students will need to do much of their work solo, your options are NOT going to be very different from what they are currently doing with their high school right now. It will either be all-computer-based (so, still staring at screens), or outsourced to online classes (so, still staring at screens). And homeschooling means you will be spending $$$ (courses, books, supplies) for the similar computer-based experience that the high school is currently providing you for free...
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That said...

The only self-grading options I can think of that would cover all your coursework are both are all-computer-based, and neither are honors level:
- Time 4 Learning (secular; $30/month per student for up to 4 courses per student)
- Monarch (Christian, $630 = 1-year, up to 3 students, 50 courses to choose from)

For video lessons for many subjects, check out Study.com -- $29/month basic pkg., $59/month premium pkg.
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For individual course options that can be started at any time (so, still available to do this late into the school year):

English
- Lantern English: Writing classes, and/or, Literature classes (8-week class, $60/class, with grading)
- Essentials in Writing and/or Essentials in Literature, video-based lessons, Writing = $70/Lit = 120/$189 for both, per grade level

Math
- Aleks, self-paced, self-grading ($20/month per student, with discounts for purchasing 3 months, 6 months, 12 months)
- Derek Owens, self-paced courses, with grading ($58/month per student)
- Thinkwell, self-paced, self-grading courses in Math ($150 per course, for a 12-month subscription to a course)

Science
- Thinkwell Honors Chemistry, self-paced, self-grading course ($150 for a 12-month subscription to the course)
- Thinkwell Honors Biology, self-paced, self-grading course ($150 for a 12-month subscription to the course
- Georgia Public Broadcasting: Chemistry & Physics instructional videos -- I believe the videos are free and could be used to supplement whatever texts you are using, but otherwise, this would be very teacher time-intensive to put together the additional lesson materials, labs, etc.

History
- Teaching Company: Great Course: History of the United States, video lecture series -- check out from your local library, or, rent/stream, or buy used, and watch these all together and discuss, and add your text or other resources of choice 

Spanish
The only thing I can think of is individualized 1-on-1 tutoring, as with Language Bird, but that runs $2100/year for 1 student...
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BEST of luck, whatever you all decide! Warmest regards, Lori D.

Edited October 27, 2020 by Lori D.

[fourisenough]

Yes, I’m going to have to agree with Lori above. You really need to consider her points 1-3 and think about the big picture. 
 

I sympathize with your concern about the lack of learning this year, but I think another school change would, ultimately, be counter-productive. Alternatively, I’d dig in and try to support and enhance their current school work, and I’d work to hold them accountable, hopefully developing some self-motivation in your 10th grader along the way. The more engaged you are, the more engaged they’ll be, right? 
 

This advice is similar to what I’ve shared with some family and friends with kids in public and private schools who have asked me essentially the same thing. If the plan is to send them back to school when it re-opens, your energy would be best utilized helping to make the best of an unfortunate situation. Whatever you decide, good luck to you. These decisions are not easy.

[HilJoy14]

Goodness - I had no idea high schools might not accept credit!  I'm looking into that now.  The state website says districts can decide, so I'm trying to figure out who to talk to now.

I should also add that classes don't have to be honors - just that's the level my kids had been working at previously.  (Their current school doesn't have honors classes, so they aren't in any honors classes currently.)

I will definitely consider all those points.  Thanks for all the info.  Honestly, I think our household would be happier if we were homeschooling, BUT I don't want to jeopardize the chance for them to go back to school next year if that's what we want to do.  Honestly, we have nowhere to meet people and my kids don't have friends here, so I'm really bummed they aren't meeting people in school this year.  So much to consider...

[RootAnn]

If the school will allow they back in, I'd suggest Derek Owens for math (just let him grade--there is a self-grading option that is half-price but since you are working, I'd spend your energy on keeping them on track instead). Come back if you decide to do this & we can help you with how to get them on track (I suggest asking DO if they can 'test through' in the first few weeks & then come back & do any sections they need to--using DO's Test#2 for their retest.) He has Honors tracks, too. Plus, he has physics! Same format as math.

On Spanish, you probably want to look into Homeschool Spanish Academy (HSA) or 121Spanish or a regular italki tutor for the Spanish 3 kid depending on how good the program is. If you've moved a lot, I'd do HSA and you might find they have to start at a lower level because of gaps. Try for 2-3 sessions a week if you can afford it. (So 2 for 1 kid, 3 for the other & then switch the next week.) I'd have them both watching their favorite movies in Spanish each week, too. Trade off picking a movie to watch together "for school" in Spanish (no subtitles) each week. Start with ones they've watched so many tines, they almost have it memorized. The Spanish 3 kid will pick up more, but it'll be good for the Spanish 2 kid.

And, again, if you go the homeschooling route, you will need to physically check their work to make sure they are getting through the material in a timely manner.

[Lori D.]

Totally agree with @fourisenough and @RootAnn. If you do decide to homeschool for the year, we're happy to help with specific curricula or course suggestions, but also with info on the teaching/facilitating aspect and administrator/record keeping aspect of high school. 😄

BEST of luck as you research and come to a decision! Warmest regards, Lori D.

[Garga]

Yes, #1 is completely chilling and a reality for most homeschoolers. All your kids’ hard work could mean nothing if the school refuses to accept the credits.

 

For Alg 2, precalc, and physic, use DerekOwens.com.  The lessons are videos and the student works at their own pace.  DerekOwens.com does the grading. 

[Bocky]

Dd16 does math through Derek Owens - Alg 2 last year and now Precalc. It's working very well for us, and I would definitely recommend it. The 9th grade Physics class in our local school district (which abuts yours) correlates to Derek Owen's Physical Science class rather than his Physics class. I think your 9th grader might struggle in his Physics class since she has not completed Algebra 2.

I pm'ed you. 🙂  

[HilJoy14]

Thank you so much for all your help and replies.  I guess issue #1 has gotten us (school won't accept homeschool credits).  BOO!!!  I know I would do a better job ensuring that they're learning (esp. math).  There's a chance they could "show proficiency" to move on to the next level, but it's not something they have set up, with rules, etc., so I can't count on that.  The only option is an accredited online school, but that's going to be more or less the same as what we're experiencing now, I think.  So I guess we just power through.  Honestly, I'd probably be happy to homeschool my kids, BUT, since we just moved here, they have no friends and we have no connections to meet anyone, so I really want them to have some high school connections.  Sigh.  Bad year to have moved...

[BusyMom5]

Hugs to you and your kids!  Our school is the same, you have to decide by 9th grade if you are all in, or all out.  Maybe take comfort in the fact that they are not alone- all kids are struggling through this year, no matter where you are or what type of school they do!  My homeschooling kiddos are not in co-op, my Dual Enrolled Senior is going to 1 class, masked, no talking or socializing (she says it's no fun at all) and the rest of her classes are online.  

[Lori D.]

11 hours ago, HilJoy14 said:

...The only option is an accredited online school, but that's going to be more or less the same as what we're experiencing now, I think...

If the brick-and-mortar school accepts the credits of the online accredited school, AND if you have the time to put into homeschooling, you might look at that option and see if it is possible to do "bare bones" for the accredited online school, and then "after school / homeschool" by supplementing with enriching extras and books and activities that would be meaningful to your family...  

Or... could you just do that now? Add to what the school is having them do now -- wonderful family literature, watch documentaries and feature films set in your history period, watch Spanish language versions of films... etc. Or would that be too much with what is required even though school is happening at a distance right now?

Just a thought!

So sorry you can't switch back and forth. 😢

Edited October 30, 2020 by Lori D.

[Junie]

13 hours ago, HilJoy14 said:

Thank you so much for all your help and replies.  I guess issue #1 has gotten us (school won't accept homeschool credits).  BOO!!!  I know I would do a better job ensuring that they're learning (esp. math).  There's a chance they could "show proficiency" to move on to the next level, but it's not something they have set up, with rules, etc., so I can't count on that.  The only option is an accredited online school, but that's going to be more or less the same as what we're experiencing now, I think.  So I guess we just power through.  Honestly, I'd probably be happy to homeschool my kids, BUT, since we just moved here, they have no friends and we have no connections to meet anyone, so I really want them to have some high school connections.  Sigh.  Bad year to have moved...

I'm sorry your school won't accept credits.  (Ours doesn't either.) 😞