Everything You Need to Know About High School Homeschool Curriculum

Discover the basic concepts of a great high school homeschool curriculum, such as common subjects and why they should be taught. Read more.

Looking for a high school homeschool curriculum? I’m so glad you are here! Choosing high school curriculum doesn’t have to be daunting. After 22 years of homeschooling and graduating nearly 3 kids, I want to encourage you that high school isn’t as scary as it seems. In fact, these have been some of our favorite years!

Before I give you my opinion on the best high school homeschool curriculum, please note that there are many differing views on what should be taught and when it should be taught. I’m not seeking to refute anyone or call names. I’m sharing only what has worked well for our homeschool after combining my experience in the classroom with teaching at home. Remember, that’s your job too. Seek out what works best for your family, and don’t worry about what everyone else says!

Table of Contents

How many hours do you homeschool a day?

Before we can answer this question, it’s important to remember WHY we homeschool. Is the goal to raise Mensa scholars or Harvard grads? Are academics at the top of your priority list? For us, academics are just one piece of the puzzle. I’m also training my kids to grow emotionally, spiritually, and physically. We keep academics where they belong- taking 1/4 of the priority. Traditional schools give academics 100% of the priority so their day might look a bit different than mine. Make sense?

For high school, it typically takes my kids 3-5 hours to complete the books and paper part of their high school homeschool curriculum. This largely depends on the child and their goals. The more rigorous goals might require more time, while the senior with nearly all of their credits done and a solid apprenticeship, might only do “curriculum” about 1-2 hours per day. The rest of the day is filled with activities to help them create, gain wisdom, and explore opportunities like jobs, volunteering, and the arts.

I consider this school as well; it’s just working on the other 3 priorities just as much as the academic side of things.

Also, at home, your high schooler is able to focus on the material at his/her level and pace, so it typically takes much less time to get everything done than it would in a traditional school setting–so don’t be concerned about trying to hit 8 hours of study. Remember a lot of those school hours are spent in transitions, getting into lines, lunch, etc.

If your homeschool day is taking longer than 5 hours, you may want to reassess the level and workload of your students. It’s possible that you’re putting the focus on the wrong goals.

Again, this doesn’t mean your child is finished learning in 4-5 hours a day and will waste the rest of the day vegging into the land of no knowledge. If you encourage enriching activities (and limit screen time), your child will literally NEVER stop learning

What should my child be learning in high school?

High school is such a fun time for students. Students have typically discovered their individual areas of interest, and some subjects will stand out above others. As long as their reading and math foundations have been laid, let them back off on things that aren’t strengths and dig deeper into subjects they are passionate about.

(Note that I didn’t say you could skip those harder subjects, only that it may not be necessary to take the most advanced courses in those areas!)

Let me give you an example. My oldest daughter was strong in language, so we backed off the super advanced math and instead took some advanced writing and even foreign language classes. This was perfect for her career goals.

When her sister got to high school, she focused her final two years on a dual enrollment program in dramatic production. As a result, she graduated from high school and college at the same time! My son worked ahead and finished all but one credit by the end of his junior year. As a result, he spent his whole year touring with Logos Theater, performing “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.” He tested out our new practical writing course on his off days, fulfilling that final English credit.

As you can see, high school is the perfect time to dabble in career options. Explore ideas, shadow careers, and take courses that will deepen that knowledge. Don’t wait until college for this because you might find that you’d rather take a different path instead. Better to learn that now than when you are halfway done with expensive college credits.

Typical High School Requirements

Most states have specific requirements for high school curricula. Most have general guidelines for core subjects. Higher or more specific subjects are usually required by colleges more than the high school itself.

But first, we need to make sure you are legal. It’s very important that you consult with your state’s requirements. The most reputable place to find these laws is the HSLDA website. Note that I didn’t say to ask your friend who has been homeschooling for many years (that’s a big mistake- look them up yourself).

If your child has their heart set on a specific college or career path, it’s best to find out what the requirements would be. That way you are covered no matter what. Again, the only way to know what rules you have to follow is to check the site yourself.

Most states require the following:

4 credits in English
4 credits in Math
3 credits in social sciences (with one in gov’t and economics)
3 credits in science (at least two different disciplines)
1 PE and/or health credit
1 Computer science credit
Electives

The courses your child takes really depend on the goals of your student. As homeschoolers, we have the freedom to teach the way our kids need us to teach them! I love that this helps them reach their goals even faster!

Experience biology is a great choice for homeschooling high school

High School Homeschool Science Curriculum

Most states require three science credits. But note that often specific kinds of science like Biology, Chemistry, and physics are a suggestion. Read carefully to see what is truly a requirement and tailor your plans accordingly. You’ll also want to see if the college your child is interested in attending requires certain high school science credits. Do the work and look it up. You might be surprised at what is required and what is not.

Here’s what my kids did:

Leah- Biology, Astronomy, Anatomy, Equine Science

Rachel- Biology, Chemistry, Astronomy

Nathan- Astronomy, Biology, Physics

Luke- Astronomy

Seriously, a co-op is a great option, but not everyone has that opportunity. Other options include dual enrollment at a local college and online courses.
Our favorite science curriculum is Journey Academy. My friends Trisha and Luke have put together fabulous online courses you can watch on your time. They have Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Students watch lectures, complete assignments, and even take quizzes. It’s a great way to get excellent teaching, an independent curriculum, and a strong biblical worldview all in one! This quickly became a favorite for my kids, especially Astronomy, which I’m sure you noticed was a theme.
Rachel, my art-loving child, took a course called Biology 101. She watched the video lectures and kept a journal with the things she was learning. It’s definitely on the light side, but for a child with strengths outside of the typical “academic” courses, it’s a great fit.

Whatever you pick for science, remember to first consider your child’s academic needs and not to squash them with a curriculum that will frustrate their efforts. Particularly if reading is a struggle, pull back on the textbook format and allow them to explore other options.

High School Homeschool Math Curriculum

Most states require four math credits. You typically see Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, or Pre-Calculus. But note that most states don’t actually detail which math classes are required!

We’ve used a lot of different math curricula over the years. But by the time we got to high school, there was a clear winner. All of my kids have used the same thing all the way through.

Once they are old enough, my kids always want to transition into Teaching Textbooks. They love that the computer teaches the lesson for them and that there aren’t 500 problems to answer when the lesson is finished.

As a mom, and especially at high school levels, I love the instant grading feature. This makes my homeschool day so much easier. I also love that my kids are getting immediate feedback when a problem is incorrect. So often, students do the whole page wrong only to learn they have to start over again. Teaching Textbooks doesn’t allow that to happen.

Algebra 1 & 2, plus Geometry will be required on the ACT/SAT if your child is college bound. Since I want my kids to have options, we take those 3 using Teaching Textbooks.

If you are wondering if it’s good enough (I know it has a reputation out there for being light), I’m here to tell you it’s just fine. Leah not only got into college, but she had a full ride BASED on her ACT scores. So don’t believe the rumors. Read more about why we love Teaching Textbooks here.

In their senior year, all of my kids take Consumer Math. Unless they are on a path for a STEM career, this practical, REAL-LIFE math course is the best option for your senior year.

Consumer Math curriculum embraces the “outside-the-box” spirit of homeschooling. It teaches math skills for real life, like how to budget, calculate income tax, and understand saving and investing. Even better, it fulfills one high school math credit! It’s a curriculum designed to set your student up for success by giving them opportunities to actually practice using math skills in real-world scenarios.

One final thought: If math really is more than you can handle as a homeschool parent, rest assured you can always outsource it to a co-op or online class. Juniors and seniors may consider taking a dual credit course at a local college. Sometimes, taking the subject outside of your realm is good for your student and your relationship!

If math has been a struggle in your homeschool, these suggestions could make a big difference.

High School Homeschool History Curriculum

Most states require 3 high school credits: American history, Government/Economics, and one more history course. You can do them in any order or style. Of course, remember to look up your state requirements to see what your student needs to complete.

All 3 of my kids took American history, World history, and then the Government/Economics course. We used a variety of options to get there, though.

Here are some of our favorites:

Mystery of History

Mystery of History is a 4-volume comprehensive journey through all of time focusing on a biblical worldview. The awesome thing about this history curriculum is its flexibility. You can use it for all ages and make it a family affair. During high school, you can go deep with the lessons and tests included. You may also supplement with novels or extra suggested reading. They also include the option of online classes and lectures. The cycle of history can be repeated even if you’ve done it before. Since the student is much older, the knowledge is much deeper when you cycle back. For us, we’ve used this curriculum to lay the foundation so we move on to Notgrass (below) in high school.

Notgrass History

Notgrass History is a great option for parents looking for a more in-depth approach to history. We love this curriculum for its emphasis on God’s Word. We also love that it covers language arts, the Bible, and social studies all in one. That’s a win for busy high schoolers, for sure. The lesson plan feature makes it great for independent learning. Simple enough for them to use and easy for parents to keep track.

Master Books

Masterbooks has a great biblically sound curriculum for those looking for Government and Economics credits. I find that it’s not overwhelming with the reading, and it’s not super intense. But don’t think their American History is the same. We find it much more difficult than the Government and Economics course.

High School Homeschool Language Arts Curriculum

For most states, 4 English credits will be required in high school. This is truly the combination of all of the earlier elements (reading, spelling, grammar, writing). You don’t need separate curriculum pieces though. In fact, if you had that, your child would really struggle to keep up. There’s a lot going on in high school. No need to make it harder than it already is.

Like the other subjects, you may find that your state has no specifics on what type of English you need to take. Ours literally has no rules at all.

Leah took British Literature, American Literature, General Literature, and Creative Writing.

Rachel and Nathan took American Literature, General Literature, Creative Writing, and Practical Writing.

For American, British, and General Literature, my kids used the Reading Journal. Designed to give your kids the freedom to choose topics they enjoy while still growing their literacy, comprehension, and analytical skills, the Reading Journal will be a favorite in your homeschool. To make it a specific type of literature focus, we just select books from book lists we find online. Both Nathan and Rachel read books related to plays they were doing, which made it even more fun.

For creative writing, the kids used In Your Own Words Creative Writing Journal. It’s the perfect resource for both your budding writer and reluctant student. This journal examines traditional forms of poetry and prose, pointing out the literary devices and characteristics of each form while maintaining an enjoyable yet practical atmosphere. You can take it at any point in your child’s high school years to fulfill one of your high school credits, but we like it in 11th grade. Learn more about our creative writing program in this short walk-through of the curriculum.

A new family favorite is In Other Words, a practical writing curriculum. This course is like the consumer math of the English world. Kids learn to write a resume and cover letter, professional emails, and even product reviews. It’s a great option for a high school senior looking to build those life-skills needed after graduation. Leah is jealous that she didn’t get to take this as her siblings did!

In Other Words, Practical Writing Curriculum for High School

Here are some other great reading resources for teens:

Designed to give your kids the freedom to choose topics they enjoy while still growing their literacy, comprehension, and analytical skills, these Reading Journals will be a favorite in your homeschool.

High School Bible Curriculum

Spiritual growth is a huge priority in our home. In fact, it’s an equal priority with academics. What we want most for our kids is a lasting faith that changes them from the inside out. In order to do this, kids need to spend time in the Word. Not Consumed’s youth Bible studies are designed to help teens get into God’s Word for themselves and learn the life-changing truth they need to become more like Christ.

The Spiritual Disciplines Series and the Faithfulness Series are both excellent choices for the high school years. One series is perfect for a full year, earning one elective credit.

These Bible Studies are coupled with theology you can trust with fun extras the kids will love! That’s a win-win!

High School Homeschool Curriculum for Electives

High school homeschool electives curriculum has a dual purpose. First, we have to meet those pesky state requirements. Be sure you find out what yours are and follow those guidelines. Most states require very little, thankfully.

Typically it’s a PE credit, maybe something in the arts, and a computer science credit. You may also need to meet the suggested college electives if your child is interested in college, such as a foreign language. Remember, while you have to meet requirements, you can still think outside the box.

For example, a physical education class doesn’t have to be the way the school system does it. Your child could take a swimming class at the YMCA or a spinning class at the gym. My daughter rides horses. You could also do health, wellness, or any traditional sport.

If none of these works for your student, we have an informative yet engaging high school curriculum that fulfills that PE requirement while also laying a biblical foundation for health and wellness, not just how to play a sport. In this one credit course, Thrive teaches your students about the amazing body God has given them and inspires them to take care of it through healthy habits, nutrition, and exercise. Students will come away with practical strategies and activities to implement these concepts while building life-long habits that can help them for many years to come. Learn how it works here.

Fine arts doesn’t have to be an instrument; it can be an appreciation class where you learn about different periods and styles of music and composers. Sounds of the Masters is a great option for that. No music knowledge is required, although it’s a fun one for music lovers too. Plus, it’s written from a biblical worldview you can trust. You can also mix it up and do art or drama.

Computer requirements tend to be pretty easy. There are keyboarding classes, coding classes, and everything in between. We’ve used Typer Island to fine tune typing skills. Nathan took some coding classes at the local college, so that might be an option for you, too.

Once you get the required things out of the way, you will still probably have some credits to fill. This is your chance to have a LOT of fun. But I would strongly suggest you steer your fun in the direction of your child’s interests, particularly regarding a career.

Spend time thinking about what they want to do when they graduate and let them explore it now. Or have them take a class to help prepare them for it. I know a young man who spends every afternoon in the woodshed with his dad making cabinets. His elective? Woodworking. This is the perfect way to help your child dabble in a possible career choice so they don’t waste $50K on a degree that they still don’t know what to do with. Nathan spent a semester rebuilding an engine on a mustang. Before he did that, he was considering a career as a mechanic. Now he has other plans. I’m so thankful he got to dabble in that before wasting time and money going to school.

As I said, most of the time, I want electives to be guided by the interests and passions of my kids, but because everyone likes a good list, there are 5 must-take high school electives on our list. To find out about these must-take electives and even more electives ideas, check out The Ultimate List of High School Electives for Homeschoolers.

How to Document Your Homeschool Electives

Documenting is something most people feel overwhelmed by. Don’t let that be you. You’ve got this! Documenting is just a fancy word for keeping track. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or complicated. You can literally just write down your hours in a log.

We do that sometimes, but we also do “field study” reports to demonstrate the different things we do that count for credit. For example, whenever my kids are in a play, they document rehearsal and performance hours on the page, but they also note what they did and what they learned from it. We track this right in our student planner.

We have this form and an hour tracker in our FREE Back to School pack here.

Of course, you’ll also want to document all of your courses and work-study on your transcript. There are several free transcript makers online, and we also have a free homeschool high school transcript template!

Looking for More?

These YouTube videos offer extra insight into homeschooling high school and a peek into our curriculum and resources.

More Christian Homeschool Curriculum

Using my expertise as a certified educator and 12+ years of homeschooling, we’ve created a comprehensive list of the BEST Christian homeschool curriculum for each grade level. You’ll find each of them linked below.

Still struggling to see how everything fits together? Get a better overall vision for Christian homeschool curriculum in this post.

Kimberly Sorgius Jones

Through practical tools & Bible-based resources, Kim Sorgius is dedicated to helping your family GROW in faith so you can be Not Consumed by life’s struggles. Author of popular kid’s devotional Bible studies and practical homeschooling tools, Kim has a master’s degree in education and curriculum design coupled with over 2 decades of experience working with kids and teens. Above all, her most treasured job is mother and homeschool teacher of four amazing kiddos.

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