by Angela Lasch
Mar. 31, 2026
Homeschooling my sons during their high school years was some of my favorite. But it looked completely different with each of my three sons. Looking back, I finally found our best fit with my youngest. With my first two, I think I was trying too hard to give them everything I thought they were "missing out on" by being homeschooled. And though it's been a few years since I graduated my youngest, these concerns are still very real for homeschooling parents today. The question is: what do homeschool high school students really need? That answer is not the same for each family. The question might become, what are homeschool families looking for in the high school years, and does your group need to offer it all? What Are Homeschool Families Looking for in High School? College prep (classes, transcript help, etc.) Prom Fine arts (musical theater) Community building (friends for their kids) Sports Yearbook (or clubs) Science labs Graduation I'm sure there are more things to add to this list, but these are some of the topics that generate the most interest. Does your group need to offer all of these to keep high school students? Let's look at each one and break it down. College Prep (Classes, Transcript Help, etc.) If you are a PSP, co-op, or support group, I recommend having a "high school help" person who can, at a minimum, guide families in these areas. Even if you don't offer classes or transcripts, be able to direct these families to someone who can help them. CHEA has a transcript template on our website, as well as The High School Handbook, which provides specific instructions for creating transcripts. For members, we also offer a discount on transcripts through HSLDA. The same goes for college prep classes. If you don't offer them, make sure you have information on your local community college dual-enrollment options, as well as major Christian universities that offer these programs. Prom Is it necessary to offer a prom? Probably not. But if you can plan a special evening for your seniors, it goes a long way. Parents would likely love to help with such an event, and it doesn't have to be over-the-top. Someone's decorated backyard can give students a chance to dress up and take pictures with their friends, enjoy catered food from a local restaurant, and be served by junior parents or other parents in the group. It's a great way to build community, and you can even open it up to other local homeschool students. Make it as big or as small as you want. Fine Arts (Musical Theater) This one can be a little more complicated. If you have a musically inclined parent in your group who can offer music lessons or a music class, that can be quite helpful, or even just a drama class. Fine art credits can sometimes be difficult for homeschool students, so be creative. Use CHEA's High School Handbook for help in creating a course description to ensure enough hours are completed to award credits. Again, this is a great community builder and a wonderful way to develop long-lasting friendships. If this isn't an option for your group, investigate local community theater programs you can recommend to your families. Sports At the high school level, this is probably the most difficult area for homeschool students, especially those who are serious about playing at the college level. But it is not impossible. Some private Christian schools allow homeschoolers to play on their teams (sometimes they have to take a class, and sometimes they don't). Each one is different, so check with private schools in your area. Club sports, travel teams, homeschool co-ops, and city leagues are all options. If parents have experience in a given sport, they might be willing to coach a team or partner with another family to coach together. It may not be a competition-level team, but parents and students will learn a lot along the way. Yearbook Between smartphones and photo books, your homeschool group, regardless of size, can put together a yearbook for a nominal fee. All families want is the ability to look back and relive the school year. This can be as simple or as detailed as you'd like. Some companies will guide you through the entire process for a slightly higher fee. All it takes is a parent willing to oversee the yearbook club, and you are on your way to having a keepsake each year! Science Labs This one usually requires a parent who is strong in science, but it can also be a parent who is willing to stay one step ahead of the lesson and dissect a few animals alongside the students. It just requires a little prep, but it can be done at a co-op or even someone's home. There are so many great YouTube videos you can watch ahead of time, or you can research the science curriculum being used. Honestly, it is so much more fun to dissect frogs with your friends! Graduation This is probably one of the most important items on the list. Homeschool families want to celebrate this milestone in a meaningful way. Caps and gowns can be purchased through specialty companies or even on Amazon. Find a local church willing to let you rent their sanctuary for a Saturday morning ceremony. Take lots of pictures, find a speaker, and you are well on your way to creating one of the most important events in a homeschool student's life. You can also let parents know that CHEA offers an amazing graduation ceremony for seniors each year at our annual Convention. Focus on What Matters The most important thing to remember is that you don't have to offer everything. Do what works best for your group. But if something isn't offered, be ready to point parents in the right direction or encourage them to start something on their own. Also, remind parents that they don't have to do or offer everything. Their homeschool students are NOT missing out on anything simply because they aren't doing everything traditional schools do. That is exactly why parents choose to homeschool. Each family needs to do what is best for them and their kids without the stress and pressure of “doing it all.” The goal in high school is still the same: discipleship and being firmly grounded in Christ as a family. _____________________________ Angela Lasch is the Executive Director of CHEA. She and her husband homeschooled their three sons. Angela co-led a homeschool support group for many years during some trying times. She now enjoys being "Nana" to two granddaughters. Grateful for her own homeschool journey and the sacrificial giving of countless families who made it possible, Angela now dedicates herself to encouraging, supporting, and protecting homeschool families throughout California.
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