Many parents feel apprehensive about homeschooling high schoolers. Even experienced homeschooling parents who taught their children at home throughout the elementary and middle school years may begin to feel insecure about their homeschooling abilities. Often times, this leads to parents handing back the reigns of their children’s education to the public school system. But is this the right choice? Is the strictly compartmentalized education provided in public schools a better option for your child? Let’s address some of your worries about homeschooling high schoolers and then you can decide.

Sometimes parents decide to stop homeschooling highschoolers because of concerns for the child’s social development. Although social skills are a concern even in the elementary years of homeschooling, they do become even more of an issue in the high school years, when children become more reliant on friends and social networks and begin to gain an interest in attending social events on their own.

There are some steps you can take to ensure that your child’s social skills development does not suffer even during the crucial high school years. First, look for associations, clubs, teams or societies that relate to your child’s interest. Allowing your child to participate in such activities will provide him/her with ample opportunities for social skills development. You child will be able to share experiences with others, build leadership skills and foster a sense of belonging. Think about sports teams, girl/boy scouts, summer camps and community center programs. A little bit of planning will help ensure that your homeschooling curriculum not only meets but exceeds expectations.

You will also find great benefits in joining a homeschooling support group. If you don’t have one in your area, consider starting one. A homeschooling support group is a great way to provide your child with plenty of chances to meet others and make friends. Giving your high schooler opportunities like this will ensure that he/she will develop into a socially intelligent, healthy and capable young person.

Many parents grow weary of homeschooling high schoolers because the level of science and math in high school grades becomes more challenging. If a certain subject such as math is not in your area of strength, don’t give up on homeschooling altogether; instead get some extra help for your child in that subject. You can begin by looking in your homeschooling support group for a person who is well versed in that subject. If money is a concern, consider a barter arrangement, where you exchange tutoring services with another homeschooling parent. Homeschooling support groups have innumerable resources to help parents find extra help for their children. So, do make use of this amazing resource to help you while homeschooling your high schooler.

College applications and admissions might be your concern if you’re thinking about whether you should homeschool your high schooler or not. You may fear that colleges will not give equal consideration to a child educated at home. But you can put this fear to rest, because more than ever homeschoolers are being accepted into some of the best post secondary institutions. Many of the best colleges, including Harvard, are more interested in the intelligence and well roundedness of the individual rather than looking at which high school they came from. Due to the growing popularity and success of homeschooling, many colleges are now seeking out homeschooled students because of the diversity and richness they bring to college life.

Admission requirements to different colleges vary. Some colleges require SAT scores, others need a general equivalency diploma. It may take a little bit of research to find out the requirements for each college your child wished to apply to. It is a worthwhile effort to research this thoroughly and ensure that you provide all of the necessary information to the colleges. Otherwise, your child may be rejected for a minor technicality. The important thing to remember, is that you do not have to worry about colleges rejecting your child because he/she is homeschooled. As long as your child completed the application process as directed, he/she has as good a chance, if not better, than any student coming from the public school system.

It’s true that homeschooling may become more of a challenge once you hit the high school years, but that’s no reason to give up. Remember all the reasons why you started homeschooling. I’m sure many of those advantages to homeschooling still apply in the high school years. Remember to continue seeking the support you need to help you face the challenges of homeschooling high schoolers.