It's Not Too Early To Prepare For College Or A Career

 

Our Sponsor: Keystone National High School

Your twelve-year old dashes through your backyard sprinkler, giggling with a friend. She's still so young -- no need to think about colleges and jobs, right?

Well, you'd be surprised. Students with college and career ambitions need to start early -- particularly with the right courses and activities throughout the high school years. Here is what the College Board recommends for your child who wishes to go to a college or university:

- Four years of English, including literature, writing/composition, and speech
- Four years of math, including algebra I and II, geometry, trigonometry and/or calculus
- Four years of science, including biology, chemistry and/or physics
- Four years of social studies, iarticles/keystone2/default.aspncluding U.S. history, U.S. government, economics, world history or geography
- Four years of a foreign language
- Some knowledge of computer science
- Some advanced placement or independent study work
- Standardized tests
- Extracurricular activities, including sports and arts
- Volunteer or work experience

That's a lot to cover! To make sure your child's homeschool education is rigorous and well-rounded, it's best to get advice from school counselors, college admission officers, or other education and career professionals before your child begins high school, and preferably as early as seventh grade.

For more information check out:
"How to Select Your Courses"
http://www.collegeboard.com/article/0,3868,2-7-0-33,00.html

If you're worried that your child's high school work will not be recognized by colleges, universities, employers, and the military, you may want to consider partnering with an accredited distance education provider. Credits from these programs are widely recognized and readily transferable. Some distance learning providers even offer recordkeeping, letters of recommendation, and expert guidance for homeschooling families.

There are other benefits that distance learning high school providers can give you. When you research these programs, look for academic benefits such as accreditation, certified teachers, and a variety of courses. Time management benefits should include the ability to work at your own pace, and flexible enrollment. For economic benefits, make sure the program includes any supplemental materials you may need and payment plans or financial aid. Finally, make sure the program supports the family values you already have in place, such as encouraging independent learning skills and respecting your child's unique interests, pace, and learning style.

Homeschooled high school students impress college admission officers and professional employers for many reasons:

1. Most know how to budget their time.
2. Most have demonstrated an ability to work independently
3. Most can fit extracurricular activities and volunteer work into their homeschooling schedule.

"At first I worried about how being homeschooled would affect me getting accepted into a prestigious university," says Richard Cruz, a homeschooler from Texas. "Now the only dilemma I face is whether to attend Dartmouth, Yale, Rice, Notre Dame, Duke, or Stanford."

Of course, many homeschoolers choose alternatives to college, moving on to careers in the military, education, business, and the arts. Caroline Cox, for example, chose homeschooling so that she could "take education into her own hands" as she pursued a career as a professional dancer.

Whether your child is an athlete or an entrepreneur, reaching a goal takes planning and persistence. You can help your child get his or her feet wet by visiting colleges, exploring job sites, and contacting potential mentors during the preteen years.

Don't wait! Know your child's interests and needs and plan ahead. A well-rounded education that expresses your child's productive high school experience will lead to excellence in whatever path he or she chooses.

Our Sponsor: Keystone National High School

You put your child first, and so do we. With Keystone National High School as your partner, you'll enjoy homeschooling even more. Parents, you won't need a late-night refresher on Chemistry or Trigonometry because our certified teachers, who are subject matter experts, are standing by. The Keystone National diploma program includes teacher support, high-quality textbooks, and course materials -- everything your child needs to succeed. 

Keystone National High School has been a leading provider of quality independent study programs to homeschool families since 1995. Over the past 30 years, Keystone's programs have enriched the lives of more than 185,000 students in all 50 states and 65 countries.  Keystone offers over 130 correspondence and online courses in core subjects, electives, and credit recovery.  Keystone is nationally accredited and state licensed, with certified teachers for all courses.  Students can enroll throughout the year for a few credits or in Keystone's complete diploma program.

Log on to http://www.keystonehighschool.com  to request information or call today for a for a FREE consultation - 1-800-255-4937.