Mapping out how to tackle middle and high school can be tricky, so it is better to start looking as your student gets higher in elementary school than to wait until they are a rising 9th grader. Realize the math/science connection as kids reach high school, and what the standards are in general. I've linked to some classical schools to help give some perspective, as well as governor's school. We also found that in public schools kids sometimes take Algebra I as early as 7th grade if they are advanced and heading in to a specialty field like engineering or medicine.
Here are a few links to get things started-
Always compare what you are told by someone against other standards, particularly if all of your education is from those with a vested interest in your decision. For example, if a program is supposedly advanced, does that really hold water when you look at standards of other schools. If a program is supposed to be classical, do your own reading and see if it really is classical. Often what a program says they do doesn't actually happen.
No matter how hard we try, the way we were educated and what we received as an education often colors our perspective. I'll never forget talking to a leader in a classical education co-op who talked of Algebra II as higher math. Phew--that was a shock. This isn't meant to be a pointless criticism, the point is, know your audience in a discussion.
Bear in mind that what is usually listed for college entrance is the minimum, and some programs are competitive. Students who are set on a career that requires college should be aggressive in standing out above the crowd. If two years of a foreign language is the minimum, shoot for four. It is a good use of the elective spot.
To see some curriculum standards, check out Providence Classical Christian School of Williamsburg, VA, look at Governor's Schools' standards, or HSLDA's college entrance information. For online options, see what The Potters School is doing or Veritas Press Scholars Academy.
As the old adage says: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
Just because someone tells you something about a program doesn't make it true, and it could cost your student extra years in Community College taking classes they should have taken/could have taken in high school. We can't redo these years of homeschooling. May God help us all make wise decisions, particularly here where the help is needed.
~Ann
Here are a few links to get things started-
Always compare what you are told by someone against other standards, particularly if all of your education is from those with a vested interest in your decision. For example, if a program is supposedly advanced, does that really hold water when you look at standards of other schools. If a program is supposed to be classical, do your own reading and see if it really is classical. Often what a program says they do doesn't actually happen.
No matter how hard we try, the way we were educated and what we received as an education often colors our perspective. I'll never forget talking to a leader in a classical education co-op who talked of Algebra II as higher math. Phew--that was a shock. This isn't meant to be a pointless criticism, the point is, know your audience in a discussion.
Bear in mind that what is usually listed for college entrance is the minimum, and some programs are competitive. Students who are set on a career that requires college should be aggressive in standing out above the crowd. If two years of a foreign language is the minimum, shoot for four. It is a good use of the elective spot.
To see some curriculum standards, check out Providence Classical Christian School of Williamsburg, VA, look at Governor's Schools' standards, or HSLDA's college entrance information. For online options, see what The Potters School is doing or Veritas Press Scholars Academy.
As the old adage says: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
Just because someone tells you something about a program doesn't make it true, and it could cost your student extra years in Community College taking classes they should have taken/could have taken in high school. We can't redo these years of homeschooling. May God help us all make wise decisions, particularly here where the help is needed.
~Ann
No comments:
Post a Comment