Beyond High School: College, Trade School, and Other Paths for Homeschool Graduates

Homeschooling a high schooler is exciting, but it definitely comes with its own set of challenges. On the one hand, high schoolers are independent learners, allowing for more freedom in the homeschooling day. On the other hand, a maturing teen is learning how to find his niche. His strengths. His calling. With homeschooling, parents have been available over the years to lead, guide, and direct. Now, it is time to prepare to take flight. The question is, “What are his options after graduation?” 

Depending on your teen’s personality, he might already have a four-year-plan in place. This could look like college, the military, a trade school, or starting a business in your hometown. Whether your teen already has a plan or is still trying to figure out the next step—make sure he knows that you are there for him, ready to support, uplift, and help him along the way. One way to show your support is to present several options in his area of interest. If a specific route has yet to be specified, present all of the ones mentioned that align with your family’s goals and values. 

There Isn’t One “Right” Path After Homeschool

Success isn’t measured by attending a particular type of school or pursuing a specific career path upon graduation. Your teen may consider one or more of the following:

• Four-year colleges
• Community colleges
• Trade and technical schools
• Apprenticeships
• Military service
• Entrepreneurship
• Missions or ministry
• A structured gap year
• Entering the workforce

In presenting these options to your teens at any point during high school, he/she can take the steps required throughout high school to prepare for the decision ahead. 

Helping Your Teen Discern His/Her Calling

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart . . .” (Proverbs 3:5–6 KJV)

You have spent quality time with your child over the years, watching his/her God-given gifts and talents develop, grow, and expand. Now it is time for others to be blessed. When trying to discern how this will play out practically, consider your teen’s interests, personality, and skill set. How can these be combined to be used for the glory of God? These can be more fully realized through the following:

• Prayer 
• Biblical wisdom from a trusted Christian leader
• Job shadowing
• Volunteer opportunities
• Internships
• Ministry

Before spending a significant amount of time or money on a career or life choice, taking a year or two to continue to explore options and possibilities can not only save time and money but can prevent disappointment and heartbreak. Many teens and students have found after an internship or volunteer opportunity that the desired job is not what they were expecting—teaching, veterinary medicine, healthcare, the list goes on. While many others have fallen in love with their career choice during an internship or job shadowing opportunity, taking time to prayerfully consider options and slowly beginning to get their feet wet in the field can go a long way.

How to Prepare Your Homeschooler for College

If college is on your teen’s mind, begin preparation during high school. Break up homeschool college preparation by including SAT/ACT prep in his/her daily studies. Add vocabulary, reading, and practice tests weekly so your child is prepared with the knowledge needed not only for the tests but also for everyday life. Once confident with the test-taking and academic aspects of college prep, have your child research, study, and prepare for the following, including the study of them in your teen’s weekly work:

• Transcripts
• Studying course descriptions
• Dual enrollment
• Scholarships
• Applications
• Recommendation letters

Exploring Trade Schools and Career Training

College is not the only option for homeschoolers after graduation. Many high-demand skilled trades are actively seeking homeschool graduates because of the discipline required in the field. Many homeschoolers have already developed the discipline needed to succeed in the trades, which is a rare commodity employers are seeking from new workers. Many local community colleges offer grants or scholarships for homeschoolers or local residents to complete certifications in only a few months or a year. These training programs are often shorter than the traditional two- or four-year degrees offered for other disciplines, allowing students to get on the field and secure a job quickly, with competitive pay. Call the community colleges in your area to see which programs are offered. They may include the following:

• Electrician
• HVAC
• Welding
• Plumbing
• Automotive technology
• Graphic design
• Dental assisting
• IT certifications
• Healthcare careers

Building Life Skills for Success

Regardless of the path, teens need to build up life skills to ensure success. Oftentimes, college students are able to get by and receive a degree, but if they never learned life skills in their home prior to college, they often do not learn them in the dorms. Once on their own in the real world, college graduates can sometimes find themselves struggling with time management, financial stewardship, budgeting, and having a strong work ethic. These skills come with time—and practice. When we provide opportunities while homeschooling high school for our teens to critically think, problem-solve, and communicate clearly, we are giving them tools that will last a lifetime.

Preparing a homeschool graduate isn’t about checking every box. Whether God leads your teen to college, a trade, the workforce, ministry, or another opportunity, the goal is to raise young adults who love the Lord, continue learning, and serve others faithfully. Your child’s homeschooling journey was unique; allow his/her career choice to break out of the traditional mold as well, embracing his/her uniqueness and God-given gifts and talents.

Author 

Heather Vogler, her husband, and five children call the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia home where they homeschool and homestead. Heather has homeschooled her children from the beginning and enjoys an eclectic style of teaching. As a freelance writer she has been published in Focus on the Family Magazine, War Cry Magazine, and Brio Magazine. Heather holds a BA in Christian ministries and currently writes at ThriftSchooling.com.