The idea of homeschooling through high school can be scary. Parents tell me, “I could never homeschool my teen - I barely got through some of my own high school classes!” But homeschool advocates are discovering there’s a better way for teens to learn, and homeschooling your high-schooler may be easier than you think.It’s not uncommon for homeschooled teens to complete four years of traditional high-school studies in 24 months or less. How can that be? Teens who learn at home are able to focus their energy and resources on the task at hand. With no distractions, it’s amazing how efficiently kids learn. This principle is illustrated by the requirements for schooled kids who are unable to attend classes due to illness. Most schools require 1-1/2 to 5 hours of at-home instruction for each week of missed classroom learning.

Investigate your homeschooling options, and then set up a workable plan with your teen. This should be an individualized program, based on your teen’s strengths and weaknesses, passions, and learning style. Successful homeschoolers are those who break away from the “one-size-fits-all” curriculum, that most of us remember. Aim for a course of study that allows your kids the freedom to pursue their interests, cover the basics, and become a lifelong learner. The following books will show you exactly how to do this.

Covering difficult or unfamiliar subjects is not as hard as it seems. Parents can:

• Purchase a curriculum from a homeschool curriculum provider.
• Use a correspondence or online school.
• Use educational video courses (check with your library).
•  Hire a tutor.
• Take an online class.
• Use educational computer software.
• Take a class at a community college.
• Learn the material along with your teen.

College-Bound-Homeschoolers: If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide covering just about every known approach to earning a college degree, Bear’s Guide to Earning College Degrees Nontraditionally by John and Mariah Bear is for you. Read this book early - before you make your teen’s college plans - it may change the way you homeschool!

Homeschoolers are accepted and welcomed at most colleges. Admissions policies vary, so plan ahead to meet the requirements of colleges that interest you. Generally speaking, testing requirements (ACT/SAT I & SAT II) are the same for homeschoolers and schooled kids. Click here for detailed information on admissions testing.

Most parents of teens who learn at home are motivated, resourceful, and determined to provide the best educational resources for their kids. When I ask parents of older homeschooled kids what they would change if they could do it over again, their replies are often the same: I would worry less, and enjoy my kids more. Sounds like good advice to me.

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Find more detailed advice, solutions, and hands on examples on these or other topics in Christina Botto’s no nonsense, “how-to” Parenting guide “Help Me With My Teenager!” A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents that Works.”