Transitioning Middle-Schoolers for High School Classwork

In the public schools, transitioning students from middle school to high school is typically done through a series of steps to familiarize students with the new school, teachers, and the influx of the number of students that will be attending.  For homeschoolers, it is a bit different and a little less stressful on students and teacher alike.  First, the student isn’t changing schools necessarily.  Second, the teachers are usually the same. Finally, unless a new baby brother or sister is born, there will likely not be an influx of new students.

Often, students can transition easily since earning high school credit can begin as early as seventh grade.  For example, you have a student who thrives in language arts, so the student has worked ahead and is capable and ready for ninth grade composition.  While still in seventh grade, the student can use the curriculum for freshman English and earn high school credit.  The idea is that through the infusion of one class here and there, by the time the student is actually entering high school grade level, he or she would already have earned a few high school credits.

In like manner, if a student is not quite up to grade level, he or she can still be transitioned into high school by talking with the student to let him or her know that the course work will count toward points for earning a high school diploma.  It is not too late to set higher standards for our kids and position them to graduate earlier than they would have in public school.  We want to remember that our kids each have a call on their lives, and it is our job to assist in properly preparing them for the career or job they will one day have for the Kingdom of God.

One thing to consider is that for homeschoolers this transition into high school can be made quite seamlessly.  This is really the preparation for what they will do when they enter college, if they choose that educational route.  The biggest thing students will see is that for perhaps the first time in their schooling years, these grades are crucial, unlike grades may have been previously.  Talk to your student to ease his or her fears about doing high school work.  It really is building on skills, topics, concepts, and ideas they have already been taught and should not be cause for concern.

Finally, begin to talk with your child about potential careers or jobs after high school.  It’s not too early to start over the summer and will give them a jump on high school and college planning when they reach that phase.

“And at the end of ten days it was seen that they were looking better and had taken on more flesh than all the youths who ate of the king’s rich dainties…As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all [kinds of] visions and dreams.” (Daniel 1:15 & 17, Amplified Bible)