Expert: Mae Kowalke - 1/26/2006

Question
I currently have a daughter in 10th grade.  She has a 3.99GPA and is taking all honor classes, but she is totally bored.  She would like to transfer to an online high school so she could graduate early.  Which programs if any would you recomend.  We have looked at Keystone, American High School and others.
Thanks
Tina

Answer
Tina,

My apologies for taking a couple days to answer your question. I just started a new job, and so I've been understandably busy.

In terms of which online high school to choose for your daughter, the answer depends on what you're looking for. Programs like Keystone and American High School are very traditional. Others, like Clonlara (http://www.clonlara.com) take a more "unschooler" approach and help students get credit not just for structured coursework but outside-the-classroom life experience as well.

You didn't mention how early you would like your daughter to graduate. Compulsary attendance laws vary from state to state; some require students to be enrolled in some kind of educational program until they are 18, while others require school only until 16. Check with your state's department of education, or take a look at the list of homeschooling laws here (they always mentions the age thing): http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/directory/Legalities.htm

Aside from enrolling your daughter in an online high school program, there is another option too: homeschooling. If you think some form of homeschooling might be a better match, my advice is to find a local support group (find one here: http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/regional/Region.htm) and ask them for localized advice. (Homeschooling laws vary widely from state to state.) Clonlara School's program, which I mentioned earlier, is a great option for anyone new to homeschooling--it provides the security of being enrolled in a private school (via correspondence or online) but also the freedom to homeschool in whatever way works best for your family.

One other note: some homeschoolers who want to graduate early opt to take the GED exam when they reach the age at which they're no longer legally required to be in school. You can usually find out information about the GED at your local community college, or visit http://www.acenet.edu/AM/Template.cfm?Section=GEDTS&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedP...

I hope I've been at least mildly helpful. If you need further guidance, please don't hesitate to contact me directly at aprilmae@kowalke.info.

All the best on your journey,

-Mae