Featured

Homeschool Graduation by Jean What will your homeschool graduation look like?Jean was kind enough to share her graduation day photos. There were only two graduates in this ceremony. There were a couple of others in the homeschool group that were graduating this year, but they didn't want to be recognized in a service. Each family of the two graduates invited whomever they wanted to attend the ceremony and reception. Together, the two families invited over 400...

No-Nonsense Style and Take it Easy Approach The other day I presented my grades, credits, and transcripts class for a group of homeschoolers. The positive feedback from the attendees was so overwhelmingly positive! My grade was 4.9 stars (out of 5.0 possible.) I have to say, it's nice to be appreciated!For the class last week, I partnered with Luke and Trisha Gilkerson at Intoxicated on Life. I first met Luke and Trisha on Facebook, actually. Check out...

Top 25 Most Useful High School Blog Posts of 2014 Almost every day I'll post on my blog, answering frequently asked questions, and filling in the gaps you need to do your job well.  I've collected my top 25 most useful blog posts of 2014. Which of these are your favorites?Check out these top blog posts, by month! College Admission and Scholarship Success Story January 2, 2014 Teenagers: Choosing Your Battles January 20, 2014 College Cost Infographic February 3,...

Don't be surprised if some colleges have a misunderstanding about homeschoolers.  College admission personnel have a lot on their plate. There are rules, regulations, urgent issues, and heart-wrenching decisions to make. I can imagine it's a difficult job, and probably hard to keep up with all the details.  I'm sure that to some people, homeschooling might seem like a detail they don't need to understand.  Of course, if their lack of understanding has a negative impact...

There are two critical keys for college success, and neither involves the core subjects of reading, writing, and math.   #1 How to StudyAfter they’d had a few years of college experience, I asked my sons what I should say to people who are preparing their kids for college, and they told me that parents should teach their students how to study. Your goal in high school is not to "teach" your children; the goal is...

Great news!  In The Great State of Washington, 24 kids out of 100 don't graduate high school!  Oh, wait... that's not good news!  When you really think of it, a 24% drop out rate is amazingly high! What is YOUR graduation rate?  What is the rate for your local high school?  What is the rate for your own homeschool?I know a LOT of homeschoolers, representing a huge variety of kids and educational styles, and I haven’t...

Watch this YouTube Tip of the Week to feel encouraged in your pursuit to homeschool high school. Homeschooling is NOT the same as doing schoolwork at home.  There is so much freedom in homeschooling!  My Gold Care Club will give you all the help you need to succeed!

The New Year is here, and it’s time to mark up your new 2013 calendar! Include any upcoming exams or college preparations you need to make for your high school student.  Don’t miss these deadlines, because many of them are inflexible!  Check the links below for further information about each test.Deadline                                 Test or ActivityJanuary                                    Find a college fair to attend in your areaJanuary 11th                             Register for ACT test on Feb 9thFebruary                                  11th graders schedule college visitsFebruary                                  Find summer jobs and enrichment programsFeb 8th                                     Register for...

I received a wonderful endorsement from Allen Kvalvik!  I gave an online class for First Class Homeschool Ministries, and Allen was the moderator.  He and his wife have been friends, customers, and business associates for a while now.  Check out the nice things he had to say about the Total Transcript Solution!Total Transcript Solution Review by First Class Homeschool Ministries"There’s no better endorser than a satisfied customer. And I would say that my wife, Joyce, and...

Have your children EVER changed their minds?  When I'm speaking to a group, I usually ask parents to raise their hand if their child has every changed their mind about anything.  Every hand goes in the air! Why bother with getting your kids ready for college when you feel certain they won't go?  Because sometimes, when you least expect it, teenagers will change their minds.Stop laughing! You know it's true!College preparation makes a lot of sense...

Great stories in the news, providing tips on "How to Have Happy Teens." How to Have Happy Teens Study: Homeschoolers Happier, Better-Adjusted in CollegeThe authors also report that "they [homeschoolers] have achieved greater academic success and...rate their college experience more positively" than traditionally-schooled counterparts. In a telephone interview, Cohen said the study results reflect that homeschoolers' support structure - such as family relationships - is stronger and more defined.Read Heartlander Kids Who Sleep More Cope BetterI...

When faced with courses such as math or spelling, most homeschool parents feel pretty confident in their grading methods.  But what about those more challenging courses, like fine arts, or even creative writing--how do you grade those things?  If you were teaching culinary arts, think about a yummy piece of chocolate dessert, and how you would grade something like that! Of course, grades definitely have their place, but an equally useful method of evaluating your child’s...

I love hearing back from parents with graduates!  I love hearing about her successes with the National Merit Finalist, college admission, and full scholarships.  Here is what Andrea wrote: I have learned so much over these past couple of years and appreciate so much the help your Gold Care Club has been. My oldest son, Adam, just graduated and is going to be attending Auburn University this fall with scholarships that will more than equal a...