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Why Homeschool Middle School?

Sage Advice Middle School

Monday, 28 April 2025

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Middle school is your training ground. For parents, these years serve two main purposes.

First, it's a time to learn about and prepare for high school—taking classes and reading books that will prepare you for the task ahead. Just like test-driving a car before buying it you get to experience what works for your family without the pressure of a permanent decision, and like reading What to Expect When You're Expecting, this learning process should be both fun and educational. Second, it's your chance to practice high school record-keeping skills. Colleges mainly focus on high school level education, which they learn about from the records you provide them with. So, practicing your record-keeping now helps you avoid mistakes when it matters in high school.

These two things go hand in hand to build your confidence as a homeschool teacher. Since there are no official transcripts required yet, you have room to experiment, learn, make mistakes, and adjust your approach without long-term consequences. Middle school is the perfect "practice" for high school, so take advantage of it!

For children, middle school also serves a few main purposes. These few years are set aside for remedial work, so if your child needs extra help in math or writing, this is the time to do it. You can't be "behind", because the whole point of 7th and 8th grade is to get those skills up to grade level. At the same time, middle school allows kids to take high school level classes in any area where they are ready. If they're ready for Algebra 1 or French 1, they can take those classes (and you can put them on the high school transcript!) even if they're doing remedial work in other subjects.

These high school level classes can be noted as Early High School Credits on the transcript and added once your student begins high school—just be consistent in how you track and label them.

Academic and Personal Growth

Besides the remedial and advanced work, this is also a great time to let your child explore electives or personal interests—like coding, art, writing, music, or even small business ideas. Middle school is a buffet where your child can sample different subjects without committing to a full course. These experiences can help shape future coursework and give them a sense of purpose and excitement about learning (not to mention they look GREAT on a transcript!). Along with academic interests, help them develop habits like organizing assignments, managing time, and setting personal goals, all without the pressure of high school GPA. These skills are like muscles that need regular exercise to grow strong—middle school provides the perfect gym for this training.

So, you see, it's not possible to be "behind" or "ahead" in middle school, because the goal is to serve both needs

Now that you understand there's not really a "right way" to homeschool middle school, there are just a few pitfalls you need to avoid. I promise I'm not adding to your to-do list OR your list of worries! These should actually make things easier for you. Here are some ideas of what NOT to do:

Don't try to do 4 years of high school before freshman year. You have 4 whole years of high school to do high school! Work ahead only when your student is ready, and the extra work won't burn them out.
Don't try to write course descriptions for classes you haven't begun yet. Practicing writing course descriptions is one thing, but don't write a description for Algebra 1 if your child isn't there yet. You'll likely end up having to redo your work later because things will change (you're not a mind reader, after all!).
Don't think you have to change everything to homeschool high school. Likely your homeschool methods and schedules are already working for you. Don't scrap the things that work as the high school jitters kick in. Hold on to what works for your family.
Don't make your children take tests for high school when they're in middle school. Just like point 1, they have plenty of time for high school tests in high school. Building their math, reading, and responsibility will be enough to prep them for the big tests in high school.
Don't expect your children to demonstrate "senior" behavior the first day of freshman year. The difference between a freshman and a senior is the same difference between a one-month-old and a one-year-old. Doesn't even look like the same child! The maturity and responsibility will come.

Even though our children aren't perfect, our families aren't perfect, and our homes aren't perfect - even with all these imperfections - homeschooling can still be a gift. If you are struggling to find the joy or overcome the anxiety of homeschooling (especially with high school looming!) I have the perfect devotional for you. Finding the Faith to Homeschool High School was written by Lee Binz, the founder of The HomeScholar. She comes alongside you with short, practical encouragement to help you find the faith to homeschool, and remember what a gift it is. Take a peek at this book excerpt and see why other moms are encouraged by Lee and Finding the Faith!

Just take it one step at a time. You'll do great!

Anyone who has successfully gotten through middle school and made it to high school, what are your tips? Let's share and encourage the moms coming up behind us!