Let’s face it, picking a high school curriculum for your homeschooler can feel like a big deal.... and it is.

These years are all about helping your teen grow, prep for the future, and discover who they really are.

The good news?

You don’t have to get it “perfect” on the first try. With a bit of planning and flexibility, you can create a learning experience that fits your teen’s needs like a glove. In this article, we will cover all the things you need to think about when choosing a curriculum for a homeschooled high schooler.

Every teen has their own unique way of learning. What works for one kid might make another want to take the world’s longest nap. So, before diving into curriculum options, think about how your teen learns best:

• Visual Learners: They love pictures, diagrams, and anything they can see. Curricula with videos, charts, and interactive tools will keep them engaged.

• Auditory Learners: These teens soak up information through sound—lectures, podcasts, or even a great discussion. Look for programs with plenty of audio components or opportunities to talk things out. Youtube is great for this.

• Kinesthetic Learners: Hands-on is the way to go here. They thrive with experiments, projects, and anything they can do.

• Read/Write Learners: These teens live for textbooks, essays, and taking notes. They’ll shine with curricula that let them read and write their way through the material.

Not sure what your teens learning style is?

We recommend popping over to Learning Style Quiz and having your teen take their 5-minute test. This will help you understand what type of curriculum is going to be best.

Your teen is 1/2 of the homeschool equation. You are the other. Your teaching style matters just as much as your teen’s learning style. Be honest about how much time and energy you can put into teaching and how much input they want from you. Some kids are self-starters and need nothing more than a schedule to follow. Others need a little more parent input. Here's the most common teaching styles. Which one are you?

• Parent-Led: If you love being hands-on, look for a curriculum where you’re actively involved—teaching lessons, grading work, and guiding your teen through their day.

• Independent Learning: Busy schedule? Self-motivated teen? Go for a curriculum that lets them work independently with online resources, videos, or books.

• Hybrid: Not sure which approach works best? Some programs let you mix it up, balancing independent learning with parent involvement when needed.

The best curriculum is going to fit both you and your teens needs. If it doesn't match, homeschooling during high school can be more trouble than its worth.

When picking a high school curriculum, keep one big question in mind

What’s next?

Whether your teen is dreaming of going to college, heading to trade school, or starting a career, their curriculum you choose needs to meet the requirements for that next step. Here’s how to make sure you’re on the right track:

• Core Subjects: Colleges like to see a strong academic foundation—think four years of English, three to four years of math (including Algebra II or higher), and a solid mix of science, history, and foreign language.

• Advanced Coursework: If your teen wants to stand out, consider programs that offer AP, Honors, or Dual Enrollment courses. These can boost their transcript and even earn college credit.

• Test Prep: Many colleges still require standardized test scores, so look for curricula that include prep for the SAT or ACT. This will help your teen feel confident when test day rolls around.

• Accreditation: Some colleges prefer transcripts from accredited programs. While not always required, it’s a good idea to check the admissions requirements of schools your teen is interested in.

A strong college-focused curriculum ensures your teen has all the prerequisites they need to apply to their dream schools.

• Vocational and Technical Skills: Look for programs that include courses or certifications in areas like automotive repair, culinary arts, healthcare, or technology—whatever aligns with their interests.

• Life Skills: From financial literacy to time management, skills like these will help your teen succeed in both work and life.

• Electives with Purpose: Many trade schools value applicants who already have some experience in their field of interest. Electives in areas like woodworking, coding, or graphic design could give your teen a head start.

Trade school programs often have fewer academic prerequisites than colleges, but it’s still a good idea to check what’s required for the schools or industries your teen is considering. Want to know more about the trade school path, check out A high-schoolers guide to trade school.

Choosing between a pre-packaged homeschool curriculum and a DIY approach is like deciding between ordering takeout or cooking from scratch.

Both options can be great, but it depends on what you are in the mood for and what's going to work best for learning style, teaching style, and after-high school goals. We are going to do our best to break down this thought process for you so you can apply the other sections you've already read to the right homeschool curriculum plan for you.

Think of pre-packaged curricula as your homeschooling meal kit. Everything’s usually prepped and ready to go. They usually include lesson plans, materials, assignments, and assessments. All you have to do is follow the instructions. Pretty great for a more hands off approach.

Why you'll love pre-packaged homeschool curriculum:

1. Super Easy to Use: It’s all laid out for you, so you’re not stuck wondering, “What do we do today?” You just open the book (or log in) and get started.
2. Covers All the Bases: Most pre-packaged programs are designed to meet state or national standards, which is great if your teen’s college-bound or needs a solid high school transcript.
3. Stress-Free Setup: Everything is bundled together, so you’re not piecing together resources or lesson plans. Some programs even include test prep or electives, so it’s a one-stop shop.

When it's a good fit:

1. You like structure and simplicity.
2. Your teen does well with a traditional, school-like setup.
3. You don’t have the time (or patience) to plan everything from scratch.

The not so great of pre-packaged curriculum:

1. Less Flexibility: Pre-packaged programs are designed for the “average” student, so they might not be a perfect match for your teen’s unique learning style or pace.
2. Pricey: All that convenience can cost more, so it’s worth comparing prices and seeing what fits your budget.
3. Rigid Schedule: If your teen wants to spend extra time on a subject they love (or speed through one they already know), it can be harder to adjust.

DIY is all about creating a curriculum that’s as unique as your teen. You get to mix and match resources. Find the textbooks, workbooks, online courses, YouTube videos, hands-on projects or anything else that sounds like a good fit. It’s basically homeschooling à la carte.

Why you'll love the DIY homeschool curriculum route

1. Completely Customizable: Your teen loves marine biology? Add it. They hate traditional textbooks? Skip ’em. You’re in charge, so you can design their learning experience around their interests and strengths.
2. Freedom to Pivot: If something’s not working, you can swap it out. If your teen discovers a new passion mid-year, you can dive right in.
3. Budget-Friendly: DIY doesn’t have to break the bank. You can find free online resources, borrow books from the library, or create your own lesson plans.

When it's a good fit:

1. Your teen has a unique learning style or specific interests that don’t fit into a cookie-cutter program.
2. You enjoy planning and want to be hands-on in customizing their education.
3. You’re looking for creative, non-traditional ways to learn (hello, field trips and internships!).

The not so great of DIY curriculum:

1. It’s More Work: DIY means you’re the teacher and the curriculum planner. It takes time to research, plan, and organize everything.
2. No Pre-Built Support: You’ll need to track progress and assessments yourself, which can feel like a lot if you’re juggling other responsibilities.
3. Harder to align with next-step prerequisites: Many pre-packaged options are built with next-steps in mind. You're on your own with the DIY route.

Here’s a little secret: you don’t have to pick just one! Many families take a hybrid approach:

Use a pre-packaged program for core subjects like math and science but choose DIY for electives, special interests, or hands-on projects. On top of that, add in real-world experiences like internships, volunteer work, the family business, or field trips. This is a perfect blend of making sure the core subjects are on point and your teen is set up for future success, but keeping it flexible enough to make adjustments in other areas.

Online homeschooling options are newer but also available. They are a bit more traditional, but still offer more flexibility and support than you'll find in most public or private schools. If your a busy parent read our article about homeschooling with a 9-5.

If there’s one thing that sets homeschooling apart from traditional education, it’s flexibility.

Homeschooling isn’t about cramming your teen into a one-size-fits-all school system or sending them to an overpriced private school that claims they "do things differently". Instead homeschool is all about tailoring education to fit your family's unique needs, interests, and goals.

Flexibility isn’t just a perk when it comes to education, it’s a game-changer. Here’s why:

Learning at your own pace

Every teen learns differently. Some breeze through algebra like it’s no big deal, while others need extra time to master the basics. Homeschooling gives you the freedom to adjust the pace based on your teen’s needs.

Customized learning experience

Homeschooling doesn’t have to be limited to textbooks and worksheets. With flexibility, you can build an education that’s as unique as your teen. Have a teen that loves art? Make art the focus. Have a teen that really likes science? Make the experience more science oriented.

To be honest, homeschool is the best private school your kid will ever attend if you set it up that way.

Adapts to curveballs

Life happens. Family emergencies pop up, last-minute vacation opportunities happen. Sometimes your teen just decides they don't like a subject anymore. No matter what happens, homeschool can be adjusted. It allows you to roll with the punches in the moment.

More time for real-world learning

Homeschooling isn’t limited to the four walls of a classroom. Flexibility means you can incorporate real-world experiences into your teen’s education.