Not sure about homeschool since you work outside the home?

Homeschooling in high school requires a little more attention from parents than traditional school, and when both parents work outside of the home, it may look impossible.

But I'm here to tell you, that couldn't be further from the truth.

With careful planning, the right resources, and a can-do attitude, homeschooling is very possible for parent who work.

Let's dive into how to make this happen.

One of the absolute best things about homeschool, in addition to the others covered in our newbie guide, is the ability to schedule the when and where. It's completely flexible.

Unlike that rigid 8-to-3 schedule most schools follow, you can design a routine that works for your family and schedule.

That’s a game-changer!

Like most of working America, you are out of the house during the day. No biggie. Some families start in the morning and finish later in the day, some kids are self-starters and knock out homeschool while parents are at work, and others just wait until the evening. And weekends? Totally fair game for homeschooling, too.

Another cool option is block scheduling—it’s like batching your time. Instead of juggling all the subjects every day, you focus on just a couple for longer chunks of time. Think “Math Mondays” or “Science Saturdays.” It’s a great way to go deep without feeling rushed.

Oh, and let’s talk about year-round homeschooling for a sec. I know what you are thinking... he or she will never go for this, but hear us out. because this one’s a lifesaver and can help avoid burnout.

It works like this...

sprinkle in breaks whenever you need or want them. Whether it’s a family vacation, a mental health day, or just a random Tuesday off because… why not?

The beauty of homeschooling is that it bends to fit your life—not the other way around. So go ahead and embrace the flexibility.

You don’t have to be your teen’s full-time teacher to make homeschooling work. As a working parent, you probably have enough on your plate already but you want the best for your kid. We get it.

The beauty of homeschooling during high school is that your teen can take the reins on their education. There are some really great online options to help with this.

Platforms like Khan Academy, Outschool, Time4Learning, and Florida Virtual School (FLVS), to name a few, offer self-paced, structured courses that pretty much run themselves. We’re talking detailed lesson plans, video lectures, and even auto-graded assignments.

This makes it 100% possible for your teen to work independently while you focus on, well, everything else you have going on.

These online homeschool programs are designed to guide your teen step by step, so you don’t have to hover over their shoulder or explain algebra equations you haven’t looked at since high school (thank goodness, right?).

Many of the homeschooling programs are made with independence in mind. They include everything your teen needs to stay on track...daily lesson instructions, quizzes, project guidelines, etc.

All that's required of you is to check in every now and again to see how things are progressing.

So, if you’re the super busy parent (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), lean on these online resources.

Sometimes your teen needs more support than what you can give (and that’s okay!).

Mastering calculus? diving into a foreign language? or tackling tricky science concepts? If you are like many of us, you probably forgot that stuff years ago. Luckily, there are options!

Websites like Varsity Tutors make it super easy to connect with experts in just about any subject. Whether your teen needs weekly sessions or just a quick refresher before finals, there’s a tutor out there ready to jump in.

Another option is online teacher-led courses. Platforms like Outschool and Coursera offer classes taught by experienced instructors. These are perfect if your teen thrives with a more traditional teacher-student dynamic but still needs the flexibility of homeschooling.

And if you’ve got a network of other homeschooling families, you can always team up and share the load.

Maybe you’re great at teaching history, but your neighbor is a whiz at biology. Swapping teaching responsibilities not only lightens your workload but also gives your teen access to other teaching styles and perspectives.

The bottom line? You’re not on your own. Whether it’s tutors, online classes, or a little help from fellow homeschoolers, there are plenty of ways to make sure your teen gets the support they need to crush those tough subjects.

Homeschooling while both parents work is no small feat. But here’s the thing: it’s all about setting realistic expectations for everyone involved. You’re not just the parent anymore—you’re the coach, the guide, and sometimes the cheerleader. And your teen? They’re the MVP of their own education.

Start by having an honest conversation with your teen about what homeschooling is going to look like. Make it clear to them that they are past the age of micromanagement. They’re old enough to take ownership of their learning but you set the ground-rules and the expectations.

Here’s How to Make It Work:

1. Set a daily routine: Even if your work hours are packed, structure is key. Maybe you review assignments during breakfast or after dinner—it doesn’t have to be complicated. A consistent check-in time helps everyone stay on track.
2. Use tech to stay connected: They should be able to communicate with you through the day if they have questions. Even something as simple as texting can work. Tell them to text you if they have any issues so you can get them back on track.
3. Provide feedback (without hovering): Instead of hovering all day, have them complete their work, put it in a bin for review, and take it the next morning to see your remarks.
4. Check in mid-day if needed: If your schedule allows, a quick text or call during lunch can be a great way to touch base. It doesn’t have to be long—just enough to make sure they’re on track and feeling confident. Remember, by mid-day they should be finishing up.

By setting clear expectations upfront, you’re giving your teen the tools to succeed while also balancing your own responsibilities. It’s all about teamwork—and with the right plan in place, you’ll both crush it.

So to close this out, ask yourself, is homeschooling the right fit for your family?

Remember, it’s not about doing it perfectly, it’s about finding what works for your lifestyle.

If you’re juggling work and life, homeschooling can still be an amazing option, especially with the flexibility it offers. Create a schedule that fits your lifestyle, lean on online resources to lighten your load, and set realistic expectations to empower your teen to take charge of their education.

Homeschooling isn’t just about academics. it’s about teaching your teen independence, accountability, and how to kick-butt in the real world. If that sounds like something your family could benefit from, then homeschooling might just be the perfect choice.