Can my 14 year old daughter homeschool herself?

Question

she claims that she is capable to be homeschooled, even created a slide show for me and my husband. She had it all planned and explain that she would even pay for the books if neccisary. She does have some stress and anxiety issues and this may be the answer but i dont know if i want her to be home by herself durning the day. I guess there is virtual homeschooling where i can still go to work while she stays home, is that possible.

Answer 1

There are many online middle and high schools where students are able to take classes from the comfort of their home and interact with a teacher and other students over the Internet.

If she is stressed and anxious about going to school it is something to consider, or maybe she could just take the classes not offered online at her school and spend the rest of the day at home taking the online classes.

Answer 2

That depends entirely on your daughter.

Homeschooling requires a lot of self-teaching anyway, and as long as she's serious about it she could probably do it herself. Obviously she would need curriculum to follow, but as long as she's responsible and dedicated... You know your daughter, we don't, so really only you can know if she's capable at such a young age. Homeschooling isn't for everybody, but I wouldn't automatically say age matters. Whether she's 14 or 17 or 18, it all depends on her personality and level of discipline.

Answer 3

Check with the laws of your state on what is required in homeschooling.

We started homeschooling when my son was in the 8th grade.  My husband's reason was because of the behavior he saw in students where he worked.  My reason was because our son was not learning in school.

We homeschool without a boxed curriculum or an online program.  We use used text books, library resources and free online resources.   It takes more time for me but saves money.  

My son is a relunctant learner but he is learning.   We have tried to make learning as painless as possible  and he is learning.   Our first year of homeschooling was spent convincing him that he is not stupid and that  reading is not punishment.

I said that to say that it sounds as if your daughter will thrive in learning by herself.   She wants to learn.  She reads and understands what she is reading.

  That is all that is needed when you have a computer with internet access.

Answer 4

She is still a minor and requires your guidance.  Most 14 year olds think they can do it all... so your daughter has good company, just a little faulty thinking.  If you are determined to homeschool her, you will need to establish the rules and procedures.  You will decide which books are appropriate; however, your daughter will be more enthusiastic if she has a voice in the materials being selected.  I would request a copy of the curriculum from your local public school (be prepared to pay a small fee for printing in some districts) and use that as your guide.  Just get the curriculum for her particular grade level... that way you know that she'll be studying what most students her age are studying.  If she truly is a go-getter and self-starter, this program could work well for everyone.  But if she's even thinking of cutting corners, taking shortcuts, or skipping certain subjects altogether, it's not going to be a good education... it's going to be a mess.  You might find some free and helpful suggestions from www.alternativeeducationbible.com that comes from submissions by teachers throughout the country.

Answer 5

Yes, indeed it is.

My 12 year old does an enormous amount of self-directed learning.

Get yourself a copy of this book: http://www.educationrevolution.org/teenl...

Share it with your teen.  It will give her much information on self-directed learning.

Above all, support your daughter in her journey.

All the best.

Answer 6

A 14 yo is absolutely incapable of teaching herself. I'm not a fan of homeschooling generally, but I admit some qualified parents might be capable of doing a good job.

But she cannot be by herself. Even if she is a good girl, she will not have the self-discipline to do this. And it isn't possible for her to teach herself complex topic. She needs someone trained to explain literature, science foreign languages.

This kind of thing may not even be legal.

You say she has stress issues. You should be addressing that instead of exploring this terrible idea. Speak to a guidance counselor and perhaps get a reference to a psychologist.

Answer 7

There are actually many kids that do this and if she's feeling anxiety and stress, then homeschooling is probably the way to go. She'll probably do poorly in school if she's not comfortable. Homeschooling might be good for her, home schooled students usually learn more than kids in public schools. It's great for students because they can work at their own pace.

Answer 8

http://www.k12.com/schooling_programs/k1...

Here's a good online program that's free. They should be able to give you more information about requirements for your state. She sounds like a great girl! I would give her  a chance. Take her to work with you or arrange for her to be with a family member or surrogate grandma. We have a friend (teen) that spends a couple days with a mom with young kids just so she doesn't get lonely.

Best of Luck,

Jana

http://www.summerhouseliving.com

http://www.purehomeschooling.com

Answer 9

She can definitely do it.  Here's the story of a single dad who homeschooled 5 kids by basically giving them a list of books to read and made sure they worked a challenging math curriculum every day.  

http://www.everygoodpath.net/RobinsonCur...

Here's a list of 800+ of the greatest books ever written.  Have her read from these, according to her reading level and interest - http://www.everygoodbook.com/search

Sounds like she's very self-motivated. That is 80% of the issue.  Give her a little oversight and encouragement and you'll be amazed at what she'll do!

Answer 10

I'm 16 and started homeschooling when I was 15, I've made it along fine by myself the whole way, maintaining an A average. Alot of the online schools offer online assistance or by phone, so she'd have all the help she needs. I suggest to have a tutor come by once or twice if she has a problem in a subject, but other than that, it's completely possible for her to do, *if she's truly serious about it*.

I had problems & anxiety issues when I was in my 11th year of school and the head shrink *lol* suggested that I do homeschooling instead so I could focus more. Now I'm finished my homeschooling and coincidentally am going to University next fall to become a psychologist!

As for a online school, I'd recommend Penn Foster.

I wish your daughter some luck! Don't under estimate her if she's serious ;)