Homeschooling high school questions about going from 8th grade level to 12th level in 3 years??

Question

First of all, I am homeschooled and currently at a 7th or 8th grade level and would like to be at a 12th level in 3 years or less...

1. How long do you think it would take to get from pre algebra to pre-calculus without rushing through too much?

2. What science (book?) would be good for a person on a 7th or 8th grade level?

3. What subjects should I be working on for high school?

4.What to work for: G.E.D. or diploma?

Answer 1

So much depends on who you are and how you learn. My son did algebra in three months, so technically he *could* get through precalc in less than two years.

I've heard apologia is good, but I prefer college texts.

subjects for high school depend on what your goal in life is. If you are looking at college, most universities would require math, science, english, history, two years foreign language, and some volunteer work.

Diploma

Answer 2

It depends on what you like in a textbook. I prefered Math-U-See. My bro liked Saxon, and my Sis liked Video Text. It totally depends on what you like. We all liked Jay Wile's science books, too.

Answer 3

At my school, Pre-Algebra is the easiest course for seventh graders and eighth graders don't even have Pre-Algebra as a choice. Pre-Calculus is the highest course for ninth graders, and most people get into Pre-Calculus by eleventh grade.

We use the book "Focus on Life Science" is used for the seventh grade curriculum and the book "Focus on Physical Science" is for the eight grade curriculum. Both books are published by Prentice-Hall Inc. and the ones that we use at school are the California Edition ones.

As for the other two, I wouldn't be able to answer them since I'm only in eight grade. xD

BTW, I go to Joaquin Miller Middle School in San Jose, CA.

Answer 4

1 depends on you.  Algebra, alone, can do you in.  You have to master factoring and simplifcation.  It is vital for geometry, trig and calculus.

2. Don't know any book per se, but you need to cover Astronomy, Metorology, rudimentary biology

Higher levels include Lab Biology 1 and 2 and either Math Chemistry or Physics, which require Alegbra and trig and some pre-calc

3.  English grammar and comp (including styles like APA and Chicago or Harvard), History, Poly Sci (Civics), advanced sciences, maths, arts

4.  GED is eqivalent to HS Dipl, but few homeschool programs give a good HS Dipl.

Many just give you one you could have made yourself in Power Point

The true test is can you place a college Math and English test and how well did you do on the SAT/ACT test.

Answer 5

1. It is a four book cycle in Saxon: Pre-algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, and Advanced Mathematics (pre-calculus). The geometry is integrated in to the books, so you will not need to have a semester set aside for geometry. That will give you plenty of time.

We do math year-round. As soon as one book is ended another is begun. You don't forget much without that summer's break. Often the first 20 to 40 lessons feel too easy and can be skipped. Just take each weeks exam and keep going until you get a score less than 94%. to show you where you need to pick up in the new book.

My son is in 8th now and is a bit more than half way through Algrbra I and will begin Agebra 2 about March. If all goes according to expectations, he will be done with algebra II by the begining of September. He will not likely move so fast through the Advanced Mathematics book though. My oldest son took 1.5 yrs to finish that one. Hard!

2. Science. Go ahead and start high school biology. You won't yet need much math at this science level, so your math skills will have a chance to be in place by the time you hit chemistry and physics which both use a lot of math.

3. The math and science are pretty well discussed, so round out the humanities with literature, writing, and some history. Don't forget to fit in elective that you enjoy enough that they recharge your batteries, not drain them.

4. The GED comes with a stigma of 'dropout'. Definitely go for a diploma.

Answer 6

1. Depends on your personal abilities and how much time you spend on it, how much you are able to get done. I see no reason why 5 years of math couldn't be done in 4 if you are reasonably good at math. Even if you aren't, if you are determined, you could decide to not take a summer break for math and work then.

2. Apologia is a very popular homeschooling science program.

3. The same subjects as your local schools (private or public) with some possible modifications for your personal interests--or what your parents insist that you learn. You can find this on your state's department of education site.

4. Diploma. I'm assuming you're in the states since most people in here are, which means that the chances are your parents are the ones who provide you with a diploma. You'll have to check with a homeschool group/association for your state to confirm. Although a GED is rising in status, it still carries a certain stigma with it, making it look like you dropped out of school. Make sure to keep good records of all the work you've done and a general portfolio of the subjects covered, adding in your best work. This can help with admission to college or even getting a job.