I was never the kind of kid who would skip class. No, in high school I was a superstar: diligent, focused, and driven. Now I look back and I wonder exactly what I was driving towards so intensely. While it’s unlikely that I would have come up out of my focused state to look around, smell the flowers, and consider other options and opportunities, I can promote that saner alternative to those who are students now.
High school can be a pressure cooker, but why? There are many skills to be learned in the great, wide world. Taking some time to learn a practical skill as an apprentice, starting your own business or nonprofit, honing your sport or artistic skills, or simply stopping, dabbling, and thinking are all good reasons to make some more time in your life. High school is a busy time, but it is also a time when you’re supposed to be seeking out directions for your life. You can’t do this without time to explore your interests and reflect on what makes you excited.
In our area, one high school has been offering students the opportunity to go to high school part time for many years now. Students must be enrolled in a high performance sport, play an instrument, or have other deep interests that requires a lot of time.
Other high schools are catching on too, though. Recently I learned that with the help of guidance counselors, it’s possible for schooled high school students to arrange for a schedule that ends shortly after lunch, giving them time to pursue other interests, such as sport, music, volunteerism, a job, or simply reflecting on the meaning of life.
If your child takes online classes as part of a homelearning program, it may also be possible to attend these courses part time to facilitate other life-based learning.
What do you think? If your homeschooler wanted to go to high school, would you agree to part time school?
Image courtesy of hvaldez at Stock Exchange.