Advice for college age and high school home schooler?

[collegehomeschoolmom]

Son #2

So, your dual enrollment situation is kinda typical. It's not free (that I can find) but it is "open" to youth still in high school, which many CC's don't do, that there's that. No, you wouldn't enroll him in the public school- you'd be the principal/school authority. Since you downloaded my book you know I love dual enrollment for a number of reasons, but I also love simply homeschooling while including options for credit. My opinion for an adult is different than that for a child, so take this with a grain of salt, but I don't see testing out and accelerating through a degree as a teen as something I get behind in all circumstances. You have to weigh the options carefully.
For instance, if your child wants to focus on music performance, testing out means he's missing out on the aspects of performance that he might get being part of a college band, orchestra, or ensemble. If he's more of a hard rock band type, then getting through the degree as quickly and cheaply as possible so that he can get on the road makes a lot of sense. In another situation, he may want to enlist in the armed forces and play music. Coming in with a degree provides a TON of benefits, so quickly testing out while in high school is a great idea.... on the other hand, if paying for CLEP exams is a financial burden, or he isn't interested in ever becoming an officer, then there is no hurry because enlisted personnel have free CLEP/DSST exams while they are active duty and get educational benefits after their service. Finally, if he has his sights on starting a business (or has already started) then just "checking the box" and earning his degree quickly so he can get out and start working/scaling/networking might be perfect. If it's just an idea and he needs a little help, then using the benefits that come from networking and all of the business connections he'll make in school (even at the CC) will be soooo helpful in developing his business acumen and confidence.

Testing out, in my opinion, best servs mid-career adults who have already figured out what's holding them back in their career (usually, just lack of degree) while a teen still doesn't usually have the "other" skills like writing, communicating, interacting, work experience, and foresight to know if its the best option. Again, that's not everyone, and that's just my opinion. Dozens here would disagree.

So, if this were my son, I'd do school as usual. I'd build in 1-2 exam options per semester (see Building Good Curriculum chapter 5) that are there as options if the class does really well, but the emphasis is still on providing an excellent high school education. *my own children sometimes go through my carefully constructed curriculum and then I don't have them test if I don't think they're up to it; Happened twice last year! That's okay, remember, even 1 college credit earned puts him AHEAD. When it's not about the credit, you can keep it real, and let his interests guide some of the college planning -which may change a time or two, which is normal and healthy.

Hope that helps!

Yes, you're right in everything you said. I might add that he is one of those teens that would like to start his own business in the music industry. I did utilize some Saylor courses for his curriculum, but he did not take any credit exams. He would be very happy if he took one exam and received credit for it. So would I! Like my other son, he could benefit from the overall college experience. I do want him to enjoy homeschool and not feel like he has to rush things. At least I know he has the option to earn college credits and decide what school he wants to attend. I will reference the Building Good Curriculum from your book. I am thinking that we can agree for him to CLEP at least one course. No pressure, just a trial.

Thanks again for your wealth of information and advice. I will keep everyone posted!