This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Finding the Right College Fit with Shellee Howard.

 If you have a homeschool high schooler who is starting to think about college, you will find this interview with Shellee Howard to be a help. She is a subject-matter expert on the college search process, and she has created the College Ready Plan to help teens. 

She loves working with homeschool families. One of her team members, Miss Christine, is a certified college consultant who homeschooled four of her own boys, so she works directly with homeschool families. In fact, Shellee started the interview by reminding listeners that she will share several resources they can grab for free to help them lay the foundation for their success!

Shellee is a mom of four, so she has lived in the “trenches with mom-ness.” When her son came home from eighth grade and told her he wanted to be a brain surgeon and go to an Ivy League school, she panicked. She did not know how to handle her son’s goals, but she did what she could: she went back to school, earned her master’s degree, and became a certified independent college strategist. Then, she started touring twenty-five colleges per semester.

With all that experience, she was able to help guide her son through his high school years. He did exactly what she recommended. He ended up applying to twelve schools, getting into eleven, received seven full-ride offers (including Harvard). That young man is now an orthopedic surgeon who is graduating from chief residency at UCLA. Plus, he is a debt-free doctor (which you don’t hear very often).

She knew she could also help other high schoolers achieve their college goals, so she started College Ready. Shellee has been helping teens for eighteen years now.

There are all kinds of  homeschool high schoolers. Some are interested in Ivy League, some who just need a degree from a local college. How do parents and teens look for the right college fit? Here are Shellee’s tips:

Sit down with your teenager and clarify:

 Ask your teen to answer the question: “Who are you?” Some may get a little squirmy, a little uncomfortable because they are not sure who they are at this young age (such as Shellee’s three youngest).

Others may know, such as Shellee’s firstborn.

Communicate with genuine curiosity. For instance, say, “So tell me why you wanna be a botanist,” rather than, “Oh, great. You’re never gonna make any money.”

Have a discussion between parents and teens about the kinds of schools that will help them accomplish their goals:

At this stage, teens need to learn to prioritize. If the most important thing to your family is that your child gets in and out of college without debt, that strategy looks very different from if the number one thing is a social fit. (Social fit: They prioritize having an incredible experience, maybe meeting the future love of their life, and developing their network of people.)

Or maybe you say, “Wait, this child is an incredible sponge. We’re looking for the academic fit. We want them to go, get as educated as they can, change the world with their brains.”

Do you see how they’re all very unique?

When you clarify these priorities, you can find the best-fit college for your teen!

Step one is to get really clear about why they’re going to college. Again, it’s that open discussion. Stay curious.

For some families, college is mandatory. There’s no discussion. You’re going to college, the end of the story.

Other families recognize that college is necessary for the teen to get the training and degree they need for the career they desire. Remember, not every college has every major. So finding a college with the major your teen desires is important.

Step two: Clarify finances

The cost of college ranges from free to completely $100,000 a year. That’s a big decision as a family.

Step three: Does your teen want a big school, a small school, East Coast, West Coast, private, public, or international college.

Now you’re ready to pick your school!

Shellee has software that can show a student what it takes to get into any school in the world:

She recommends they have reach schools, comfort schools, and safety schools.

Check out these free resources from Shellee Howard:

Shellee finished the conversation with this advice, “And parents, please don’t believe everything you see online. Our students earned over $10.2 million in scholarships last year, 80 million over the last 18 years. There’s plenty of money. Don’t let that stop you from learning how to get it done. You’ve got this.”

If you have a child whose creativity and confidence you’d love to encourage, this episode is for you! I chat with Bethany Baldwin of MAD Society Inc. about her ingenious approach to homeschool theater:

🎭 The surprising benefits of theater—even if your child isn’t a “theater kid”

🛠️ How to start a homeschool drama club with zero experience

💡 Why student-led performances can spark confidence and creativity in every child

Ready to be inspired? Watch or listen now!

❤️ Melanie Wilson

Are you looking for a new Math Curriculum?

CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Favorably reviewed in Cathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks and The Old Schoolhouse Crew Review, the lessons are short and concise to help your children break down concepts and appreciate math in a whole new way!

The lessons are taught the traditional way, not to a “test”.

Each one of the video tutorials is taught by an internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, who is renowned for teaching math concepts in a simple, easy-to-understand way (and in only a few minutes at a time). CTC Math uses a multi-sensory approach, having the combination of effective graphics and animation synchronized with the voice of a friendly teacher together with practical assessment. This three-pronged attack makes learning so much easier and more effective. Even students who struggled with math are getting fantastic results! And ones who were doing OK before are now doing brilliantly.

Visit ctcmath.com today to start your free trial.

__________________________________

Get your free lesson on making friends here:

https://funtolearnbooks.com/product/training-aliens-level-1-kit/

//WHAT TO WATCH / LISTEN TO NEXT

~ How to Start a Drama Club

~ Parent-Child Book Clubs for Homeschoolers

~ Family Entertainment for Building Relationships

~How to Teach Leadership

____________________________________

//RESOURCES

https://madsocietyinc.com

Bethany’s Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mad_society_inc/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D

Bethany’s TikTok

Bethany’s Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/people/MAD-Society-Inc/100094518963381

📸 Follow Melanie on Instagram to get regular tips and encouragement: https://instagram.com/homeschoolsanity

📚 Find sanity-saving, story-based curriculum kids love and productivity/organizational helps for you at Fun to Learn Books:

https://funtolearnbooks.com

Have a happy homeschool week!

In “Our Heritage of Freedom II,” Episode #256, Meredith Curtis takes you back in time to the early days of our nation, in fact, while we were still British colonies. She walks you through our heritage of freedom, from the Mayflower Compact to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Meredith even reads the Mayflower Compact and Declaration of Independence aloud, clarifying what it says. She challenges listeners to keep the torch of freedom burning brightly.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

We are continuing Our Heritage of Freedom. The Story of Liberty came across the ocean to America and continued as colonies were established, independence was declared, a war was won, and a new nation was formed.

The Pilgrims and Puritans got together and wrote an agreement called The Mayflower Compact. This contract gave the freemen, Stranger or Pilgrim, the right to vote for a governor and an assembly (like our mayor and city councils of today!). These elected officials would be accountable to those who voted for them. This was an historic document, the first of its kind in the New World!

Meredith reads the Mayflower Compact.

John Winthrop’s goal was to establish a “City on a Hill” by forming a colony government based on the Word of God.

The Revolutionary War began in April 1775 with the Battles of Lexington and Concord. When the fighting began, Americans were simply fighting for their rights as Englishmen. Yet a year later, that had changed. Too much had happened to alienate the colonists from the Mother Country. Now, they wanted freedom to be their own nation.

Meredith reads the Declaration of Independence.

During the Revolutionary War, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation on November 15, 1777. It took three and a half more years for the states to ratify it. The Articles of Confederation gave the government authority and responsibility, but no power to back it up. It would need to be tweaked.

The Constitution Convention, as it is now referred to, was a difficult one, to say the least. There were tons of arguments and disagreements. It was hard to find a compromise. The amazing Constitution was a gift from God with checks and balances and a blueprint for a republican form of government. Our nation is the longest existing constitutional republic in the world.

Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist.

During the Revolutionary War, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation on November 15, 1777. It took three and a half more years for the states to ratify it. The Articles of Confederation gave the government authority and responsibility, but no power to back it up. It would need to be tweaked.

Sign up for our updates and get your copy of US Living Books & Movies List (57 pages) and Sons of Liberty FREE. Sign up here.

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Hey kids! Have you ever wondered about time capsules? What about a just for kids time capsule? Time Capsules are treasure boxes filled with pieces of today that you can open years from now. Imagine digging up a box from the past and seeing what life was like for someone just like you! In this fun Just For Kids episode of Vintage Homeschool Moms, we’ll explore what a time capsule is and get your ideas flowing for one you can make at home.

Just For Kids– Fun Faith-Filled Memory Activity for Kids

A time capsule is a special container you fill with items, notes, drawings, or small treasures that capture a moment in your life. You seal it up and place it somewhere you won’t be tempted to look at it! Give it to your parents or place it somewhere that is out of reach. It would be fun to bury it in the backyard or somewhere that is clearly marked (with permission!). When you open it later, those things become memories that tell a story about who you were, what you loved, and what was happening in your world.

Think about stories you’ve read or shows you’ve watched where explorers find old coins, letters, or toys from long ago. Those discoveries spark excitement and help us learn about the people who came before us. Your own time capsule can do the same thing for your future self or even your children one day!

Sponsored by CTCMath.com

Do you ever think, “I’m sure to remember this!” and then forget? That happens to all of us. We have a great day at an event like a county fair or a birthday party. Think about one thing you ate or something you purchased or won? Maybe you are part of a band or play sports. Did you get a ribbon or special honor? One time, my children played baseball (and my daughter played softball). When they received the “King’s Award,” it showed godly character and good sportsmanship. They knew I thought that was the best award, even better than getting “Most Valuable Player.” (Of course, a mom would think that is the best!)

What is important to you? What hobbies do you have? What is a favorite book or book series that you read? A homeschool time capsule helps preserve these special moments and reminds us of God’s blessings in our daily lives.

You can put almost anything in your time capsule—as long as it’s safe and won’t spoil. Here are some original ideas to spark your creativity:

What would you put in? My recommendation is to use something waterproof or place it in a waterproof container if you are storing it outside. Something like a plastic container with a tight lid, or even a giant mason jar. Decorate the outside to make it look special. Write the date on it and when you plan to open it—maybe in five years, ten years, or when you turn eighteen!

Scripture to Remember “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” (Matthew 6:19-20).

I hope your time capsule reminds you of what is important to you and how our lives are always changing. What is important today isn’t always important in the future, and a time capsule is a snapshot of time that demonstrates this to us in a real way.

Listen to the full episode for even more ideas, questions to ask each other, and ways to make this a meaningful family project.

Recommended Resources from Media Angels Store

It’s almost summer and water safety is a big concern. Peter walked on water when Jesus called him (Matthew 14) but most of us don’t have that direct command! We share some thoughts about how we train our kids to be safe around the lake, pool, or beach – even if you can’t afford a country-club swim instructor. It’s important!

Podcast: Making Biblical Family Life Practical with Hal & Melanie Young
Episode Title: When You Can’t Walk on Water: Practical Water Safety for Homeschool Families
Hosts: Hal Young and Melanie Young

Sponsored by CTCMath.com

Water safety isn’t just a summer concern—it’s a life skill every family should prioritize. In this practical and encouraging episode, Hal and Melanie Young discuss how parents can teach children to enjoy the water safely while building confidence, responsibility, and common sense.

Using the biblical account of Peter walking on water as a starting point, they remind listeners that while faith is essential, God also calls us to use wisdom. Whether your family spends time at the beach, lake, river, water park, or neighborhood pool, this episode offers practical guidance for helping children become safe and capable around water.

Many families assume accidents happen only to inexperienced children, but water emergencies can affect anyone. Hal and Melanie share stories of adults who nearly drowned because they never learned basic swimming skills and discuss why swimming should be viewed as an essential life skill, not just a recreational activity.

Every family member should learn how to swim, float, and remain calm in the water.

The Young family emphasizes introducing children to water gradually and positively. They encourage parents to:

They also note that supportive instruction can make a significant difference in how children learn and overcome fear.

Before children are allowed around water without a life jacket, the Young family requires them to pass a swim test designed around real-life safety situations. Their standards include:

The goal isn’t competitive swimming—it’s ensuring a child can stay safe if they unexpectedly fall into the water.

One family rule remains consistent regardless of swimming ability:

Anyone in a boat wears a life jacket.

Even strong swimmers can become injured, exhausted, disoriented, or unconscious after an accident. Wearing a life jacket provides a critical layer of protection.

As children become stronger swimmers, parents often face a new challenge: managing their growing sense of adventure.

The Young family encourages activities such as:

However, every adventure includes planning, preparation, and safety measures such as:

Their philosophy is simple: encourage courage without ignoring prudence.

One of the most important topics discussed is the danger of delayed water-related breathing problems, often referred to as “dry drowning” or secondary drowning.

Parents should watch for symptoms such as:

These symptoms may appear after a child has inhaled water and should be evaluated by a medical professional immediately.

Many people expect drowning to look dramatic, but the reality is often very different.

According to the discussion, drowning is frequently:

A person who is actively drowning often cannot:

Instead, they may appear motionless, with their mouth barely above the water while instinctively trying to breathe. Parents and caregivers should learn these warning signs so they can respond quickly.

Consider implementing these simple family guidelines:

Swimming is a life skill that can help prevent drowning and increase confidence around water. It prepares children for situations they may encounter throughout life.

Seek help from community pools, churches, friends, local instructors, or YMCA programs. Learning together as a family can be a valuable experience.

Yes. Accidents can happen to even experienced swimmers, especially when boating or participating in water sports.

Learning to stay calm, float, and tread water can save lives in emergency situations.

Water can provide some of a family’s most memorable adventures, but those experiences should always be paired with wisdom and preparation. By teaching children to respect the water, develop strong swimming skills, and practice safe habits, parents can help their families enjoy the fun while minimizing unnecessary risks.

As Hal and Melanie remind listeners, the goal isn’t to avoid adventure—it’s to equip children to pursue it safely and responsibly.

In this episode, Meryl interviews sixth-grader Penny Laine Buschle about her experience using Boddle Learning, a free game-based learning platform for students in Kindergarten through sixth grade.

Rather than reviewing the platform only from an adult perspective, Meryl invited Penny Laine to spend time actually playing and learning inside Boddle so listeners could hear directly from a student using it.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Topics Penny Lane explored included:

Meryl also shares details about:

If you use any of these ideas, come join the conversation in the Homeschooling with Technology Community on Facebook and let us know which ones your family enjoyed most!

Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any episodes!

This week on the Homeschool Highschool Podcast: How Many Credits Do You Need Each Year- Replay?

If you have been wondering about how many credits your teens need to graduate, you are in the right place! What does it look like each year? Let’s talk about how many credits you need each year for homeschool graduation requirements and make it a bit more practical to understand and follow!

Do you know how many credits your teens need to graduate each year? If not, it’s quite alright as we all know how confusing it can be to figure out the yearly breakdown, especially when we often focus on the overall number of credits needed for graduation. So let’s make it practical and dive into the details!

First things first, it’s important to meet the minimum credit requirements set by your state. Each state has its own set of credit requirements for high school graduation. While some homeschoolers choose not to follow state requirements, most of us do. 

If you are unsure about your state’s requirements, you can check your state department of Education or reach out to organizations like Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) or National Homeschool Advocacy for guidance. 

Typically, states require between seventeen and twenty-six credits, with the majority falling between twenty and twenty-four. If you are a member of HSLDA, you can also access this information through their resources.

Although there’s not ONE right way to homeschooling high school, we have gathered some practical guidelines based on our experience raising our own high schoolers and advising others in our local community. Let’s talk about some of those guidelines now that have worked for us over the years. 

Keep in mind that these are not set in stone, and you should always do what is best for your teens. 

Let’s shift gears and talk about college-bound teens. In addition to meeting the state’s homeschool graduation requirements, college-preparation homeschoolers often need to go above and beyond. 

Colleges may look for a higher level of rigor or specific courses on the transcript, so it is a good idea to research the colleges your teens are interested in to see what they are looking for in incoming freshmen. This can help you determine if your teen needs additional credits or more challenging coursework.

For example, some colleges may require three years of World Language, even if your state only requires two. They may also expect four years of Social Studies, Math, and Sciences, even if your state only requires three. It is important to tailor your teen’s transcript to meet these expectations and showcase their interests and strengths.

(Here is more on what college-bound teens should be doing.)

If your teen is not-college bound and aims to enter the workforce after graduation, meeting the state requirements is usually sufficient. 

Divide the total number of credits required by your state by four to determine the number of credits needed per year. 

If you are unsure whether your teen will be headed towards college or go straight into the workforce, sit down with them to have a serious discussion about their future. If you still cannot come up without a clear path, try some Career Exploration. 

Another class or two never hurt anybody, and they may be grateful for that if they do decide to go to college!

Although these are the typical subjects required by state, it is important to check your local area for any additional homeschool graduation requirements.

One of the great things about homeschooling high school is the flexibility to customize your teen’s education. If your teen has a specific interest or career goal, you can build elective credits around that. This not only adds depth to their transcript but also shows their dedication and passion. 

For example, if your teen is interested in History, they can earn elective credits in specialized areas like World War II or European History. There is no limit to the number of credits your teen can earn as long as they are honestly earned. 

You can create a transcript that reflects their unique interests and accomplishments. Just make sure to keep a balanced approach and avoid overwhelming your teen with too many credits.

For college-bound teens, it’s also important to demonstrate a higher level of rigor on their transcript. This can be achieved through challenging coursework and advanced placement (AP) classes. 

It’s crucial to prepare your teen for the academic demands of college and show admissions officers that they are ready for the next level.

Homeschooling high school allows you the flexibility to customize your teen’s education according to their goals and aspirations. When you understand the credit requirements for graduation, you can ensure your teen is well-prepared for their chosen path, whether it be entering the workforce or pursuing higher education. 

You’re not alone in this homeschooling adventure. We’re all in it together, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!

If you have any questions or need support, join the 7Sisters Homeschool Facebook group. It’s a wonderful community where you can connect with other homeschoolers and get valuable advice. 

Don’t forget to explore the resources available on our website, including free articles and downloadable curriculum. Our curriculum has been designed with input from teens themselves, ensuring a meaningful and engaging learning experience. We even offer special discounts for co-ops and reimbursement-friendly options for certain states.

Thank you to Richie Soares with Homeschool & Humor for writing this blog post!

Are you constantly overwhelmed by your homeschool schedule, household responsibilities, and endless to-do lists? In this encouraging episode of Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network’s Vintage Homeschool Moms, host Felice Gerwitz shares practical and faith-filled strategies to help busy homeschool moms reclaim their time, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters.

Sponsored by CTCMath, this episode offers realistic productivity advice for homeschool families who feel like there are never enough hours in the day.

Do you ever feel like:

Felice reminds homeschool moms that the problem often isn’t laziness or failure—it’s unrealistic expectations, poor prioritization, and trying to do too much at once.

In this episode, she shares simple mindset shifts and practical systems that helped her balance homeschooling, parenting, business ownership, podcasting, and family life more peacefully and effectively.

One of the biggest productivity boosters isn’t another planner—it’s spending intentional time with God.

Felice encourages moms to:

She reminds listeners that an empty vessel cannot continue pouring into others.

Sometimes the biggest time-wasters are habits we don’t even notice:

Learning to recognize these patterns can dramatically improve your homeschool day.

Felice shares an easy A-B-C-D-E planning method for organizing:

Her system helps moms:

At the heart of this episode is an important reminder:

If there was only one thing you could accomplish today, what would matter most?

For Felice, it’s making sure her children and family know they are loved.

This episode challenges homeschool moms to:

Homeschooling isn’t about accomplishing every task perfectly. It’s about building relationships, nurturing faith, and creating a home centered on what matters most.

If you’ve been feeling burned out, discouraged, or behind, this episode will encourage you to slow down, simplify, and take back control of your time with grace and purpose.

Discover more homeschool encouragement, parenting advice, and practical tips at:

Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

You’ll also enjoy:

Today’s episode is sponsored by CTCMath — an online math curriculum designed to help students truly understand math concepts through engaging video lessons and flexible learning tools.

Learn more at:

CTCMath

TimeBoosters_Handout_VintageHomeschoolMoms

Podcast: Making Biblical Family Life Practical
Hosts: Hal Young and Melanie Young
Network: Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network
Sponsor: CTCMath.com

Raising boys comes with big questions — from roughhousing and sibling rivalry to faith, purity, scholarships, and preparing sons for adulthood. In this classic Q&A episode of Making Biblical Family Life Practical, Hal and Melanie Young tackle real questions from homeschool parents about raising sons with wisdom, courage, gentleness, and biblical purpose.

The conversation covers everything from encouraging individuality in boys to teaching respect for sisters, handling rough-and-tumble play without allowing bullying, helping boys grow spiritually, and guiding teens toward future careers and college decisions. Parents will appreciate the practical, grace-filled advice and the reminder that authentic relationships matter more than perfection.

“The fact that you are stronger than your sister does not mean that you are better. It means you have a responsibility to use that strength to serve, to protect, and to bless.”

“Young kids are born with hypocrisy meters.”

“Make sure you have a great relationship with your son and with your God.”

Find more biblical parenting encouragement from Hal Young and Melanie Young at:

Raising Real Men

Before summer break begins, take time to organize the digital side of your homeschool life. In this episode, Meryl shares four important homeschool digital organization tasks that can save time, reduce stress, and help you keep better records for high school, college applications, and family memories. Learn how to track activities and volunteer hours, organize student work, digitize physical projects, and create shared summer calendars that keep the whole family coordinated.

Keep track of:

Use tools like:

Ideas include:

Use a shared digital calendar to coordinate:

Shared calendars can help reduce confusion and make summer logistics much easier for the whole family.

This summer, the podcast will feature short weekly tech challenges designed for homeschool families. Each challenge will:

Listeners can share completed projects on Facebook or Instagram for a chance to win:

If you use any of these ideas, come join the conversation in the Homeschooling with Technology Community on Facebook and let us know which ones your family enjoyed most!

Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any episodes!