6 answers
kay
Student
Charleston, South Carolina
6
Questions
Asked
3150 views
this isn't really a career question but is at the same time?
My parents decided to homeschool me when I got out of 6th grade bc of my mental health decreasing very bad. But I don't wanna be homeschooled and since being homeschooled its just got worse. The homeschooling program I'm using doesn't provide any extra credits threw highschool and I want to get as much possible for college I've been able to keep my gppa at a 3.8 but that's not enough for me. How old do I have to be able to enroll myself back in public school or am I able to do that at all?
6 answers
Vannga T.
Linguist, Instructor, Teacher, Advisor, Tutor/Program/Resource Coordinator, Tutor, Pianist, and Composer.
14
Answers
Updated
Vannga’s Answer
Dear Kay,
I am sorry to learn about your difficult situation.
Do you have a psychotherapist with whom you could talk about this problem and seek advice to resolve it? If you have a psychotherapist, you should request a meeting with your parents and psychotherapist to discuss your concerns, your learning needs and preferences, and your educational goals. If you don't have a psychotherapist, you should request a meeting with your family doctor and your parents to discuss the aforementioned topics.
In addition, you could contact your former school teachers to ask for their advice on this matter.
Good luck in finding a solution to your problem.
Vannga
I am sorry to learn about your difficult situation.
Do you have a psychotherapist with whom you could talk about this problem and seek advice to resolve it? If you have a psychotherapist, you should request a meeting with your parents and psychotherapist to discuss your concerns, your learning needs and preferences, and your educational goals. If you don't have a psychotherapist, you should request a meeting with your family doctor and your parents to discuss the aforementioned topics.
In addition, you could contact your former school teachers to ask for their advice on this matter.
Good luck in finding a solution to your problem.
Vannga
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Kay !
You would not be able to leave homeschooling and enroll yourself in on site high school because your parent would need to be involved and initiate the transaction. School districts do not accept enrollment from students alone.
Leaving Homeschooling may not be the answer and there are options if you are concerned about credits. In South Carolina, homeschoolers are not required to meet the 24 credits of high school, however, you should actually aim for 24 credits which can be done through Homeschooling. All colleges are different and it would greatly help to know which college you intend to go to as you can ask staff at that college what their requirements for courses and GPA and SAT scores are as that is very important, not just how many credits. So your question can't be really answered unless you know the actual college you have in mind. You should not leave Homeschooling if you have a severe chronic disability just because you want more credits.
This issue is best taken care of among your Homeschooling teachers. Someone randomly on the internet cannot give you explicit information about this and you've left out how many credits and what grade level you are at right now. Try not to jump to conclusions about this and make a decision in haste. Your homeschooling teachers will need to keep very accurate transcripts showing your classes, class level (AP, etc.), grades and the credit assigned to the class. This is crucial as you will be required to show your homeschool transcript to the colleges. The transcript will also show how many homeschool credits you have. Just ask your teachers for more classes if you want to aim for 24 credits, which is not required but would help you feel competitive for college.
Your parents need to know the exact information about Homeschooling and how to add curriculum and it sounds like they should be helping you do field trips and possibly join a homeschool co-op and explore activities for you to do in addition to just one homeschooling program. Your parents can consult with your school district at any time to get accurate information about this. You can even consider volunteer work while being homeschooled, too. Your particular homeschooling experience doesn't sound stimulating, motivating or fun - but it very well could be. Do not give up on it.
I just want to mention that you've stated the REASON you want to leave homeschooling is because of wanting more credits, not for an increase in socialization. I want to point out that socialization through Homeschool can be robust or light and THAT is the GOOD thing about homeschooling - you get to gauge your socialization as needed and with like minded friendly students and others that YOU choose. Everyone thinks Homeschooling is this introverted, isolating thing, but it's better then random experiences in a building, especially if you are managing a mental illness. The biggest misconception of Homeschooling is thinking it isolates students and they get not one ounce of socialization. That is proven wrong in the best Homeschooling examples.
As a homeschooled student, there's a lot of support out there ! Join The Virtual Homeschool Group that offers lots of information for all aspects of homeschooling and a pen-pal match up to meet a new friend. Other groups are Hampton Roads Preteen/Teen Homeschool Group, Rock Your Homeschool !, and The Homeschool Curriculum Marketplace allows families to buy, sell, and trade educational materials. OutSchool offers classes you can choose and costs $10.00 a month. Be sure to contact or have your teachers contact The South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools as they are authorized to provide accurate information to you about home school credits. There is also the South Carolina Home School Support Groups Directory which can be very helpful to you. So please do not give up on Homeschooling. It just seems that some exciting changes and additions can be made and you'd find the experience worthwhile.
I hope this helps for a start and I wish you all the best !
You would not be able to leave homeschooling and enroll yourself in on site high school because your parent would need to be involved and initiate the transaction. School districts do not accept enrollment from students alone.
Leaving Homeschooling may not be the answer and there are options if you are concerned about credits. In South Carolina, homeschoolers are not required to meet the 24 credits of high school, however, you should actually aim for 24 credits which can be done through Homeschooling. All colleges are different and it would greatly help to know which college you intend to go to as you can ask staff at that college what their requirements for courses and GPA and SAT scores are as that is very important, not just how many credits. So your question can't be really answered unless you know the actual college you have in mind. You should not leave Homeschooling if you have a severe chronic disability just because you want more credits.
This issue is best taken care of among your Homeschooling teachers. Someone randomly on the internet cannot give you explicit information about this and you've left out how many credits and what grade level you are at right now. Try not to jump to conclusions about this and make a decision in haste. Your homeschooling teachers will need to keep very accurate transcripts showing your classes, class level (AP, etc.), grades and the credit assigned to the class. This is crucial as you will be required to show your homeschool transcript to the colleges. The transcript will also show how many homeschool credits you have. Just ask your teachers for more classes if you want to aim for 24 credits, which is not required but would help you feel competitive for college.
Your parents need to know the exact information about Homeschooling and how to add curriculum and it sounds like they should be helping you do field trips and possibly join a homeschool co-op and explore activities for you to do in addition to just one homeschooling program. Your parents can consult with your school district at any time to get accurate information about this. You can even consider volunteer work while being homeschooled, too. Your particular homeschooling experience doesn't sound stimulating, motivating or fun - but it very well could be. Do not give up on it.
I just want to mention that you've stated the REASON you want to leave homeschooling is because of wanting more credits, not for an increase in socialization. I want to point out that socialization through Homeschool can be robust or light and THAT is the GOOD thing about homeschooling - you get to gauge your socialization as needed and with like minded friendly students and others that YOU choose. Everyone thinks Homeschooling is this introverted, isolating thing, but it's better then random experiences in a building, especially if you are managing a mental illness. The biggest misconception of Homeschooling is thinking it isolates students and they get not one ounce of socialization. That is proven wrong in the best Homeschooling examples.
As a homeschooled student, there's a lot of support out there ! Join The Virtual Homeschool Group that offers lots of information for all aspects of homeschooling and a pen-pal match up to meet a new friend. Other groups are Hampton Roads Preteen/Teen Homeschool Group, Rock Your Homeschool !, and The Homeschool Curriculum Marketplace allows families to buy, sell, and trade educational materials. OutSchool offers classes you can choose and costs $10.00 a month. Be sure to contact or have your teachers contact The South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools as they are authorized to provide accurate information to you about home school credits. There is also the South Carolina Home School Support Groups Directory which can be very helpful to you. So please do not give up on Homeschooling. It just seems that some exciting changes and additions can be made and you'd find the experience worthwhile.
I hope this helps for a start and I wish you all the best !
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Kay!
I am sure your parents want to obey the homeschooling laws in South Carolina [https://hslda.org/legal/south-carolina] and [https://hslda.org/post/public-school-access-for-homeschoolers-in-south-carolina]. In South Carolina, you must adhere to your parents' directives until 17 years old. They have probably referred to the appropriate authorities to get advice on this procedure. I know you are not satisfied with this arrangement. The important achievement is to increase your Grade Point Average [GPA]. Consult your medical doctor before considering this plan! Consult a registered dietitian as well.
I am sure your parents want to obey the homeschooling laws in South Carolina [https://hslda.org/legal/south-carolina] and [https://hslda.org/post/public-school-access-for-homeschoolers-in-south-carolina]. In South Carolina, you must adhere to your parents' directives until 17 years old. They have probably referred to the appropriate authorities to get advice on this procedure. I know you are not satisfied with this arrangement. The important achievement is to increase your Grade Point Average [GPA]. Consult your medical doctor before considering this plan! Consult a registered dietitian as well.
wendy gibson
Senior Program manager
10
Answers
Omaha, Nebraska
Updated
wendy’s Answer
First of all, this is a very brave question to answer and is a tough situation! It is very good that you are looking out for yourself and your interests to learn, grow and succeed in life. So props to you for putting this question out there. As a parent myself, my first thought would be to sit down with your parents and have an honest conversation about where you want to go in life, who you aspire to be, the status of your mental health currently and how the current homeschool situation is holding you back from achieving your long term goals. Your parents are more than likely trying to help you get the best education for your situation and what they know that situation to be, so if you haven't shared these thoughts honestly with them they may not know that you want to try something different or something more.
Your mental health is super important however, so please make sure that whatever route you take you continue to get support from your parents, mentors, counselors, etc. Taking care of yourself will get you further in life than anything else, because when you feel good and are well you can get further and go anywhere you want to be!
Talk to your parents first, and if that is not getting you anywhere speak with another mentor in your homeschooling system! You've got this and can achieve great things!
Your mental health is super important however, so please make sure that whatever route you take you continue to get support from your parents, mentors, counselors, etc. Taking care of yourself will get you further in life than anything else, because when you feel good and are well you can get further and go anywhere you want to be!
Talk to your parents first, and if that is not getting you anywhere speak with another mentor in your homeschooling system! You've got this and can achieve great things!
Karthick Natarajan
Postdoctoral Researcher at NYU Langone Health
30
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Karthick’s Answer
Thank you for reaching out. It sounds like you're facing a tough situation, and it's impressive that you're thinking ahead about your future and well-being.
In most places in the U.S., you need to be 18 or legally emancipated to enroll in school without a parent or guardian's consent. Until then, parents are generally responsible for your education.
But you still have options. The key is to calmly show your parents that going back to public school is best for your mental health and academic future.
Here's a simple plan you can try:
1. Prepare Your Case: Think of this like a school project. Write down your points clearly.
- Mental Health: Explain that while homeschooling was meant to help, the isolation is tough. Social interaction is important for mental well-being, and you need that community to thrive.
- Academic Goals: Research the AP, IB, Honors classes, or extracurricular clubs at the local high school. Show your parents the course catalog and explain that these opportunities are important for college applications, and your current program doesn't offer them. Present it as a way to be a strong college applicant.
2. Contact the Public School for Support: Call the local high school and speak with a guidance counselor. Explain that you're homeschooled but want to know about re-enrollment and academic programs. A counselor can offer valuable advice and might talk to your parents about the benefits.
3. Schedule a Meeting with Your Parents: Ask for a specific time to talk, so it feels important and planned. Use your research to focus on your goals instead of frustration.
- Try saying: "I'm grateful for your care about my well-being. I've done some research, and I think to be happy and successful in getting into college, I need the social and academic opportunities that public school offers. Can we talk about how to make that happen?"
Your 3.8 GPA is fantastic and shows you're a dedicated student. Your drive to do more is what colleges look for. Taking control of this situation is a big step, and you should be proud of yourself for seeking answers. You can do this!
In most places in the U.S., you need to be 18 or legally emancipated to enroll in school without a parent or guardian's consent. Until then, parents are generally responsible for your education.
But you still have options. The key is to calmly show your parents that going back to public school is best for your mental health and academic future.
Here's a simple plan you can try:
1. Prepare Your Case: Think of this like a school project. Write down your points clearly.
- Mental Health: Explain that while homeschooling was meant to help, the isolation is tough. Social interaction is important for mental well-being, and you need that community to thrive.
- Academic Goals: Research the AP, IB, Honors classes, or extracurricular clubs at the local high school. Show your parents the course catalog and explain that these opportunities are important for college applications, and your current program doesn't offer them. Present it as a way to be a strong college applicant.
2. Contact the Public School for Support: Call the local high school and speak with a guidance counselor. Explain that you're homeschooled but want to know about re-enrollment and academic programs. A counselor can offer valuable advice and might talk to your parents about the benefits.
3. Schedule a Meeting with Your Parents: Ask for a specific time to talk, so it feels important and planned. Use your research to focus on your goals instead of frustration.
- Try saying: "I'm grateful for your care about my well-being. I've done some research, and I think to be happy and successful in getting into college, I need the social and academic opportunities that public school offers. Can we talk about how to make that happen?"
Your 3.8 GPA is fantastic and shows you're a dedicated student. Your drive to do more is what colleges look for. Taking control of this situation is a big step, and you should be proud of yourself for seeking answers. You can do this!
Thank you so much, Karthick!
kay
Vannga T.
Linguist, Instructor, Teacher, Advisor, Tutor/Program/Resource Coordinator, Tutor, Pianist, and Composer.
14
Answers
Updated
Vannga’s Answer
Dear Kay,
I am sorry to hear that you had to stop seeing your therapist when you were much younger. It seems to me you are stuck in a dilemma with your parents regarding your education goals at this time. I would advise that you contact your family doctor and talk to him/her about this problem. Please ask your family doctor to schedule a meeting with you and your parents together to discuss this problem. Hopefully, this meeting would help resolving your problem. I also think you should ask your family doctor to refer you to a psychotherapist for regular therapy. I believe regular counseling will be very effective in helping you cope with and resolve your personal problems. In addition, reconnecting with your former teachers to get some advice and guidance would be beneficial to you.
Best wishes,
Vannga
I am sorry to hear that you had to stop seeing your therapist when you were much younger. It seems to me you are stuck in a dilemma with your parents regarding your education goals at this time. I would advise that you contact your family doctor and talk to him/her about this problem. Please ask your family doctor to schedule a meeting with you and your parents together to discuss this problem. Hopefully, this meeting would help resolving your problem. I also think you should ask your family doctor to refer you to a psychotherapist for regular therapy. I believe regular counseling will be very effective in helping you cope with and resolve your personal problems. In addition, reconnecting with your former teachers to get some advice and guidance would be beneficial to you.
Best wishes,
Vannga
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