This weekend, we’re packing up the van, filling it to the brim with boxes, books, and all the essentials my oldest son will need as he embarks on his next big adventure—grad school. It’s a moment that fills me with an overwhelming mix of emotions: pride, excitement, and more than just a tinge of bittersweet nostalgia. It feels like just yesterday when we decided to homeschool him, not realizing that this choice would set him on a path to earning his college degree by age 18 and now, on to graduate school.
The Journey: From Homeschool to College Degree
When we began homeschooling, our primary goal was to create a learning environment that would allow our son to explore his interests deeply and at his own pace. Over the years, we experimented with various educational resources, found our rhythm, and slowly but surely, a plan began to take shape. By the time he reached high school, it was clear that he was ready for more advanced challenges.
This is where Ohio’s College Credit Plus program came into play. Through this program, he was able to start taking dual credit college courses while still in high school. The flexibility of homeschooling made it easier for him to integrate college-level work into his schedule, and before long, he had transitioned to doing only college coursework.
Next, we discovered Arizona State University’s Universal Learner program, which opened up even more opportunities for him to earn college credit at a pace that suited him. Combined with testing out of certain courses using CLEP (College Level Examination Program) tests, he was able to complete his undergraduate degree at age 18. (Much of this work was completed during the first year of the pandemic when there wasn’t much else to do!) It was a whirlwind of learning, growth, and achievement that, looking back, feels both astonishing and inevitable given his dedication (and the amount of free time he had on his hands during quarantine).
A Handy Resource: Homeschooling for College Credit
One resource that was absolutely instrumental in navigating this unconventional educational path was the website Homeschoolingforcollegecredit.org. If you’re a homeschooling parent looking to explore early college credit opportunities for your student, I can’t recommend it enough. The site, along with its incredibly supportive constellation of state and national Facebook groups, became our go-to guide. Whether it was advice on preparing for CLEP exams, navigating Arizona State’s program, or just sharing experiences with other parents, the community there was invaluable.
The folks in these Facebook groups are not just knowledgeable but genuinely invested in helping other families succeed. They’ve created a web of support that makes the whole process less daunting and much more doable. We certainly wouldn’t be where we are today without the insights and encouragement we found there.
Moving Forward: Grad School and Beyond
Thanks to the early college credit opportunities and the degree plan he followed, my son was able to earn a full scholarship and teaching assistantship at his first-choice graduate school. He’ll be studying and working in the political science department—an area that has captivated his interest for as long as I can remember.
I’m Not Crying…
As excited as I am for him to take this next step, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t hard to see him go. The house will feel a little emptier without him here. He is incredibly close with his younger brother, and the change will be a tough transition for both. But I know this is what we’ve been preparing for all along—giving him the tools and the knowledge to step out into the world.
So, as we say our goodbyes this weekend, I’m holding onto the knowledge that he’s ready. Ready to tackle grad school, ready to dive deeper into his studies, and ready to begin this next chapter of his life. And while I’ll miss him more than words can say, I’m also bursting with pride at the young man he’s become.
To all the parents out there, whether you’re just starting your homeschooling journey or are somewhere in the middle, know that the effort you’re putting in today is setting the stage for something truly remarkable. The road may not always be easy, but trust me, when you see your child achieving their dreams, it’s worth every moment.
Comentários