The PA Department of Education defines Elementary as grades K-6th and Secondary as grades 7th-12th
What Must I Cover for Secondary Students?
The Junior High/Senior High list of requirements includes:
- English, to include language, literature, speech and composition
- Science
- Geography
- Social studies, to include civics
- World history, history of the United States and Pennsylvania
- Mathematics, to include general mathematics, algebra and geometry
- Art
- Music
- Physical education, health, and safety education, including regular and continuous instruction in the dangers and prevention of fires.
Junior/Senior High electives may include:
- Economics
- Biology and chemistry
- Foreign languages
- Trigonometry
PA state law requires that to graduate the high school student cover the following topics:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of Science
- 3 years of Math
- 3 years of Social Studies
- 2 years of Humanities
Can I Teach High School Subjects?
Yes. Though the idea of teaching chemistry, physics, and calculus intimidates most of us, much of the high school curriculum is self-taught by your students. There are many options made available through support groups and tutoring services. Motivation is the secret to learning. If you need to learn something to teach it to your children, you are much more motivated than you were in high school. Many home educating parents report that the first time they really understood a subject was when they had to teach it to their children.
Ideas for High School Courses:
English
Composition, American Lit, British Lit, World Lit, Creative Writing, Journalism, Debate, Speech, …
Math
Algebra 1&2, Geometry, Trig, Pre-Calc, Calculus, Consumer Math, Business Math, Accounting, Statistics, …
Science
Physical Science, General Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Astronomy, Anatomy, Environmental Science, Botany…
Social Studies
Any variety of History, Government, Economics, Worldviews, Psychology, Constitutional Law…
Arts and Humanities
Fine Arts, Art History, Art Appreciation, Visual Arts, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Textile Design, Drawing, Dance, Music, Music History, Music Theory, Theater, Theater History, Scene, Influential Individuals of the Theater, Costume and/or Lighting Design, Technical Production, Religion, Bible, Bible History, Theology, Spiritual Life, Apologetics, Philosophy, Foreign Language, Practical Arts and Crafts, Sewing, Cooking, Home Economics, Woodworking, Industrial Arts …
What is Middle School?
Home Education Law
(2) At the secondary school level, the following courses shall be taught: English, to include language, literature, speech and composition; science; geography; social studies, to include civics, world history, history of the United States and Pennsylvania; mathematics, to include general mathematics, algebra and geometry; art; music; physical education; health; and safety education, including regular and continuous instruction in the dangers and prevention of fires. Such courses of study may include, at the discretion of the supervisor of the home education program, economics; biology; chemistry; foreign languages; trigonometry; or other age-appropriate courses as contained in Chapter 5 (Curriculum Requirements) of the State Board of Education.
(d) The following minimum courses in grades nine through twelve are established as a requirement for graduation in a home education program:
(1) Four years of English.
(2) Three years of mathematics.
(3) Three years of science.
(4) Three years of social studies.
(5) Two years of arts and humanities.
Middle school (defined here as grades seven and eight) is a bridge between elementary school and high school. Under the homeschool law, it is part of secondary education.
Spiral Learning?
Much of the content covered in middle school has been covered in elementary school, but is reviewed in more detail. This can be a good opportunity to catch up on any areas where a student might be struggling. For areas where students are excelling, this also allows you to move forward and tackle the material at a high school level (since many of the same areas will be covered again in high school). Homeschooling author Mary Pride takes this a step further by suggesting you may want to skip junior high school completely. Mary pointed out that the curriculum for junior high has almost total overlap with senior high.
Character Development & Independence
Middle school is a great time to work on character development, giving your student an important foundation for high school and beyond. There is curriculum that can be used for character development, and biographies can be a great resource.
Developing independence in school work is important in middle school. Giving them more ownership over curriculum choices will help them to mature and increase their interest. As they show themselves to be responsible, give them more responsibility and flexibility. A focus on study skills, research skills, and presentation skills will prepare them for high school.
This channel shares more information regarding homeschooling middle school.
Follow this link to purchase the complete set of high school at home sessions from the 2024 CHAP Convention.