As a long-time homeschool mom to quite a few kids, I have to admit it: Despite some people’s assumptions, I am certainly no Super Mom. When my first child reached high school age, it simply never occurred to me that I should suddenly change the way we were doing things. Looking back now, having graduated my oldest two children and with two more leaving the homeschool nest for college over the next two years, I am so glad I followed God’s leading and my gut instincts. After considering what practical means have helped me most in homeschooling my teens through high school alongside my many other children, I see three key elements I’d like to share so that you, too, might have the confidence to choose high school at home.

Organization

Juggling the many demands and desires, obligations and activities that make up a large household might seem daunting, but the path to a smooth, successful household routine lies in organization. I know some women think they just can’t be organized. They equate organization with elaborate filing systems, they fear it will stifle their creativity, and they know it won’t work for them. I feel their pain. I used to be one of them.

I’ve heard some people say that large families need to be extremely controlled and organized or complete chaos will ensue. I must say this is not true in our family. Organization is important, but it has often been misunderstood and sometimes overemphasized. Actually, effective organization can look very different from home to home.

If you, like me, are not naturally gifted in the realm of organization, if your spice racks are not alphabetized and your linen closet is not color-coded, then take heart. Those techniques might help some people, but they are not necessary for an efficient, multi-grade homeschool. As we homeschool high schoolers in a large family, we should focus on a realistic coordination of schedules.

For example, look at a typical household budget. It has fixed monthly expenses that must be paid on specific dates (such as a house payment or car insurance), regular necessary expenses with flexible due dates (such as groceries or gas), optional expenses (such as hobbies, field trips, or takeout pizza), and unexpected expenses (such as a trip to the emergency room). To avoid financial problems, we must determine how we can best allocate our money to meet our goals, and then we must follow through with our plan. It’s helpful to use this type of approach when it comes to our homeschooling schedules, too.

For each of your children, first determine what activities, classes, and events must be absolutely fixed in your overall schedule. These might include a Pre-Calculus class for your daughter at the community college three days a week from 1 to 2 pm, a Civil Air Patrol meeting for your son on Thursday evenings, and the Awana club at your church every Wednesday night.