Good online HS programs? DD too anxious for school.

There are lots of homeschool programs but it might be helpful to try to figure out if online classes specifically are something that would work before investing a lot. None of my kids could engage with online classes, though I spent a lot of money hoping it would work.

We were fortunate to have good coop options for a day out and things like science labs to supplement curriculum that I put together.

Many local homeschoolers I know go to the local cc for dual enrollment because they have become so homeschool friendly, even offering discounts and high school diplomas. Most only take a class or two at a time. It’s easy to adjust to your needs.

But anxiety certainly can persist while homeschooling. I took one out of school who had anxiety (but not because of it) and I put another in school because of depression. In either case, the change of environment helped but you really have to address underlying issues, too, which might very well have a biochemical or relational cause.

Thanks everyone for all the information and suggestions. DD has gone through a raft of assessments – I’ve thrown in the anxiety because I think it fits, but officially she’s a perfectionist, very shy (but not phobic), and gifted. I think it’s quite a common profile, and there don’t seem to be great solutions. None of the meds are quite right (we tried and it was a disaster!). She won’t work with me, so homeschooling is out. And we live overseas, so no good for community colleges etc.

She has asked to go straight into a full-on online diploma program, but I think she would be better off trying a few different classes to see which, if any, fit. The teaching methods and materials seem to vary enormously. I’m also trying to line up a bunch of other activities so that she’s not stuck at home all the time. It’s exhausting!

I may be too late to to the thread but I do recommend Laurel Springs. My D finished her last two years of high school and she blossomed academically. She thought is was more challenging than her high performing public high school but I think that was because she was less distracted by the social activity. Laurel Springs is not “home schooling” so there are no extra hurdles regarding college admissions or explaining what the school is about. Will concede, she was admitted to some fine universities as a result of her music abilities so I cannot comment on their excellent college placement.

My regret is that we did not find Laurel Springs in time for my eldest daughter. Anxious, high achieving, and miserable throughout high school even though she ended up at a top LAC. She would have enjoyed Laurel Springs for high school so much more.

Interestingly, my youngest has developed a much healthier social life since moving from a public high school to an online school. She started volunteering, getting involved with church and club activities, and becoming more independent and responsible.

Of course, your results may vary.

I’ve homeschooled two through high school. One is a UW grad and one is currently at Princeton. I would suggest piecing together a program rather than going with an all in one high school plan. Look at the big picture, figure out what classes she needs and go from there.

The high school forum at www.welltrainedmind.com can be very helpful. The search bar is useful in identifying past threads about specific subjects.

Derek Owens at derekowens.com is a great resource for math that can be done at the student’s pace. He offers courses through Calc AB. Teaching Textbooks is good too.

K12.com has some decent options in a variety of subjects.

If you want AP that can be done at home, look at aphomeschoolers.com.

We used Thinkwell for some things.

Maybe dual enrollment at the local CC for a class or two.

There really are lots of options. I preferred courses that did not require advance prep from me and could be done on our timeline, as opposed to having a set online meeting time.

Of course, look at the laws and typical grad requirements for your state, and think about the kid’s likely path.

OP - any update on what worked out for your daughter?