Need Advice! New to Homeschooling / Online Schooling (Keystone)

Pre-College Issues Home Schooling and College
1

<p>I have been traditionally schooled my entire life and have only learned about homeschooling and distance/online classes in the last couple of months. I'm seriously considering switching to full-time accredited online classes, but I'm not quite sure how to go about this. I'm in desperate need of advice -- no one I know has even heard of this kind of schooling. Here's my situation:</p>

<p>I live in Asia and have attended the same school for most of my life (competitive American school system; most grads go to the US). My family and I faced some pretty rough times over the years, but in my sophomore year of high school I was pushed over the edge, so to speak. I was then diagnosed with major depression. Over the past year and after trying numerous types of intense therapies, I found one that worked for me and have since, I believe, improved tremendously -- this meant that I wasn't able to attend school for a year. Missing school was the absolute last thing I wanted to do but I simply could not go back when I was unwell. Before my depression, I did pretty well in school and was very involved in activities.</p>

<p>After considering schooling options recently, I've realized that given where I'm coming from, traditional school is no longer the right path for me. I believe that my best option is distance/online school (probably through Keystone National High School) as it provides the scheduling flexibility that I need. But more than that, I've also realized the vast array of opportunity (with extracurriculars, volunteering, etc.) that could be available to me given that flexibility. Of course, the range of courses available with Keystone also seems great, especially the selection of AP classes. I would ideally enroll for junior year. </p>

<p>So here are my concerns:</p>

<p>How do I present this case to my family, who have never heard of this kind of schooling? I've told them the things I've said here, but they want specifics (i.e. do I "graduate" high school, how will I get into college, how involved do they have to be)
Is this legitimate reason to switch to online school?
As an online student, how can I really distinguish myself from the pack when applying to colleges in the future? (This in particular has been a growing concern of mine since withdrawing from school)</p>

2

<p>Congratulations on getting a handle on managing your issues.</p>

<p>First most important question - have you even checked into the legality of this in your country?</p>

<p>I ASSUME THAT Keystone will provide you with a transcript and a diploma; those things, in addition to what you learn and experience, are all any other high school gives you. How you will get into college is like any other student - fill out the application and tell your specific situation so that the school falls in love with you - homeschoolers and high schoolers do this approximately the same way, except homeschoolers have more varied stories. How involved they have to be is up to your maturity. Keystone SHOULD provide you with the needed instruction (I don’t know anything about it). “For your health” seems like the most legitimate reason possible to switch to online school. I think distinguishing yourself from the pack is the most difficult job of any college applicant. I think this is easier if you take advantage of the flexibility you have mentioned before.</p>

<p>And remember, you don’t have to go to HYP - there are hundreds of good schools in the US.</p>

<p>The Keystone site looks very informative - can you get your parents to look at it?</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

3

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I’m a recent graduate of Keystone National High School. The above poster voices some very valid concerns - you have to check with the legality of this program in your high school, as well as the validity of the diploma given your country’s standards. I can talk about Keystone, but I can’t comment on the prospective of an international student. However, Keystone has a huge international student body. If you can call them, they will be able to answer at least some of your questions regarding your country and Keystone.</p>

<p>I distinguished myself through my stellar grades, extracurricular commitments, and essays - just like any student would.</p>

4

<p>GeekMom63, applicannot – thank you both for your input. Your advice has been helpful; I think my family’s gotten over the initial shock of the idea, though we’re still pretty confused with everything. I suppose that’s to be expected when you’re navigating uncharted waters. I may start a new threat specifically for Keystone.</p>

<p>Thank you again.</p>