<p>My son is in first semester of junior year of high school and not doing well in Math (pre calculus). Infact, he has not been doing well in math ever since he got to this school from another district. He got C in Geometry and B in Algebra II in freshman and sophomore years. I thought he might not have a mind for math, so we had him take the SAT at the end of sophomore year. He scored a 690 in Math (also 690 in Verbal). That put him as a sophomore at par with the top 5% of high school seniors in the nation. Nearly 25% of the kids at Ivy League schools have worse scores on the SAT. Many good engineering colleges will give him an automatic admit with scores like that. So it seems to me he understands and reasons just fine in math. However, apparently, he is only good enough to get a C & B- in freshman and sophomore Geometry and Algebra at my kid's school. This does not make any sense to me. So, I am thinking about withdrawing him from the high school and home schooling him. Should I withdraw him now mid term or wait till the end of the semester? How will colleges see this move? How does he choose his classes? What happens to chances of getting a National Merit scholarship? Please, I need advice now, since today was the end of his second 6 week term. Thanks.</p>
<p>Start here: [Homeschooling</a> in Texas](<a href=“http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/TX/default.asp]Homeschooling”>http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/TX/default.asp) Look for the Texas Resources block in the top, right corner. You will see links for: LAWS: How to legally homeschool in Texas; and ORGANIZATIONS: Connect with national, state and local support groups.</p>
<p>Also read through this section: [HSLDA</a> | Homeschooling Thru the Early Years: Getting Started](<a href=“http://www.hslda.org/earlyyears/StartHere.asp]HSLDA”>Starting Strong)</p>
<p>Homeschooling is a fantastic choice for many families, but not something to do on a whim. </p>
<p>If it’s only his math grades that concern you, maybe you should start by talking with the teacher (assuming you’ve already talked with your son about what problems he might be having) to see what suggestions they have for increasing his grades. </p>
<p>There are many, many curriculum choices, and finding the right one for your son will take some research on your part. There are “packaged” curriculums, online schools, flexible distance programs with varying levels of support, and totally eclectic choices. Many high school students supplement with community college classes as dual enrollment students. Again - see the links above for detailed assistance.</p>
<p>Some colleges want to know a family’s homeschooling philosophy and reasons for doing so. Some admit solely on test scores. Realize that the grades he has already earned will always be on his transcript and so colleges will see that. Also, most don’t weigh homeschooled grades very heavily as they fear they are too subjective. They put more weight on standardized test scores, dual enrollment grades, description of curriculum and outside opportunities.</p>
<p>As for National Merit - he should have taken the test with his school in October. His scores will go back to the school, but he will be ranked against all other students in the state. If his score is above the state cut-off, it won’t matter whether he’s homeschooled or not as far as being named a Semifinalist. However, you would have to contact the National Merit Scholarship Corp. to let them know you are now homeschooling and you would have to complete all the paperwork yourself. (There are portions that the school guidance counselor usually completes.)</p>
<p>Just saw your post. Thank you so much for all the information.</p>