Big Picture High School Planning | Secular Homeschool

Grab a warm cup of tea or coffee, let’s sit down and chat as I walk you through my process of Big Picture Planning for my secular High School homeschool.
This is a chatty one, but I share a lot of nuggets throughout. It’s raw, it’s personal, and maybe not what you expected.
Remember, remain respectful of my choices that is right for my family. Negativity or unsolicited remarks will not be tolerated. All roads are valid.
I hope you find this helpful or at least, opens a window to another way to craft this journey.
Video mentioned:
From Emily ‪@ARRRGHSchooling‬ : • Preparing to Homeschoo...
My Follow Up Video to This One:
The Lesson Lab Ep. 2: Let’s Map Four Years of High School | Oak Meadow and More
• The Lesson Lab Ep. 2: ...
‪@OakMeadowLearning‬ Worksheet: www.oakmeadow.com/faqs-resour...
▪️ discounts codes and affiliate links (and storefronts) to some of my favorite products:
linktr.ee/arleneandcompany
▪️Who am I?
Hi, I’m Arlene; I’m a lifestyle vlogger and reviewer! I’m a wife, mother of tween/teen, and an RN turned WAHM.
In this channel you will find all things books, planners, favorite essentials, and secular homeschool resources too.
▪️Other places to connect:
/ arleneandcompany
/ the.booknerdcafe
/ arleneandcompany
▪️FTC Disclaimer:
Unless otherwise stated, products featured on my channel have been purchased by me. If I have products sent to me for review or if I partner with a company (e.g., as an affiliate), I will disclose it in the video and description. All opinions and reviews that I share are always entirely my own. Know that I only partner with companies that I respect, love, and will use their products personally. My integrity is of the utmost importance when providing you with resource suggestions; and are never influenced by a brand or a company.
As an Amazon Associate I earn commission from qualifying purchases. All affiliate links or sponsorship are clearly marked. Thank you for supporting my channel by using my links when available.
#homeschoolhighschool #homeschoolplanning #secularhomechool
Music by Savannah Outen - The Hard Way - thmatc.co/?l=4134A491
Music by The Glass Child - Broken Little Dreamer - thmatc.co/?l=24C2669E

[@ProjectHappyHome]

This is such a treasure trove of practical information. As someone who also has experience in admissions offices, I love that you mentioned how it's important to keep transcripts clear and direct - no Elle Woods transcripts necessary, lol! Superb content as always, my friend.

[@Arleneandcompany]

Why are we forever twins?!! How did I not know this about you? I swear you had more careers than Barbie. I loved that job! Lol and yes, nobody got time to read all that 😆 Thank you my friend ♥️

[@dariusmannino6235]

Thank you!!! THANK YOU!!! This and your recent high school video have been extremely helpful! I’m so glad you are a year ahead of us on this path. I’m deeply grateful for your time in making this video.

[@Arleneandcompany]

So happy to hear that! Thank you so much for watching ♥️

[@HeritageMom]

I really appreciate you mentioning the opportunity for portfolio development. My daughter is similar, and I haven’t heard many in this space talk about art school or artistic pursuits AND traditional academics. Thank you.

[@Arleneandcompany]

Oh I’m so glad that resonated. I can’t wait to see part of her journey as well ♥️

[@AvielaRivka]

@3:39 you are right on point there! I can not stand the hate we seem to show with that statement! My first year of homeschool the rest of the co-op just kept repeating that but what they're actually saying is that if we don't do what they do then we're not homeschooling "properly". Thank you for stating that we each do what fits for our family. IMO that's the heart of why I homeschool

[@Arleneandcompany]

It makes my eye twitch every time I see a post or video on it. Like cmon folks! This is why a lot of us homeschool. To do what is right for our family, whatever that may look like. I find all those never ending chants exhausting. And I hate witnessing folks being discouraged or second guessing what works for them because the mob said differently. Do what’s right for you…period ♥️

[@SmithsInTheMaking]

'Even if your styles are completely different...' yes yes yes! Seeing different styles that are working to successfully graduate kids and send them to college helps me feel more confident. There are lots of ways to do this successfully ❤😊 take ideas and inspiration where you feel inclined and leave the rest😊

[@Arleneandcompany]

Absolutely. We all have something we can learn from each other. Even if it’s merely mutual appreciation and respect for each other’s path ♥️

[@HeritageMom]

Forget the lights. We see you, sis!

[@Arleneandcompany]

Thank you Amber ♥️♥️

[@ericaladd1839]

Thank you so much for sharing in so much detail! It helps those of us a step behind you with big kids more than you know!

[@Arleneandcompany]

Oh thank you so much for watching. Your words mean a lot, so glad it’s helpful ♥️

[@kellydugan7553]

Arlene!!! I’ve missed you! So happy to see you and to know you’re feeling well enough to give us a dose of your spice! Love it! Welcome back!

[@Arleneandcompany]

Ty!! Little by little. Each video takes a lot out me. But trying. Happy to know you enjoyed it ♥️

[@beauty_of_play]

Nice Arlene. Very well played it. You really keyed in on what I think is key during the high school years and that is keeping paths open and making sure they enjoy the years. ♥️

[@Arleneandcompany]

Thank you Della and thank you for watching 💕

[@MajajiWarrior]

Arlene, I appreciate your practical advise… over the years high school seemed daunting but after this video it feels doable. You’ve put so much into this and I took notes. Thank you 😊

[@Arleneandcompany]

Oh I’m so glad it was helpful. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me ♥️

[@mariek7122]

Great video! Thanks for all the information. I'm a few years behind you and I'm so grateful for you doing this leg work! I did dual enrollment as a homeschooler with 5 other homeschoolers and I had a great experience. We did a lot of our classes together at a tiny community college and it was so good to have that group to do those classes with. And carpool with too! So I've always been really in favor of dual enrollment, but it's good to hear your perspective and think through how much different it would have been if I had been alone in that experience. I don't think that would have worked at all! Thanks for sharing and helping me think that through a bit.

[@Arleneandcompany]

My pleasure. I’m glad you had a great experience, that sounds ideal. I’m not against DE, it’s just not a priority for us like a large majority of homeschoolers. I thought it may be helpful to share a flip side, for those that felt pressured, but ultimately have reservations too.

[@cuddlepotbootcamp]

This is super helpful Arlene 😊 My son's doing a few upper grade subjects... so this was fantastic to watch!

[@Arleneandcompany]

I’m so glad, thank you for watching 💕

[@ddchomeschool]

A possibly lower key fb group is called something like “it’s not that hard to homeschool high school.” It’s got a very extensive mix of all different approaches. Let me get my blood pressure back down. 😂

[@Arleneandcompany]

Oh yes! A little less intense 😆

[@KylieCarlson1152]

Thank you for the community college shout out. I worked at a community college for years (also my dad, and my mom, and now my brother) and I feel like people completely forget they are an option for academic kids not just kids looking into the trades. Community colleges are going to have advisors to work with students to make sure their courses are going to fit into their 4 year degree plan, they might actually be advisors that come in from the public 4 year college/university depending on the community college system!

[@Arleneandcompany]

Absolutely! I wholeheartedly believe it’s a wonderful option. I worked at two different communities colleges and the advisors were more involved, and available than my 4 year university. It’s a great option that many don’t even consider. Thank you for sharing!

[@LeahHung125]

So helpful! My soon to be 6th graders are both art focused so seeing this pathway(with strong science as well) is great to see. Also, my husband and I both went to school and university in the UK so US middle/high schools plus colleges/universities are rather different! The whole general education credits in college blow our minds 😂

[@Arleneandcompany]

Oh my gosh, I bet! And at first glance if you’re not use to it , can look very confusing. Ty for watching!

[@bethdavis-pratt7122]

Thank you so much for this! So helpful! Perfect timing - I just started pulling state requirements for HS for my upcoming 6th/7th grader 😊

[@Arleneandcompany]

Perfect time to start. Some may think it’s too early or waiting till the year before. But 6/7th really helps decrease it to bite size planning chunks. Glad it helped!

[@amyb9971]

So many great nuggets here!!! Loved this ❤

[@Arleneandcompany]

Thanks so much!!

[@davettekohnen]

Though I've been homeschooling longer than you, I still always find your input so insightful. ❤

[@Arleneandcompany]

I appreciate that. Remind me what ages are your kiddos or kiddo?

[@davettekohnen]

@@Arleneandcompany I have 9th and 6th right now, but we fit in a "gap" type semester in middle school because my kids got ahead too fast for maturity in early elementary, so we're Jan-Dec now. :)

[@Arleneandcompany]

@@davettekohnen oh the fun ages! I love middle and up ♥️

[@cghernandez17]

Extremely helpful as always! My soon to be 6th grader will be starting pre-algebra this coming school year and this OBVIOUSLY led to a high school/ college credit convo. At first I felt silly since she’s only 10… but she’s súper goal driven, so mama went with it!

[@Arleneandcompany]

Totally and good for you! Typically once she reaches algebra, in some states you can issue a high school credit early. Some places only once they hit 8th grade, but others have no age/grade limit requirements. Something to check. But yes, whenever she hits algebra 1, definitely time to see if you’re able in your area to add it to her high school transcript as an early credit.

[@RegularSecularMama]

Such a great video! I have been really working on this too since realizing mine will be doing Prealgebra next year. It naturally led to talks about high school. Mine is artistic as well and wants to make a career out of it. I can’t wait to see what she does!

[@Arleneandcompany]

Yay! Another fellow artist! I love also the opportunity this brings to normalize supporting and encouraging a creative track. People fear it for many reasons, but ultimately…success is within their definition. Thank you for watching ♥️

[@RegularSecularMama]

@@Arleneandcompany Absolutely! I’m serious about academics, but not to the point of dropping creative passion. I managed both in high school myself. It can, and should, be done 💕

[@Arleneandcompany]

@@RegularSecularMama 🙌🏽

[@thewhisperingglen]

I also graduated at 16 (homeschooled 8th-11/12th) and I wish I would have slowed down. I did happen to wait until I was 18 to go to a four-year school, but I can see how that would have been harder at 16.

[@thewhisperingglen]

I also put together my own transcript. 😂 Nothing to be scared of!

[@Arleneandcompany]

It worked out in the end, but looking back, I felt that I missed out a bit on just being a kid. Like I got a head start to adulthood. Obviously this is very specific to my experience and DE is a wonderful option. But I hope by sharing that part of my personal experience, that those that feel pressured to follow the expected path,remember other options may exist. Also know online classes are an option. That’s not lost in me, but you really have to have the personality to handle a college online course. And my kiddos are primarily paper and pen learners. Can they do online courses? Sure. Is that how they personally learn best? Nope. But again, great option for some and I’m not against it. It’s just not my priority. Thank you for sharing your thoughts as well ♥️

[@Arleneandcompany]

@@thewhisperingglen yes! It’s really easy that part. Although, I did have hubby do it 😆

[@thewhisperingglen]

@@Arleneandcompany Oh, I totally get that. I'm thankful for options, that's for sure! I love the idea of a gap year too!

[@brandiknutson2192]

I would like a review of High School Help

[@Arleneandcompany]

High School Prep Genius you mean?

[@brandiknutson2192]

Yes, please

[@Arleneandcompany]

@@brandiknutson2192 I got you 😉

[@sincerelyfaithandfamilyhom4683]

Thank you for compiling allllll of this information!! Amazing job! My almost 16-year-old will actually be starting DE most likely this summer. But we are starting with online classes. Trying to balance how driven she is and possibly gifted, with her age developmentally, is so hard to balance. Nonetheless, she is so determined - so we are going to dip our feet in the water with no pressure to complete an associates degree. Then, with my second oldest daughter, who is in the midst of middle school, has recently fallen in love with art, and girl, I am lost. lol 🫣. I need to go back through all of your videos and comb through your resources to help provide opportunities for her to grow in the artistic world. Again, thanks for sharing!

[@Arleneandcompany]

I thought I added a reply here , but guess I didn’t . 🤦🏽‍♀️ Wish her the best this summer and you know you can hit me up anytime for art. I gotchu! ❤