Alternative Education, Democratic Homeschool Curriculum, and Parent Coaching

Please read the model description for 7-13 year-olds first, since much of the structure and ideas  may still used here for the older children.  

That said, we may begin to see increasing specialization at this time as youth move ever deeper into their passions.  Having had some time to explore their interests when younger, they will have a clearer idea of who they are and what they would like to learn more about. 

The role of adults as stewards and guides becomes more critical to the learning process as students use the skills they have acquired in earlier years to direct their own learning.  Stewards oversee and give input as needed while also sourcing opportunities that are a match for the interests of the children. For example: a child interested in horses may participate in an internship at a stable or with an equine therapist. 

Project-based  inter disciplinary learning is still employed as the main vehicle for learning, although as stated earlier, projects may become more individualized.  

Youth are still encouraged to play, dance, create music, and engage in artistic pursuits.  These kinds of activities may be their main interest and could lead to vast amounts of time spent writing music, books, painting, and practicing dance, or even designing video games or programming software.  Engaging deeply at this stage will naturally lead to your child developing the skills and knowledge they need to work in their fields of interest later. If that includes going to college, they will be highly motivated to develop a portfolio, study for the SAT or take courses they need for that goal to be achieved.  Many go to college early.  See the page on accreditation and college for more information. 

Some new  elements you may  use with this age group are: