Ninth grade.
I don’t know how we got here—but here we are.
Ten years into homeschooling, and suddenly it feels different. Not in a small way either. This is the point where things start to count. Transcripts, credits, outside evaluation… all of it.
And if I’m being honest, the pressure? It’s not coming from my kids.
It’s coming from me.
Everything mentioned is linked down below!
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The Reality of Starting High School at Home
High school homeschooling feels like standing on a razor’s edge.
On one side: everything we’ve built—joyful learning, curiosity, flexibility.
On the other: measurable outcomes, transcripts, college pathways.
And I’m trying to hold both.
Because I don’t want to lose what made this work… but I also know the stakes are different now.
Our Ninth Grade Homeschool Curriculum Plan
Language Arts
We’re continuing with Michael Clay Thompson Level 6 (Magic Lens).
This will carry us through freshman and sophomore year before transitioning into dual credit.
We’re also continuing Murdle (logic puzzles) because it builds critical thinking in a way my child actually enjoys.
👉 Real talk: I’m not forcing spelling at this stage. We’re focusing on depth, not busywork.
Math
We’ll be using Denison Algebra 2.
This fits perfectly into our long-term plan before moving into dual credit math options later.
Science (Biology – Lab Credit)
This is where things start to feel “real.”
We’re using:
- NexBooks Homeschool Biology (both levels for flexibility)
- Khan Academy Texas Biology (to ensure standards are met)
- Lab classes through Houston Museum of Natural Science
👉 The goal: rigorous + transcript-worthy + still engaging
History
Originally planned: World History Project
Current plan: Nomadic Professor World History (Parts 1 & 2)
We’re also adding:
- podcasts (car learning—requested by my kids)
- graphic novels
- “commonplace-style” notebooks for long-term retention
Fine Arts (Transcript Strategy)
This was a shift.
Instead of scattered credits, we’re consolidating into:
- Musical Theater Foundations
- Dance Techniques (possible)
This allows us to properly credit:
- voice
- piano
- acting
- dance
- theory work
👉 She’s already doing the hours—we’re just structuring it to count.
Foreign Language
She chose French. Full stop.
We’ll be using:
- Rosetta Stone
- workbooks + supplemental resources
- possible immersion/classes via Alliance Française (Houston area)
👉 The goal is full competency: reading, writing, conjugation—not just exposure.
Special Interests
We’re bringing back interest-led learning through:
- Crash Course (film, theater, religion)
- performance-based learning
- continued music and arts training
Because even in high school…
👉 I still believe in learning what you love.
How We’re Structuring It
We’re still doing group learning for history and science.
- Teaching to the 9th grader
- Including the 5th grader
- Expecting different outputs
This keeps our homeschool aligned as a family while still meeting high school expectations.
The Bigger Picture
I am actively building:
- transcripts
- course descriptions
- long-term dual credit pathways
- extracurricular documentation
There is a plan.
Even if it doesn’t always feel like it.
Final Thoughts
Ten years in… and this feels like the biggest shift yet.
Not because homeschooling stopped working—
but because it matters in a different way now.
And I’m learning, in real time, how to hold both:
👉 the magic
👉 and the metrics
Planning Template: FREE: http://makingeverydaymagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Curriculum-Planner-Making-Everyday-Magic.pdf
Links! Some Are Affiliate and Some Are Special Offers!
MCT 6: https://www.rfwp.com/mct-language-arts/seven-levels/level-6-the-lens-ii-level/ Murdle: https://amzn.to/4tvUeHw
Geometry: https://www.denisonalgebra.com/course-page
Nomadic Professor: https://timberdoodle.com/products/nomadic-professor-world-history?utm_source=making_everyday_magic + &utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=nomadic-professor-world-history
NexBooks: Use Code MEM for 50% Off! https://www.nexbooks.org/
Evan Moor: Use Code 15OFF for 15% off: https://carsondellosaeducation.sjv.io/aNN2OW Rosetta Sone: https://aff.rosettastone.com/o445og
