A Clear Guide for Homeschool Parents
One of the top concerns homeschool parents face is this:
“How do I know if my student is on track academically?”
Without state-issued benchmarks or public school report cards, it’s easy to feel uncertain about whether your child is progressing like they should.
Here’s the good news: You’re not behind. You’re just building a different kind of education—one that fits your student’s needs.
Let’s walk through how to evaluate whether your child is on track—and how to move forward with confidence.
What Does “On Track” Really Mean in Homeschooling?
Being “on track” doesn’t mean duplicating the public school schedule. It means:
- Covering essential academic subjects
- Developing important life and thinking skills
- Preparing your child for their next step—whether that’s college, trade school, or entrepreneurship
In other words, academic success is about preparation, not comparison.
3 Ways to Know If Your Homeschooler Is On Track
1. Use Scope and Sequence as a Tool, Not a Master
Curriculum publishers usually provide a scope and sequence—a roadmap of topics by grade level. These are helpful guides, but not set in stone.
You can use them to:
- Spot any major gaps
- Pace yourself
- Plan ahead for future years
But don’t let them steal your peace. If your student needs more time, take it.
2. Review Your State’s Graduation Requirements or College Expectations
If your student is college-bound, look up:
- State homeschool graduation requirements (if applicable)
- Freshman admission requirements for local or target colleges
This gives you a clear target and helps you prioritize courses like Algebra, English, and science.
Not college-bound? Use the same process to align learning with your student’s career or trade interests.
3. Focus on Mastery and Growth, Not Grade Level
Ask yourself:
- Can my student explain what they’re learning?
- Are they growing in reading, writing, math, and communication?
- Can they think critically and solve problems?
If the answer is yes, they’re on track—even if they’re not in “9th grade math” exactly when someone else is.
How to Get Practical Help
Are they ready for algebra? We’ve created an Algebra Readiness Test. Maybe you need guidance choosing your career. Or maybe you are entrepreneur minded and just want to head toward building your own business. We have resources to help you move forward.
👉 Get your Algebra Readiness Test here.
👉 Get help discovering your unique career calling.
👉 Schedule your career strategy call live with Dr. Callahan.
👉 Start a real company of your own now.
Final Thought: You’re Doing Better Than You Think
Homeschooling is about creating an education that works for your student—not one that mirrors everyone else’s.
So if you’re showing up, making progress, and adjusting along the way—you’re doing it right.
