Hi, there! My name is Mala Cross, and I am a Classical Conversations homeschool graduate. I wanted to share a little of my journey with Classical Conversations and why I encourage students and families to homeschool through high school with CC from start to finish. If you are wondering whether homeschooling high school is the right choice for your family, I hope my story helps you find your answer.
My Homeschool Journey through High School
I first began Classical Conversations in Foundations at age seven, continued to Essentials around age nine, and then moved on to Challenge at age twelve. I have loved my journey with CC. Although I am sad to be finished with CC, I am so excited about the plans God has waiting for me.
Throughout this incredible journey, Classical Conversations has enabled me to grow in leadership, excel academically, and make lifelong friendships.
Can You Be Homeschooled in High School?
Many families reach the Challenge years carrying a quiet fear: Is this still the right path? Will my student be ready for college? Will the academics hold up?
My family had those same questions. What I found is that the structure of the Classical Conversations Challenge program answered them one year at a time. By the time I finished Challenge IV, I was not just ready for what came next, I was formed for it.
Growing in Leadership
Classical Conversations is set apart from many school programs because kids and teens are encouraged to step up as leaders.
As you know, throughout the Challenge program, students are given countless opportunities to lead strands and walk alongside each other while working on various projects and assignments.
I remember stepping up to the whiteboard as a twelve-year-old in Challenge A and leading my classmates through a single math problem. Little did I know that this would equip and prepare me to lead entire strands in Challenge III and IV.
In Challenge I through Challenge III, students participate in Policy Debate and Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Although I struggled with Debate, I quickly discovered that the skills I was learning would help me flourish in public speaking, confidence, and my willingness to lead others.
Read: The Purpose of Challenge I Debates
Excelling in Academics
Classical Conversations led me to excel academically in my homeschool high school curriculum.
At the age of twelve, in Challenge A, I had the opportunity to practice cartography, the study of the world through maps. My classmates and I all practiced sketching different countries and continents, and eventually, we could draw the world from memory.
Throughout Challenge A through Challenge IV, students are taught how to write papers and essays. I will be honest and say that I was not a huge fan of writing papers for the longest time. It wasn’t until I wrote a short story in Challenge B that I fell in love with writing.
Listen to Before You Begin Challenge: Academic Readiness on the Everyday Educator podcast
Concurrent Enrollment
Something I love about Classical Conversations is the opportunity to earn college credit through Concurrent Enrollment while still in the Challenge program.
This program allowed me to take college-level courses that aligned with the assignments I was already completing in community. For example, I took English Composition 1 in Challenge III and English Composition 2 in Challenge IV, and I refined my writing skills in many ways. Thanks to the feedback from my college professors, I can now write papers and essays with ease. And because of Concurrent Enrollment, I was able to complete twelve hours of college credit through Southeastern University, a Christ-centered institution, while staying in my classical, Christian community.
Learn more about Concurrent Enrollment for homeschoolers
Creating Lifelong Friendships
Last but not least, Classical Conversations provided me with lifelong friendships.
I am so thankful for all the friends God blessed me with through Classical Conversations. I am grateful for the Directors and Tutors who have walked this journey with me. They truly have mentored and led me well over the years. I am overwhelmed by their love for the students and their hard work to support and encourage us. I also know I could not have done this without the help of my amazing classmates and my homeschool community.
What a joy it has been to embark on this journey alongside my community and my family!
Screen vs. Community: Why Classical Education Thrives on Real Relationships
What Do Colleges Think of Homeschool Graduates?
Something families often carry into the high school years is the question of whether Classical Conversations homeschool transcripts will be taken seriously by admissions offices.
The Challenge program builds a rigorous academic record across multiple disciplines. Families have what they need to present a credible homeschool transcript that reflects genuine college-ready work. Colleges are looking for students who can think, write, and reason through complex material. The Challenge years train all of those things. And from my own experience, I walked into the next chapter with real confidence, not just a diploma.
Homeschool High School Transcript Guide: 6 Biblical Strategies for Success
Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling High School
How does homeschooling work in high school?
In a Classical Conversations homeschool high school program, students progress through Challenge A, B ( ages 12-14 or 7th and 8th grades), I, II, III, and IV (ages 14+ or 9th-12th grade). Each level builds on the previous year’s academic and classical skill development. Students meet weekly in community, complete coursework at home under their parents’ direction, and develop the classical skills of writing, reasoning, and rhetoric throughout the full high school journey.
How much does homeschooling cost for high school?
Classical Conversations families invest in community tuition and curriculum materials to become members of the Challenge program. For families who add Concurrent Enrollment, credits are transferable and designed to accrue with little debt. Visit the Concurrent Enrollment page for current pricing and program details.
Is homeschooling a good idea for high school?
For families committed to a classical, Christian education, homeschooling through high school offers academic rigor, character formation, community accountability, and the opportunity to earn college credit, all while keeping parents in their God-given role as primary educators.
Can you be homeschooled in high school?
Yes. Many states provide clear legal frameworks for homeschooling through twelfth grade. Classical Conversations communities are able to serve students through Foundations, Essentials, and Challenge programs. Challenge A through Challenge IV cover middle and high school years and provide a structured, supported path from beginning to graduation.
What curriculum do homeschoolers use in high school?
Classical Conversations families use the Challenge curriculum, a classical, Christian program spanning Challenge A through Challenge IV. The curriculum integrates exposition, logic, reasoning, research, debate, and language study through a community-based model designed to develop the student’s capacity to learn, not just to accumulate information.
Do colleges accept homeschool graduates?
Yes. Many colleges and universities actively recruit homeschool graduates. A well-documented homeschool transcript, combined with strong academic preparation through a rigorous program like Challenge, gives students a credible and compelling application.
Homeschooling through High School Is Worth It
If you and your family are uncertain as to what your plans are for your Challenge student, I would encourage you to continue your time with Classical Conversations. Your student will continue growing in their leadership, improving in their education, and making those lifelong friendships.
Want to find out more about the Challenge programs? Check out these resources:
- Top 3 Tips for Starting Challenge with Classical Conversations
- 10 Ways the Foundations Program Prepared Me to Homeschool through High School
- 3 Must-Know Tips for Homeschooling through High School
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