My First High School Graduate!

The entire family surrounding Jayda--we were all so proud of her!

In May of 2021, I launched my first high school graduate into the world! I started homeschooling Jayda when she was in kindergarten. For years, I dreamed about having a senior in high school.

I pondered whether or not I would do a good job, especially in high school.

I often wondered whether my kids would be as competitive.

I asked questions like, "Will they be able to win academic scholarships?"

​And "Will they have successful college careers if they are homeschooled?"

Jayda graduating from homeschool kindergarten!

I'm excited to know that the answer to all of the above questions is "Yes!" With Jayda being the first student to graduate from "Murray Homeschool Academy," I have learned some fundamental principles about homeschooling and how to stand out on college applications that are worth sharing:

#1 Let Your Kids Be Unique. Often there is social pressure to have your kids involved in the same activities as other kids. If everyone is playing soccer, your kid should play too. Or if all the kids are in a particular after-school club, then your kid should get involved.

​But the truth of the matter is college admission teams are looking for unique children. Children who have distinct interests and passions. So my advice is to not give in to the pressure. Allow your kids to travel on a different path. It will pay off in the end.

Jayda received her first NCWIT award in Connecticut for her technological achievements.

#2 Don't be afraid to let your child specialize. Jayda chose to pursue the arts and computer science. Most of her activities centered around those two things. She spent so much time on these activities that she gained superior skills. In addition, Jayda earned accolades allowing her to stand out from her peers in the college application process. 

#3 Your Child Needs to Show Leadership. Jayda not only pursued art and computer science to grow her knowledge but also took the time to teach others. She taught weekly art classes and free computer workshops for young girls. She also volunteered over 200 hours to help St. Jude hospital develop tech solutions for raising money for the hospital. Pretty cool, right?! Parents, remember that colleges want to see that kids aren't just smart but also passionate about sharing that knowledge with others.

Jayda and Anaya served on the Memphis "Mech Warriors" Robotics Team

#4 Show Your Students Are Academically Challenged. Throughout high school, I made sure that Jayda took Advanced Placement and college-level classes. Due to age restrictions, I had to find online colleges that would allow dual enrollment for freshmen year. In addition, I picked a cover school that offered AP exams at the end of the school year. With this combination, none of the colleges questioned Jayda's academic ability. If you desire your child to win merit scholarships, then make sure the student's transcript shows an academically challenging, unique, and rigorous curriculum.

#5 Let the World Be Your Child's Classroom. For high school, Jayda wasn't active in any homeschool co-op groups. We relied heavily on organizations in our community for volunteer and extra-curricular activities. In fact, the public library was one of the best places to learn about everything in our city for youth. There were so many unique opportunities beyond the local homeschool groups.

​In addition, the library was a great way to find community groups that shared Jayda's passions and interests. So get online, research, and find out what's happening locally and nationally. Remember, the internet allows participation in national and international programs without them leaving your home. In fact, Jayda was able to participate with TedEdx youth and was selected to give at TedTalk, which was a stand-out opportunity.

Jayda is now a college freshman, and I'm here to tell you that you can do it! Your homeschooled son or daughter can have an excellent education at home. We had some ups and downs throughout the process, but it all worked out! 

​I'm thrilled to report that Jayda received a prestigious merit award and thousands of dollars in grants and merit scholarships because of the above principles.

​But I saved the best principle for last.

#6 Trust God With the Process! I pray so often about each one of my children. God made my children, and my worldview is that children come already filled with their gifts. It's my job as a parent to see what God has placed inside and to help cultivate their talents into maturity. I'm always asking God for his guidance, and you know what--He comes through with wisdom, insight, and direction every time!
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So take each year, one year at a time, and know that you can make it across the graduation finish line with success!