Guide to Foreign Language for High School Homeschool

Your teen probably needs two credits of foreign language to graduate from high school. Once you choose the language, how you go about earning those credits will depend on several factors:

how much time and money you have to invest
the measure of your teen’s natural interest in foreign language

Teens With Low Interest in Foreign Language

If your teen has a low aptitude for language and no apparent practical reason to study it, then take the get it done approach and buy a curriculum that suits your teen’s learning style.

print/textbook/video curriculum
digital curriculum — Rosetta Stone, apps
online courses — Mango Languages, Middlebury Interactive

There’s no shame in doing just enough to earn the credit, but do choose a method that will be the least distasteful for your teen. By the high school years, you can get input from your teen. Show her the options you can afford, and let her make the final choice.

Teens With High Interest in Foreign Language

If your child is interested in foreign language either due to personal passion or possible future studies or career, then invest more time and money in the classes with some of these additional options.

1. tutors who are native speakers

A local person is the best case scenario, but there are online teaching sites such as iTalki that can safely and affordably connect your child with a native speaking tutor online.

2. co-op classes, preferably with a native speaker

A group setting won’t provide as much time for spoken communication as one-on-one instruction does, but many students thrive in a classroom with multiple learners.

3. travel and real-life experiences

If your teen is serious about language learning and has demonstrated that through performance in her classes, it’s time to consider investing in foreign travel or local experiences where she can put her skills to the test.