The Homeschool Specialist

When I first found out about this college exam option created by Christians I was more than excited! This interview includes more about me than you probably care to know starting with my education as well as why I decided to homeschool my own children in the 1980s! Feel free to fast forward to the part where we talk about the CLT and Bryan College!

Having a rising senior stirs up a variety of mixed emotions from relief (assuming your senior graduates with passing grades), to sadness (it is the end of an era after all), to concern (are they ready for the next step?), to anxiety (can we afford college?). Allow me to help you plan ahead so that you can enjoy this experience with as little stress as possible.

If your student is ready to handle the rigors of a college class, then being intentional when choosing which classes to take is important. Listen in to find out more about which dual enrollment classes your student should take while in high school.

Last spring when COVID hit the United States many changes took place almost immediately. Many colleges went to virtual classes, ACT and SAT cancelled test dates, competitions were either cancelled or changed to virtual events, and graduations, as well as other celebrations were either cancelled or postponed. These are a few of the negative affects of COVID upon life in the US, particularly college life! Understandably, many students were very disappointed with the changes that took place. However, even in the midst of all of these negative outcomes, there have been a few positive changes to celebrate!

No one wants to borrow money for college, but there are times when taking out loans may be necessary. Reducing the cost of college through scholarships, grants, and more is preferred to taking out loans. Being aware of options and opportunities and planning ahead is the best way to make college affordable

You have a student entering high school, and the next four years will be very important to your child's success after graduation. As daunting as that seems, be encouraged because with intention, planning, and prayer the next four years can prepare your student for college, career, and a successful life!

Earning both college credit and high school credit by having a high school student take college courses is a win/win! However, there are a few concerns to consider when deciding if your student is ready for college level classes in high school, or not!

Everyone includes reading, writing, and math, but what about additional subjects that may be as important (or more important) to your student? Listen to this podcast to hear suggestions of additional subjects to include during high school so that your student is well prepared for life after graduation.

Our family did not get involved with speech and debate clubs until my first four had graduated high school. Listen to this short podcast to find out why you do not want to repeat my mistake!

Taking advantage of scholarships and specific opportunities is vital to affording college. The largest college scholarship amounts awarded to students are generally academic scholarships. In light of the that, having your students do whatever they can to increase their academic scholarship is a worthy goal. Increasing scholarship amounts and being aware of additional opportunities will help relieve the financial burden of college.

Whether you are a black belt, have a little experience, or have no experience at all you may find this scholarshipped Martial Arts Academy an opportunity worth pursuing.

Earning college credit while in high school is a great option if your student is ready to attend and pass college level classes. However, there are a few concerns that parents should be aware of so that they do not repeat the mistakes made by others.

Reacclimating to an academic schedule after the holiday break is often difficult. Consider the suggestions made in this podcast in order to avoid burnout and enjoy a smooth transition as you start back to a full schedule.

Juniors and seniors in high school who are not aware of opportunities that are time sensitive often lose out on scholarship funds. Be aware of these time sensitive dates so that opportunities are not missed.

Homeschooled students often struggle with time management and study skills. This podcast will offer 5 steps, along with suggested resources, to help a student improve these skills. For the links to recommended resources go to https://patweso.wordpress.com/2020/10/13/five-steps-to-improving-study-skills-and-time-management/

Earning college credit while in high school is a great opportunity for students who are ready and able to take college classes. This podcast will cover the good, the bad, and the ugly of dual enrollment opportunities. If you would like a schedule of dual enrollment classes offered at Bryan College, send me an email: pat.wesolowski@bryan.edu

Whether you are brand new to homeschooling, or have been homeschooling for years, this podcast offers guidance and encouragement as you plan for each level of your student's academic education! This podcast is taken from the blog article of the same title.

Many of us have been taught a thing or two about money that may not be true. My son took an Introduction to Personal Finance class that opened my eyes to new beliefs! If you have high school students, then having them take the same class my son took will prepare them well for life! Listen as I share my personal experience as well as the opportunity to have your students take this PEM Life Introduction to Personal Finance class. The class can be taken in high school as a stand-alone subject, or with Bryan College as a dual enrollment class.

Meet Stacey! She's is a fitness instructor as well as a homeschooling mom to 4 boys (toddler to teen) who works hard to achieve a balance between homeschooling, exercise, character, and a career. In this interview you will hear about Stacey's experience as a homeschooled student, her current homeschooling situation, how she became a fitness instructor, and how she makes sure her boys are obedient and well behaved. You can find her on Instagram as momness_fitness or at her website. Included on her page are fitness videos, mindset strategies, nutrition information, mom life encouragement, creative ways to stay active, and more. By the way, full disclosure, Stacey's my daughter, the second oldest of 9! I'm quite proud of all she has accomplished.

If you are new to homeschooling you may have no idea how to get started. This podcast will give you the basic information you need in order to begin a successful homeschooling experience!

Every school age child in the US has recently been required to school from home. For some this experience was less-than-ideal, but for others the situation has created a curiosity about what it would be like if they decide to continue homeschooling with purpose and planning beforehand! This podcast covers seven reasons to consider homeschooling after the stay-at-home orders are lifted. The article with the same title on the blog includes live links to resources mentioned. It can be found here.

Large or small college? Secular or Christian? What about scholarships? In state or out-of state? How does one narrow down the choices in order to know which colleges to apply to and when? With so many options, many with varied opportunities, the process can seem overwhelming. However, when armed with the right questions to ask, you will be able to help your students discover their top choices in time to make a smart decision. For those who want to see this information in writing, the blog that goes along with this podcast is located at this link.

Now that your student is beginning high school, it is important that you come up with a plan for success which should include preparing your student for college. Whether they go to college, or not, it is best to be prepared and not need college rather than not prepare and then discover college is necessary after all. This podcast will offer six steps for parents to consider when preparing their students for college. The article with the same title on the blog includes live links to resources mentioned. It can be found here.

Whether you are considering homeschooling or you have been homeschooling for many years, we will share tips, ideas, and information that will not only enable you to homeschool successfully, but to encourage you along the way.