Maybe this wasn’t the case for you, but I always knew my eldest would start college early and from home. However, for the past year and a half I’ve struggled to find the right option for my student. Thinking it would ease my administrative burden and provide opportunities for dual enrollment, I enrolled him in a South Carolina online based public school from home. He excelled and finished his 10th grade year strong.
For the past year I have labored researching local schools that offered online courses. My son is 15 and not ready to drive to college on his own. What was I to do? Our local offerings were bleak; too far, too shady, or very few online class options. The internet based school he was enrolled in was of no help at all, the emails resulting in answers like ‘check with your local community college’. I was left wondering if I had misunderstood the role of a high school advisor…?? Eventually, my emails and phone calls were sucked into the black hole of non-response. Our advisor was no longer with the school, but of course, no one told us that. I was finally able to speak with another administrator and this is the plan she came up with.
- 3 college courses through F-D Tech
- 2 courses through their online public school due to testing requirements (no college credit and unnecessary)
- 1 elective
I began to widen my search, realizing that our son should have access to any public college offering online schooling in South Carolina, I searched farther and farther out. I found Florence-Darlington Technical College in Florence, SC. Florence-Darlington offers a complete online associates degree and dual enrollment for public OR homeschool students. Success! What could be better?! Well, I’ll tell you, they are easy to work with, answer emails and actually will return your call!
Since one 15 wk college course is equal to 1 year of high school study, our student only needs to take 3 classes per semester to complete his 11th grade year. Bringing him back under our homeschool association means that the hobbies he enjoys now, theater, fencing and guitar, will count towards his required electives. So, what does his schedule look like now?
- 3 college courses online this fall and 3 spring of 2019 through Florence-Darlington
- receives elective credit for his current activities
This is about half the workload of keeping him in the online school, and half the time investment.
Once the lottery pays for half, his tuition will be around $900 a semester plus books. It’s an affordable college option and makes the most of his two remaining high school years, while keeping the grade keeping burden off of me. They also offer summer courses and intensives, which we will use next year as needed.
I hope our little journey and research can be helpful for others in our situation and provide a clear path forward. It’s not too late to register for fall classes! Consider contacting Florence-Darlington today and getting the ball rolling towards making the most of these last two years of high-school, while keeping them home, and keeping it simple!
-Anita Moree
Fort Mill, SC