The Simply Smart elementary science program, Experiencing Science, is built around hands-on activities that are fun and flexible. Students can study topics in any order and at their own pace. But where do you go after Simply Smart Science? We encourage older students to enroll in more structured, challenging courses that align with traditional high school curriculum. Why the change in approach? Like math, we approach science in two phases:  

Phase 1: explore-experience-understand 

Phase 2: rigorous high-school (or college) classes that further develop mastery

A primary goal of studying science is not only to acquire information but also to develop a scientific mind. Simply Smart’s Experiencing Science provides a solid foundation that instills a love of learning, helps children visualize how science works, introduces key concepts, and encourages them to think like scientists. Once that foundation is in place, children are ready to build on it by taking rigorous, traditional high school courses.   

For 7-9th grade, physical science (or general science) and earth science are common transitional classes. Our children have also enjoyed a history of science course that teaches science through stories and explains how each area of science evolved (read more here).  

For 10th-12th grade, standard classes are biology, chemistry, and physics (which usually requires taking Algebra II first). Your child may also want to take additionl science courses, such as AP Computer Science, depending on their planned major, interests & educational goals.   

We recommend taking lab-based science courses that align with traditional college-prep classes. These classes prepare students to succeed at a university level. Even if students choose a non-university path, higher-level science courses contribute to a well-rounded education and develop academic discipline.

For high school biology, chemistry, and physics, there are several options:  

 1. In-person college courses with labs:  This is by far our favorite option. Enroll in a college course and take it concurrently while in high school. We highly recommend classes with in-person labs if available. A good science lab can help make science come alive and accelerate learning. Taking college courses kills two birds with one stone. Students receive a year of high school credit and a semester of college credit on their transcript before they ever get to college. If the student does well, having the college level-credit strengthens their application to universities and takes the place of AP classes. In addition to those benefits, it is also excellent preparation for attending college or a university later.  

2. In-person high school classes:  Some high schools will allow homeschool students to enroll in individual classes without having to attend high school for the entire day. For some, this may be a good option. High schools often offer in-person labs, which is a plus. Depending on their social connections, some students might enjoy a class on a high school campus with peers. Taking AP science classes is typically less demanding than taking the same course at a college, since high school classes are typically spread over two semesters, rather than teaching the same material in one semester as they do in college. Consequently, taking AP science classes may not be quite as good preparation for college. Another drawback of AP classes is that they do not automatically get college credit for the course. To receive college credit, the student must take an AP course, pay a fee to take the AP exam at the end of the year, and pass it with a score high enough to receive college credit. 

3. Online science courses:  There are several online science courses available, such as DIVE or Khan Academy. Some colleges also offer online high school-level science courses. If in-person classes with labs are not available, this is a solid choice.   

4. Textbook-based courses: Several homeschool publishers, such as Apologia, offer textbook-based high school-level science courses to be taken at home. While this approach works, it is our least favorite option.  

Before your child starts high school, review your options and develop a plan.  Make sure to check out our blog What About AP Classes & College Credit   for more information on maximizing your options for high school and university credit.