Are you homeschooling a high schooler and trying to figure out how to include extracurricular activities on their high school transcript? Me, too. It is tough with a non-sporty kid. So, I began looking into including high school extracurricular activities and electives that would make colleges happy.
Don’t get me wrong. There are so many options for high school extracurricular activities. For example, kids can take part in art programs, sports teams, learn an instrument, etc.
But if you are like me, some areas are being used as credit towards high school requirements.
For instance, my son’s karate classes will be used towards his physical education requirements. While my daughter’s filmmaking course is counting towards fine arts, not an elective.
So, I started looking into different options. This is where I found Outschool. Well, I knew of Outschool, but I looked at it through a new lens.
Outschool offers various high school extracurricular activities, including creative writing, photography, digital art, programming, languages, music, and more.
They also offer courses in social sciences, such as psychology and sociology, and natural sciences, such as astronomy and environmental science.
Let me just add that when I say extracurricular activities, I mean beyond volunteering. So for me, I’d put volunteering under community service.
I think extracurricular activities are a great way to showcase a kid’s interests and passions. Then colleges can see if they are a good fit for their school and are more likely committed to their degree program.
Plus, extracurriculars help kids explore interests that can become careers or hobbies.
But anyway…
Let me show you why Outschool is an excellent place to start when looking for extracurricular activities for your high schooler.
Table of Contents
- Finding High School Extracurricular Activities
- Extracurricular Activities for High School or High School Electives
- Outschool as Extracurricular Activities for High School
Finding High School Extracurricular Activities
As I mentioned, I was looking for high school extracurricular activities to add to my daughter’s high school transcript. She has volunteered, participated in Scouts, did a year of 4-H, and a year of being part of a Homeschool Players group that put on plays.
However, some of those activities stopped after her freshman year. She isn’t a sporty kid. But if I signed her up for art or music lessons, I’d be inclined to use those as fine art electives.
So, my dilemma began.
But I remembered Outschool. I shared it as a way to keep teens engaged when stuck at home (it came out in 2020, so enough said).
Well, when I got their weekly emails about classes, I started looking at the courses differently. For example, could this class be used as a high school extracurricular activity?
That’s when I found so many opportunities for extracurricular activities (though they could be used as electives, too).
If you have a teen that loves to read, there are several book clubs.
Do you have a teen who is passionate about art but doesn’t need fine arts credits? There are so many art classes.
Teens can sign up for public speaking classes, an animal club, a cooking club, a travel class, and more.
My girl is a writer and wants to get into filmmaking. So, what better way for colleges to see her passion than having her participate in a movie club?!
Each week, the kids watch a movie on their own and come together Monday night to discuss it. Her teacher is a producer that works in the film industry, so she adds valuable insight into the movies they watch.
Just think, your high schooler may be able to find a fun extracurricular activity that they are passionate about. Plus, they can take part in it right at home. No driving all over the place.
Extracurricular Activities for High School or High School Electives
So, I’m using Outschool for high school extracurricular activities. However, you can easily use Outschool for high school electives too. They have a lot to offer, and it is a perfect way to add opportunities that your kiddos may not otherwise have.
A Little More About Outschool
So, you can see why I think Outschool is a good option for expanding kids’ learning and fostering their passions. Let me tell you how it all works.
Instructors
Outschool classes and clubs are taught by various people with different backgrounds and experiences. You can read more about each person leading a class to see if they fit your child well.
Pricing
Outschool classes vary in pricing. Some courses cost $10 a class (like my daughter’s movie club), while others might cost $45. It depends on the topic and instructor. I have found that the coding classes tend to be a little pricier.
If you look around, you can usually find something that fits your budget.
Availability of Clubs and Classes for High School Extracurricular Activities
You will surely find a class you can fit into your schedule. Some classes meet once a week, and some meet more frequently. Plus, many clubs my daughter was interested in were ongoing. In contrast, others are offered for a set period and have a particular start date.
There are many options with days, times, and start dates that make it easy to find a class to fit your needs.
Doing a Club or Course for High School Extracurricular Activities or Electives
Kids log in to their Outschool classroom, and meetings are held within. The Zoom platform is used so kids and teachers can interact and learn. It is super simple to use!
Plus, a countdown clock begins an hour before my daughter’s meeting. She receives reminders to help her be on time.
As a parent, I see all communications that go on. In addition, I receive emails when a new message has been posted within the class, so I can keep tabs on things. It is great!
Outschool as Extracurricular Activities for High School
I can honestly say I am pretty impressed with using Outschool for high school extracurricular activities or electives. Finding a class or club that interests any child is easy. The times, teachers, and schedules are varied, so you will surely find something that will work for you.
Obviously, I’ve been looking at this as a homeschool parent. However, I think Outschool is an excellent way for high schoolers in public and private schools to add to their transcripts too.
Let’s face it; schools can only offer so much. Outschool allows ALL students to find clubs and courses that are fun and exciting to them.
It allows kiddos to pursue interests that may help them later in life. For example, an animal club might help someone find their passion for becoming a wildlife biologist.
So, if you are like me, trying to find high school extracurricular activities that fit my daughter’s passions, then look into Outschool. It may have just what your teen is looking for.
Happy Homeschooling!
Great review! I’ve heard of Outschool, but didn’t know that much about them. Thanks for providing some helpful options!
You’re welcome. It offers a lot, so many things we can’t find in our area, that I wanted to let others know it is an option.