This is where “the rubber meets the road!” You have cared and tended your child through childhood, and now you are in the final stretch of getting that child ready to launch into the big, wide world! When you put it that way, it sounds intimidating doesn’t it? And many parents do find the the idea of homeschooling high school to be intimidating. However, if we compare it to how you have met your child’s ongoing nutritional needs throughout childhood, you can see that it has always been a process of taking the next step.
In high school we expand the depth of all the previously added subjects, but more specifically we add Mythology to the study of Literature. Much of our world communicates through the use of allusion, so only by understanding the world’s stories can we understand each other. However, Mythology is often “other people’s religion,” and while most of these religions are no longer practiced, some still are. Ani VeAmi believes that they need to be handled with the same respect we would want others to give to Judaism, which is why many families choose to wait until this point to really study it.
More than just Mythology, Humanities plays an important role in a solid high school level education. It has been said that when you teach STEAM subjects without Humanities, you get Spiderman villans, and when you teach Theater without Humanities, you get Batman villans. It is not enough for our children to leave home having a solid grounding in Mathematics and Sciences. They must understand their ethical responsibilities as human beings as “with great power comes great responsibility.”
The Other Side of the Story by Yehudis Samet
Above the Bottom Line: Stories and Advice on Integrity by Hanoch Teller
Give Peace a Stance: Stories and Advice on Promoting and Maintaining Peace by Hanoch Teller
Courtrooms of the Mind: Stories and Advice on Judging Others Favorably by Hanoch Teller
Videos
Aleph Beta offers video lessons on Jewish holidays, weekly Torah portion, and other topics.
Torah Live offers video courses on many Jewish topics.
Chabad.org offers many educational materials for all ages.
Book of Our Heritage (Pocket Edition) by Eliyahu Kitov
Choose Light!: Chassidic Tales for Chanukah, Rosh Hashanah, Sukkos, Passover & Shavuos by Libi Astaire
Jewish Holidays
Haggados
The Katz Passover Haggadah: The Art of Faith and Redemption (Hebrew and English Edition)
Background story
The Complete Story of Passover by Nissan Mindel
Literature
Pass Over to Freedom (Chassidic Tales for the Jewish Holidays Book 5) by Libi Astaire
Akiva by Rabbi Meir Lehmann
The Complete Story of Shavuot by Nissan Mindel
Let My Nation Serve Me by Rabbi Yosef Deutsch
Let Me Join Your Nation: The Story of Ruth, from Moabite Princess to Matriarch of the Davidic Dynasty by Rabbi Yosef Deutsch
Under Your Wings: The Complete Story of Rus and The Complete Story of Matan Torah by Meir Lamberski
The World Is Built With Kindness (Chassidic Tales for the Jewish Holidays Book 6) by Libi Astaire
The Harp by Rabbi Meir Uri Gottesman
Chains by Leah Gebber
On Your Walls, O Jerusalem by Meir Lamberski
The Complete Story of Tishrei by Nissan Mindel
Choose Light! by Libi Astaire
The Complete Story of Tishrei by Nissan Mindel
The Complete Story of Tishrei by Nissan Mindel
Choose Joy! by Libi Astaire
Five Glorious Brothers: The Chanukah War As Told In The Ancient Sifrei Maccabim by Rabbi Pinchas Stolper
Hidden Lights by Rabbi Pinchas Stolper
Inside Chanukah by Rabbi Aryeh Pinchas Strikoff
Through Your Hands by Meir Lamberski
36 Candles (Chassidic Tales for the Jewish Holidays Book 2) by Libi Astaire
The Illuminated Megillah by Rabbi Yonah Weinrib
Complete Story of Purim by Nissan Mindel
Let My Nation Live: The Story of the Jewish Deliverance in the Days of Mordechai And Esther by Rabbi Yosef Deutsch
Inside Purim: Fascinating and Intriguing Insights on Purim and the Megillah by Rabbi Aryeh Pinchas Strickoff
The Gilded Cage: Queen Esther’s untold story by Sorele Brownstein
Purim and the Persian Empire (English and Hebrew Edition) by Rabbi Yehuda Landy
Al HaNissim: The Complete Story of Purim by Meir Lamberski
The First Hebrew Primer: The Adult Beginner’s Path to Biblical Hebrew, Third Edition is a great introduction to the Hebrew of the Tanach for high school age students.
The Guide To Lashon Hakodesh, Vol 1: Mastering the Basics and The Guide to Lashon Hakodesh, Volume 2: Mastering Hebrew Verbs
is another set of books on Biblical Hebrew for older students.
Ha-yesod: Fundamentals of Hebrew (English and Hebrew Edition) is a textbook on Modern Hebrew for older students.
Mango Languages offers courses in both Biblical and Modern Hebrew. A comprehension of Hebrew letters is necessary before starting the course. Good for ages 6+. The courses focus on speaking, reading, and grammar. Many libraries offer a free membership for the service. They also offer a homeschool option where you can pay one price for all your students.
Duolingo is an app that teaches Modern Hebrew.
Migdalor offers both Biblical and Modern Hebrew resources for all ages.
My Hebrew Books offers Modern Hebrew resources for all ages.
If you’re not familiar with trope, a nice introduction can be found on the Wikipedia page on Cantillation.
Trope taamim — brief explanation of cantillation marks and their pronunciation.
Interactive Torah reading trainer at chabad.org — teaches the basics of trope.
Daf Yomi Review Torah readings provides recordings of Torah, haftorah, psalms, and other traditional texts in Ashkenazic, Sephardic, Chassidic, and Yemenite styles.
Tanach
Original Texts and Classic Commentaries
Study Aids
Lshon Hatorah High School Edition, workbook 1
Lshon Hatorah High School Edition, workbook 2
Lshon Hatorah High School Edition, workbook 3
Mishna
Mishnayot Meirot by Avraham Cheshin (Hebrew only)
Gemara
Beginners
Bonayich Gemara for Beginners Curriculum by Rabbi Dr. Pinchas Hayman
Rabbi Nosson Lomner’s Gemara Series (Aramaic with English linear translation), available from Torah Umesorah Catalog
Study Aids for Advanced Students
The Practical Talmud Dictionary by Rabbi Yitzhak Frank
Aramaic-Hebrew-English Dictionary by Ezra Zion Melamed
Aiding Talmud Study by Aryeh Carmell
Understanding the Talmud by Rabbi Yitzchak Feigenbaum
Charting the Sea of Talmud by Dr. Yisrael Ury
Reference Guide for the Talmud by Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz
Gemara Steps and Structure by Rabbi Yechezkel Norman
Jastrow Dictionary
Literature recommendations can be found on the Time Period pages, corresponding to the time period you choose to study.
In addition, you can choose books from the Jewish and secular lists of recommended books.
Stylized Writing
The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition — for older children who are ready for a challenge
You can choose a math curriculum from the following list, taking into account your child’s interests and learning needs.
Life of Fred is a literature-based math curriculum that covers elementary through college level math. The books are engaging and humorous. (Note: they are written from a Christian perspective, with occasional religious references, which can be skipped when reading aloud.)
Art of Problem Solving follows Beast Academy and offers curriculum for upper grades aimed at mathematically inclined students.
Math Mammoth is another popular self-study curriculum.
Math U See is another hands on approach which covers elementary through high school and includes DVDs with thorough explanations of the material (be aware that MathUSee has extra Bible songs on some of their DVDs).
Khan Academy offers online instructional videos on many math topics for elementary through high school age.
Jacob’s Elementary Algebra is a mastery-based high school level math textbook that uses stories, cartoons, and comic strips, as well as a lot of visual material.
Jacob’s Geometry is a mastery-based high school level math textbook that uses stories, cartoons, and comic strips, as well as a lot of visual material.
Depending on your child’s interests and learning needs, you can choose one of the full curricula listed below or build your own science education based on living books, also listed below.
Elemental Science for high school
Ellen McHenry — science materials for grades 3-10
Online courses
Science courses at MIT Opencourseware
Science Living Books
A longer list is in the works. Meanwhile, enjoy the following books.
Genesis and the Big Bang: The Discovery Of Harmony Between Modern Science And The Bible by Gerald Schroeder
The Science of God: The Convergence of Scientific and Biblical Wisdom by Gerald Schroeder
The Hidden Face of God: How Science Reveals the Ultimate Truth by Gerald Schroeder
The Torah Encyclopedia of the Animal Kingdom by Rabbi Natan Slifkin
Six Easy Pieces: Essentials of Physics Explained by Its Most Brilliant Teacher by Richard Feynman
Jewish History
Am Olam: The History of the Eternal Nation, Vol. 1 by Rav Shlomo Rotenberg
Am Olam: The History of the Eternal Nation, Vol. 2 by Rav Shlomo Rotenberg
Secular History
The History of the Ancient World by Susan Wise Bauer (chapter 1 thru 67)
Study and Teaching Guide: The History of the Ancient World by Julia Kaziewicz
Jewish Literature
Original Tanakh Period Texts
Tanakh
The Living Torah (English & Hebrew)
The Living Nach: Vol 1- Early Prophets
The Living Nach: Vol 2 – Later Prophets
The Living Nach: Vol 3- Sacred Writings
Interpretations of the Original Texts and Study Aids
People of the Book: From Adam to Yehoshua by Osher Chaim Levene
The Navi Journey Sefer Yehoshua by Rabbi Ilan Ginian
The Navi Journey: Shoftim by Rabbi Ilan Ginian
The Navi Journey, Shmuel 1 by Rabbi Ilan Ginian
Navi Journey, Shmuel 2 by Rabbi Ilan Ginian
The Navi Journey, Megillas Rus by Rabbi Ilan Ginian
The Navi Journey, Sefer Yonah by Rabbi Ilan Ginian
Books about Tanakh Period
The Young Moses: Prince of Egypt by Asher Lehmann
Uncovering Sefer Yirmiyahu: An Archaeological, Geographical, Historical Perspective by Rabbi Yehuda Landy
The Gilded Cage: Queen Esther’s untold story by Sorale Brownstein
Purim and the Persian Empire (English and Hebrew Edition) by Rabbi Yehuda Landy
The Decree; A Historical Novel Set During the Persian Rule by Rebbetzin Sarah Feldbrand
Secular Literature
Six Great Dialogues: Apology, Crito, Phaedo, Phaedrus, Symposium, The Republic by Plato
The Art of War by Sun Tzu
Books About Early Ancient Period
National Geographic The Greeks: An Illustrated History by Diane Harris Cline
Additional Resources: Jewish
Audiovisual
The Return of King David’s Harp by House of Harrari
Crash Course in Jewish History by Rabbi Berel Wein
Additional Resources: Secular
Audiovisual
Ancient Mesopotamia 101 by National Geographic
Ancient Egypt 101 by National Geographic
Ancient Greece 101 by National Geographic
Jewish History
History of the Jewish People: The Second Temple Era by Hirsch Goldwurm
History of the Jewish People: From Yavneh to Pumbedisa by Meir Holder
The Jewish War: Revised Edition by Josephus
The Oral Law of Sinai: An Illustrated History of the Mishnah by Rabbi Berel Wein
Vision & Valor: An Illustrated History of the Talmud by Rabbi Berel Wein
Understanding Second Temple and Rabbinic Judaism by Lawrence Schiffman
The Story of Tisha B’Av (The Torah Anthology), translated by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan
The Mystery of Bar Kokhba by Leibel Reznick
Secular History
The History of the Ancient World by Susan Wise Bauer (chapter 68 to the end)
Study and Teaching Guide: The History of the Ancient World by Julia Kaziewicz
The History of the Medieval World by Susan Wise Bauer (chapter 1 thru 26)
Study and Teaching Guide: The History of the Medieval World by Susan Wise Bauer
Jewish Literature
Original Talmud Period Texts
Schottenstein Edition of the Mishnah Elucidated Complete 23 Volume Set
Schottenstein Edition of the Talmud English Volumes 73 Volume Set
Interpretations of Original Texts and Study Aids
Rambam: Maimonides’ Introduction to the Mishnah translated by Avraham Yaakov Finkel
The Essential Talmud by Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz
The Rambam’s Guide to the Mishnah and Talmud by Rabbi Zvi Lampel
Who Is Who in the Talmud by Shulamis Frieman
The Tannaim and Amoraim – A Guide to the Chachmei HaTalmud by Rabbi Nosson Wiggins
The Juggler and the King by Rabbi Aharon Feldman
Aggadah: Sages, Stories and Secrets by Rabbi Immanuel Bernstein
Learning to Read Midrash by Simi Peters
Be’er Hagolah by Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein
Books about Talmud Period
Ithamar by Marcus Lehmann
The Morning Star by Rabbi Meir Uri Gottesman
The Harp by Rabbi Meir Uri Gottesman
Chains by Leah Gebber
Akiva by Marcus Lehmann
Herod: The Man Who Had to be King by Yehuda Shulewitz
Nezirah by Tzirel Greenberg
Secular Literature
Interpretations of Original Texts
Plutarch’s Lives, Volume 1 by Stewart and Long
Plutarch’s Lives, Volume 2 by Stewart and Long
A Charlotte Mason Plenary Plutarch Resources
Books About Late Ancient Period
The Lays of Ancient Rome by Thomas Babington Macaulay
Augustus Ceasar’s World by Genevieve Foster
Julius Ceasar by Shakespeare
Frontier Wolf by Rosemary Sutcliff
Additional Resources: Jewish
Audiovisual
Crash Course in Jewish History by Rabbi Berel Wein
Hillel and Shammai by JLI
The Jewish Revolt Against Rome by JLI
The Dead Sea Scrolls by JLI
Books
The Shul Boy by Rabbi Meir Uri Gottesman
Deep Blue by Rabbi Meir Uri Gottesman
The Chase by Rabbi Meir Uri Gottesman
Additional Resources: Secular
Audiovisual
History of Rome Podcast
Ancient Rome 101 by National Geographic
Under construction
Under construction
Under construction
Geography is covered with any book you read. As you read about different places and landforms, take time to find them on a map or look up a picture. However, the books listed below lend themselves especially well to geography.
A Book of Discovery by M.B. Synge
SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere by John Wiseman
Calligraphy
Learn Calligraphy by Margaret Shepard – start here! Explains how to do calligraphy and a brief history of the art.
The Calligrapher’s Bible: 100 Complete Alphabets and How to Draw Them by David Harris – a more intermediate guide. Has many calligraphy alphabets, including more modern styles.
Calligraphy and Illumination: A History and Practical Guide by Patricia Lovett – goes deeply into the history of calligraphy in Britain. Includes some information for the beginner, but dives more into advanced calligraphy.
Calligraphy Black Pen Set – traditional black calligraphy pen (made with beginners in mind) with a variety of nubs
Cooking
The New Basics Cookbook by Sheila Lukins and Julee Rosso
Sheila Lukins All Around the World Cookbook by Sheila Lukins
Bais Yaakov Cookbook by Bais Yaakov of Chicago – simple kosher recipes
Gardening
All New Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew
Leathercraft
Get Started in Leather Crafting by Tony and Kay Laier
Introductory Kit – make 6 different crafts. All supplies for crafts included. Recommended for ages 10+
Moccasins Kit – introductory kit to leather sewing while making yourself a pair of moccasins
Woodcarving
The Little Book of Whittling by Chris Lubkemann – beginner level
Complete Starter Guide to Whittling by Editors of Woodcarving Illustrated – intermediate level
Beginning Woodcarving DVD by Ellenwood Arts