Discover diverse opportunities beyond academics to develop skills, socialize, and enrich your high school experience.
Why Extracurriculars Are Crucial for Online & Homeschool Students
While flexible learning offers many advantages, engaging in activities outside your core studies provides unique benefits essential for growth and future success.
Socialization & Networking
Skill Development
Confidence & Self-Esteem
College & Career Readiness
Exploring Passions & Interests
Physical & Mental Well-being
Explore diverse extracurricular avenues available to online and homeschool students, both locally and virtually.
Connect with peers globally through virtual platforms. Join clubs focused on coding, gaming, art, writing, debate, languages, Model UN, or specific interests like anime or books. Participate in online competitions or skill-building courses.
Examples:
Make a difference locally. Volunteer at animal shelters, food pantries, libraries, senior centers, or hospitals. Participate in community cleanups, join local youth groups (church, scouts, 4-H), or get involved in local politics or advocacy.
Getting Involved:
Express your creativity. Take local classes in painting, pottery, photography, dance, or music. Join community theater productions, choirs, or bands. Participate in virtual art clubs or submit your work to online/local publications or contests.
Ideas:
Stay active and build teamwork. Join local community sports leagues (soccer, basketball) or individual pursuits like swimming, martial arts, gymnastics, or equestrian activities. Check state/local policies about homeschool participation in public school sports. Explore virtual fitness challenges or online sports clubs.
Options:
Dive deeper into academic interests. Participate in math leagues, science olympiads, robotics clubs, coding competitions, or debate teams. Join online clubs focused on specific subjects, attend virtual STEM workshops, or participate in science fairs.
Examples:
Forge your own path. Start a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast. Take online courses in areas of interest. Get a part-time job or internship. Develop a skill like graphic design or coding independently. Start a small business (e.g., Etsy shop, tutoring).
Ideas:
Finding extracurriculars as an online or homeschool student requires some proactivity. Here’s where to look:
These organizations often arrange group activities, field trips, clubs, and even sports teams specifically for homeschoolers. Search online (e.g., Facebook groups, local homeschool association websites) for groups in your area.
Check bulletin boards and websites for your local library, community center, parks and recreation department, museums, and churches. They often host clubs, classes, sports leagues, and volunteer opportunities open to all youth.
Explore dedicated platforms offering virtual clubs, classes, and communities like Outschool, Boys & Girls Clubs Virtual Club/MyFuture, or specific online school offerings (if applicable). These provide access regardless of location.
Some states and districts allow homeschoolers to participate in public school extracurriculars like sports or band. Policies vary widely, so contact your local school district directly to inquire about their specific rules regarding homeschool participation in sports, clubs, band, etc..
Can't find a club for your specific interest? Consider starting one! Gather friends from your homeschool group, church, or neighborhood. This demonstrates leadership and initiative.
Colleges value extracurriculars from all students, including homeschoolers. They look for passion, commitment, leadership, and skill development. Clearly documenting your activities, roles, time commitment, and achievements is key. Focus on quality over quantity and highlight activities that align with your interests and potential major. Unique activities you initiated can be particularly impressive.
This depends heavily on state laws and local school district policies. Some states have laws granting access ("Tebow Laws"), while others leave it to district discretion, and some prohibit it. You must contact your local school district directly to inquire about their specific rules regarding homeschool participation in sports, clubs, band, etc..
Virtual activities are an excellent solution. Explore online clubs, competitions, courses, and communities. Consider individual pursuits like learning an instrument online, starting a blog, coding, or creating art. You could also initiate a local group with other homeschoolers or community members, even if it starts small. Volunteer opportunities might exist even in smaller communities through churches or local non-profits.
Effective time management is crucial. Prioritize activities that genuinely interest you. Use a planner to schedule both academic work and activity time. Start with one or two activities and add more only if you can manage the workload without feeling overwhelmed. Remember that the flexibility of online/homeschooling can be an advantage – schedule activities during off-peak times if possible. Communicate with activity leaders or coaches about your academic commitments.
Yes, especially if you pursue them seriously and can demonstrate significant time commitment, skill development, or achievement. For college applications, documenting these is important. Examples include completing advanced online coding courses, building a portfolio of artwork, writing and publishing stories, developing an app, or dedicating significant time to mastering a musical instrument. Starting a blog or YouTube channel related to your hobby also counts.
Start exploring the activities that excite you and enrich your high school journey today.