TESC acceptance before earning a HS diploma?

[cookderosa]

Not to be a kill-joy, but to assist in future planning - going to a school like TESC will make it harder on a student looking to continue education at the PhD level in most subjects. The reason is that a PhD is a research based degree and all of the top programs are highly-competitive and expect to see some ability to have done research as an undergraduate. Now that is not saying it is impossible, just saying that when compared to a traditional B&M school your son will be at a significant disadvantage come post-grad admissions time.

For what it’s worth I received undergrad via TESC, and though I am completing a masters at an ivy school - conversations with various persons have confirmed that although it does not interfere as much with professional masters programs, my lack of research as an undergrad poses a large obstacle in PhD admission criteria.

That's why I asked. I think this advice is on target. Let's get back to the grad school thing in a second.

If it were my son, I'd keep taking free community college courses-butt in seat- in his areas of interest. As far as I can see, you have nothing to gain by cutting off the free supply of education and calling it done right now. I'd say, if he earns 200 undergrad credits (for free) before he finishes HS, then that's just extra cool. Call his college courses "dual enrolled" and drop the homeschool curriculum. 2 or 3 classes per semester (for free) isn't a bad thing-but it's enough- again, this is what I would do for my child- I'm not saying it's right, and I think there are a whole lot of pros and cons.
I wouldn't graduate too early, and I wouldn't get a BA before the diploma- it will require him for the rest of his entire working life to explain "why" and "how" on a job application- which might be perceived as unusual or eccentric. In fact, if he is ready for a break, he could spend time in extra activities or volunteering/working and slowing down a bit. All of these activities will strengthen his grad school application.

There will be weaknesses in his grad school applications- but so what? We all have weaknesses! He will also have strengths. I wouldn't assume that online work is automatically a weakness unless he is going for a actual research based PhD. I think of the THOUSANDS of grad programs (on ground and on line) at the master's and doctoral level- he won't have any trouble getting started. Will he get a full ride and a stipend? Maybe, maybe not. You'll have to help him get creative- find out who he might be able to network with in order to become a competitive candidate. Perhaps he can work in a research lab (if that is a goal) or at a political party base in your town.

My overall suggestion is to take a bit of time experiencing the working world just a bit- it can be unpaid job shadows, internships, volunteer, or even paid summer jobs- but get a feel for what career interests he has. This, ultimately, will guide the decisions about what/where/when/if grad school is on the horizon. In my opinion- what classes you enjoy in school (and are good at) isn't necessarily the perfect choice as a career.

This was long, but I find your son's situation very exciting- and the best part, is that you are NOT in a rush, he really does have a lot of time to think this all through very carefully and enjoy a few "underwater basket weaving" classes if he wants.