Find out how our thoughts shape the brain and what the Bible has to say about its power. Put Biblical principles into practice to actually change the physical shape and functions of the brain. This message can literally save lives, lead people out of depression, and help people find the peace and joy God has to offer.

The transition from homeschooling to college can bring a lot of questions - and sometimes, a bit of stress. Unlike students in traditional schools, homeschool families often navigate the college admissions process without access to counselors or ready-made resources. It's no surprise that many parents feel unsure about what's required or where to start. The encouraging news? Research consistently shows that homeschooled students are among the most prepared and successful in college environments. This session will walk through key areas of the college transition - academics, financial aid, extracurricular involvement, and the growing opportunity of earning college credit in high school through dual credit programs. You'll gain practical tips, helpful insights, and a better understanding of how to help your student thrive in the next chapter. Whether college is just around the corner or still a few years off, this presentation will help you feel more equipped and confident for the journey ahead.

Is your high schooler ready to take flight? This hands-on workshop dives into seven essential skills every teen needs before leaving home: from managing money and time to navigating relationships and decision-making. Whether your child is headed to college, work, or something different, he or she will benefit from an education that incorporates practical strategies for launching successfully.

God saved the best of homeschooling for last! Homeschooling the high school years is not only doable but can be enjoyable too! In this session, Carrie will answer the most FAQ about homeschooling through high school: How is a transcript created? What constitutes a high school credit? What is needed to earn a diploma? What about college? What does a typical day look like? What about extracurricular activities, dual enrollment, or special needs? Will there be holes in my teen's education if we homeschool the high school years? Homeschooling high school is easier than you think. The key to successfully homeschooling high school is to start with the end in mind. Use the high school years to discern God's purpose and plan for your teen's life. You CAN do this!

Story is an essential tool in getting kids to love writing. Fortunately, anyone can learn to create a compelling story - even kids who hate to write! Discover the five elements of a good story with award-winning author Daniel Schwabauer. Learn how to teach the basics of storytelling to your students by asking "The Write Questions." As we discuss the basics of every good story, we'll see what makes fiction an effective teaching tool, how to balance mechanics with imagination, and how to choose quality reading material. Your students will learn to be better storytellers, and in the process gain a remarkable skill: the ability to see the world through someone else's eyes.

Lab journals play a powerful role in both the academic and spiritual growth of students. As homeschool parents, we can foster curiosity, reflection, and intentionality in young learners. A lab journal not only accomplishes these goals but also serves as a record-keeping tool. Join veteran homeschooling mom and The Mystery of Science author, Karri Iverson, as she demonstrates how lab journals help prepare students for higher level courses, while recognizing God's design and order in nature.

In this workshop, we will discuss the steps to take to get started and enroll in credit classes at JCCC. We will share helpful information about course placement options; including free assessment testing for JCCC students. We will also further discuss Excel in CTE (formerly SB 155) courses that allows JCCC to waive tuition for high school students who meet our Kansas residency requirements and are enrolled in any tiered career technical class. This workshop will be led by Rhiannon Minster, JCCC Admissions Recruiter, and three JCCC Counselors, Heather Bratton, Denise Filley, and Emily Ziegler, who work specifically with homeschool students.

Navigating how to plan and pay for college can be a challenge. College-bound students and their families will learn: Value of college and having a plan, basics of financial aid, tips to lower the cost of college. Chris, a Thrivent financial advisor, suggests the College Planning Guide as a digital resource for attendees to explore their own situation and encourages further conversations with a financial advisor.

This workshop, for high school students who are college-bound (and their parents), gives you the benefit of recent experience from a homeschooler who has launched one child to the college campus and is actively preparing three others. You'll learn about making an effective four-year high school plan, the college application process, strategies for building a strong transcript, and other ways to equip students for both the academic classroom and the cultural environment of the campus.

Are you gearing up for the high school years or maybe already in the trenches? Need help in creating a transcript? Have questions on how to calculate the GPA? Join our High School workshop where we will cover graduation requirements for Missouri, transcripts, GPA, dual enrollment, what happens at 16, scholarships, etc. See you there.

Preparing your teen for their first steps out of your home is critical to their future success as a follower of Jesus Christ. We launched six children into the world, each one with completely different goals and aspirations. From college prep to apprenticeship opportunities, equipping your child with the tools to succeed is challenging and rewarding. I’ll share examples and lessons learned from our journey, as well as leave time to hear from other veteran homeschoolers, so you don’t feel alone in the critical mission to prepare your teen to launch.

Many parents feel overwhelmed by mixed messages about college. Rising costs, cultural pressure against Christianity, and claims that college is “a scam” raise real concerns. This practical, encouraging session cuts through the noise with a biblical and realistic lens. We’ll explore what the purpose of higher ed was and what it should be again, what families should expect from college today, Christian and secular, and why Christian formation during these years matters deeply. You’ll gain tools to evaluate programs, understand costs, spot unhelpful narratives, and make wise, confident decisions for your teen’s future with the gospel at the center.

When our kids are in their upper high school years, we might begin to question whether we’ve prepared them (and ourselves!) for the next steps. Did I teach them everything they need to know? Will the world eat them up? What have I missed? We can be assured that God has a plan for the good of our children, and for His glory. Parenting doesn’t end when our children graduate from our homeschools, and we can be encouraged by trusting in God’s faithfulness in the lives of our young adults. Find hope for a parent’s heart as our kids leave the nest, learn to fly on their own, and soar.

High school math at home can be an intimidating endeavor. How are you going to teach your kids algebra, trigonometry, or even calculus? Further, will they be prepared by graduation for college-level work? In this session, Kathryn provides practical solutions to some of the common pitfalls of teaching math at home. She also shows you how to harness the strengths of homeschooling to create a competitive high school program. Whether your child is STEM-minded or focused on the humanities, you’ll leave this session with a concrete four-year plan. Kathryn is a home school graduate with seven years’ experience as a high school math teacher; in addition, she has tutored homeschool students in math since high school.

Do evaluations make you nervous? Are your children moving into junior or senior high and you’re wondering what to put into the portfolio? What is the evaluator’s job, anyway? Come get your heart set at ease regarding this end-of-year step in the PA homeschool process.

In this workshop, we’ll explore creative ways to homeschool high school, covering PA graduation requirements and options like internships, dual enrollment, and entrepreneurship. We’ll discuss flexible. scheduling options, such as block scheduling, and practical tips for creating transcripts and portfolios. Plus, I’ll share lessons learned from graduating three kids to help you navigate your own journey!

Kathryn is the author of the brand new Apologia math curriculum. She also knows the end game with over a decade of experience teaching high school-level math. What are the essential parts of an elementary math program that will set your child up for success in middle school, high school, and even college? This session will highlight the crucial skills that must be mastered and the experiences that will shape your child as a future mathematician. Kathryn fleshes out each point with manipulative suggestions and helpful tips to make math something your child looks forward to each day.

Do you have a houseful? Are you planning on having a houseful? If so, then this is a great workshop for YOU! Heidi and Jay St. John are the homeschooling parents of seven perfect, never messy, always obedient very sweet, usually tidy, generally obedient, always energetic, very curious, children. They have homeschooled all the way through high school. One of the most challenging aspects of homeschooling a houseful is figuring out how to teach them all while finding time to manage the rest of your day! Moms are always wondering if they are "doing enough" and finding the time to teach individual subjects, well, individually... can be overwhelming. In this workshop, Heidi will share seven secrets of multi-level teaching that will empower, encourage and enlighten you! If you've got a houseful, then you've got your hands full! Let's laugh together, and rediscover the JOY of homeschooling with a full heart AND a full house!

Always feeling behind? Wondering how to get it all done? Find out about this simple and flexible tool and how you can incorporate it into your homemaking and homeschooling! This in-depth workshop will guide you through several ideas and templates to get you started.

Economics is a subject that plays a profound role in the life of everyone on the planet, and yet there is an astounding lack of knowledge when it comes to this field. This must change! Join Alex as he shares the critical foundations of this essential social science, learned from 12 years as a teacher of advanced economics to some of America’s brightest high-school seniors. He will talk about basics like supply and demand, and more complex issues such as the monetary system and banking. Finally, he will offer practical tips to homeschoolers on this critical field.

You can do this and you can do it well. If I can do it, you can, too! I will give you some Rock-solid foundational principles and practices that, when put in place, will confidently and successfully usher your teen across the highschool finish line.

This practical workshop shows how to use picture books to teach literary devices and writing with all ages. This is a fun, practical workshop that equips parents with tools for engaging their children with literature and writing skills. I’ve taught and tutored essay writing and literature for many years, and even at the high school levels, using picture books simplifies the process of finding literary devices and understanding them. This workshop is great for all levels from elementary through high school.

Gameschooling…. Yes, it’s a thing! And it is a great way to homeschool too. Shhh! Moms, don’t let your kids know they are doing school! Play is the work of childhood so don’t skip the play in your homeschooling. In this session, Carrie focuses on how to put the FUN back into learning the FUNdamentals. Carrie shares how to incorporate games into your lessons, how to gameschool on a budget, and shares tons of game recommendations for all subjects and all grade levels.

If you have ever wondered how to design a high school course of study, evaluate the results, develop a transcript, or award a diploma, then this is the workshop for you! Linda will cover all of these subjects and more in one quick paced hour.

Homeschooling through high school might seem intimidating but be encouraged! These can be the most enjoyable and influential years you have with your teens. This workshop takes the guess work out of what academics you should build into your 7-12th grade plan and helps you explore electives and activities that can customize your students' high school years to meet their graduation goals.

Transcripts are not just for college – every student needs one. How should you begin? What should you include? Understand the essentials of record keeping, the important records to keep, how to grade, evaluate credits, and prepare a professional looking high school transcript,

Many parents begin the Homeschool Journey motivated by a strong desire to nurture deep and enduring relationships with their children. Over time, they realize that winning and keeping their children’s hearts requires something more than simply schooling them at home…especially during the teenage years. But how do you keep your child’s heart without controlling it? How do you pass on your deepest convictions while at the same time avoiding the traps of legalism on the one hand, and permissiveness on the other? How do you foster healthy communication with your older children, maintaining the proper balance of love and respect?

Helping your homeschool student navigate high school doesn’t have to be overwhelming! This workshop will introduce you to key resources—local, statewide, and virtual—that can support your teen’s academic and career journey. We’ll break down opportunities by grade level, from career exploration in freshman year to internships, dual enrollment, and scholarships for upperclassmen. Whether you're looking for hands-on experiences, flexible learning options, or statewide initiatives, you'll leave with a clear roadmap to help your teen take their next steps with confidence.

Cut the cost of college tuition in half! This popular workshop will share how to accelerate the first two years of college by earning credit for subjects your student may already be studying in high school. The College Board’s College Level Examination Program (CLEP) along with Prometric’s DSST program are nationally recognized credit-by-exam programs that offer over 70 different exams, allowing students to test out of courses generally taken the first two years of college. Whether your student is gifted, motivated, or looking for purpose, this workshop will help save time and money earning a college degree.

This session is a “must hear” for parents and students alike. Everyone recognizes that there are problems with traditional higher education. Yet for all the press, commentary and money spent to fix the problem, far too few people recognize the amazing benefits of one-on-one mentor-driven education. Even as homeschoolers, we often fail to realize that the need for biblical discipleship in education also applies to the college years. Get ready to adopt a new paradigm for “higher education” as Daniel explains how your student can launch into life NOW, with clear vision, through powerful mentoring relationships and real-life application.

Recognize the challenges associated with teaching struggling or atypical learners in the high school years. Answer “How do I award my teen with special needs a diploma?” or “What do I do when my teen with dyslexia can’t read high school-level material?” look at alternative coursework, specialized curricula and learning materials, assistive technology, transcript options, possible graduation guidelines, high school programs for special learners, and post-high school options. She also offers tips for navigating the process of applying for testing accommodations for College Board tests.

Kevin’s parents graduated six children from their homeschool, and now, Kevin and Brenda Swanson have graduated their five children as well. Every parent wants their children to be successful. We will take a careful look at the word “success” and touch on our children’s calling and purpose in life. We clear the deck, and present basic goals for preparing your children for their life ahead. We will offer two tracks — the entrepreneurial track and the college track — and offer to parents and young people an exciting array of options and ideas that will accommodate their children’s particular needs. Special mention will be made of the power of mentorship.

What does the research show about the impact of smart phones, social media, and video gaming? How is it different for boys and girls? Are certain ages more vulnerable than others? A wealth of research is condensed so you can make knowledgeable and wise decisions. There's too much at stake to just "hope for the best!" You will leave with age-specific recommendations and greater confidence in deciding whether these technologies are dragons needing slaying or friends needing boundaries in your family.

Young people are less prepared for life, family, and work than they ever have been. The situation could not be more dire. Yet, the revival of mentorship and discipleship has been a saving grace for the day. In fact, there is nothing better for spiritual and economic preparation for the marketplace than mentorship. Kevin will speak of leveraging a work opportunity into a mentorship. He will speak from 12 years of experience with mentoring and what makes it so successful.

Text books have their place, but all textbooks and no fun makes a lot of homeschoolers want to throw schooling out the window! Dara will share ideas about how to carry on the spontaneity of homeschooling fun through the high school years without compromising on the necessary knowledge needed to get into college. Having five boys in or through college, she has insight and experience about what is really required to attend college. She will inspire your creative genius to think outside the textbook box and enjoy the last few years your teenager will be home.

Sound too good to be true? In this unique program, your teen can earn college credits while still completing their high school requirements--no detours, no delays. This program is designed to streamline the path to higher education by giving students the opportunity to fast-track their academic journey, earning an accredited 4- year college degree while meeting high school graduation requirements. Set your teen up for both high school and college success by fast tracking a debt free degree!

Has your student expressed interest in the military? Do you have questions about scholarship opportunities available in the military? If so, this session may be for you. This session will provide a brief introduction of the two most popular scholarship options for recent high school graduates - Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and military academies (for example, the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY). After this introduction, the workshop will focus on a Q&A session tailored towards the attendees.

Empowering your children with essential life skills is crucial for their development and future success. This class will guide you through the importance of equipping your kids with practical skills such as financial literacy, problem-solving, home management, and more. We'll explore why these skills are vital for building independence, resilience, and confidence. Learn effective strategies for integrating life skills into your daily routines. Discover how fostering these abilities prepares your children for the challenges and opportunities of adulthood, setting them on a path to becoming capable and self-sufficient individuals.

No matter how long you’ve been homeschooling, creating a bright future for your young adult can be daunting. There’s much to learn and talk about: •Independent versus interdependent learning and why it matters •Calculating credits for High School graduation •Preparing a student for college learning and creating transcripts •Internships: why are they a game-changer for your student’s homeschool experience •Creating a positive homeschool experience filled with wonderful memories Join Beth Mora, veteran homeschool mom of eight children, for an interactive workshop that promises to help your student have a bright future.

Children are bombarded daily with media of every possible variety. In today's ever-changing economic and social climate, parents must find balance to positively raise their children. Rick Green’s mentor, Zig Ziglar, devoted much of his career to providing golden nuggets and guidelines still needed today to face parenting challenges. The Greens credit Zig's biblically based, scientifically-sound strategies with helping them raise children who remained teachable through the “teenage” years, and they want to share Zig's wisdom with YOU! While there is no magic formula for raising kids, these strategies will positively improve the relationships in your home.

Unveiling a game-changing truth: Getting into college is easy. It's graduating from college that's hard. Prepare to reimagine your approach to college by Homeschooling for College Credit. Say goodbye to the conventional obsession with 'college admissions.' Discover the power of earning college credit in high school and starting with the end in mind. In this session, you'll learn why Homeschooling for College Credit makes the difference between paying cash for a degree or going deep into student loan debt.

Homeschooling high school can seem intimidating. This is an informational session for those with children approaching high school or in high school. Basic information about transcripts, credits, tests, course descriptions, and some of the options available for high school courses and curriculum will be presented. This overview is designed to provide insight and encouragement as you enter this new phase of the homeschooling adventure.

Enhance your homeschooling experience by seamlessly incorporating CLEP exams into your Christian curriculum with Homeschooling for College Credit. This workshop guides parents in integrating CLEP as the homeschool final exam, aligning faith-based learning with valuable college credits accepted at both secular and Christian institutions. Regardless of your teen's chosen college, the HS4CC method presents a "low-risk-high-reward" strategy for strategically accumulating credits. It offers a budget-friendly advantage for post-high school education, regardless of your college destination.

80% of public colleges and universities offer dual enrollment college courses to high school students, but what about the Christian homeschool? In this workshop, we'll explore my top picks for excellent Christian colleges and universities that offer affordable, high-quality college courses through distance learning. You'll learn what dual enrollment costs, the ideal starting age, and how to bring college credit into your homeschool program where it makes sense.

Homeschool high school? Is it really doable? Yes! In fact, you might find the high school years more rewarding and “easier” to homeschool than the early elementary years, especially with multiple kids. We’ll discuss the many benefits of homeschooling the high school years, in addition to working through some practical solutions to common challenges.

At eleven, one of our boys was just learning to read and at fourteen he still struggled to spell three letter words. Little did we know that he’d be reading ancient philosophers for fun at seventeen and that he’d go to college on a full academic scholarship! In this workshop, we’ll talk about how to help your struggling learners through high school (and give them a love of learning!), how to get accommodations on the SAT and ACT, and how to find out what help a college can give them – and you’ll be surprised just how much they can do! Our struggling learner was on the Dean’s List at his college and getting accommodations that really help. Find out how!

The turmoil of the tween/preteen years between nine and thirteen usually catches parents by surprise. Diligent students become addled and distracted. Kids raised in church start questioning the existence of God. Sweet children seem to climb on an emotional rollercoaster – and then invite you to join them. Don’t get a ticket for that ride! Instead, learn to resist the temptation to lose it yourself and to shepherd our children through this challenging age at this funny and all-too-real workshop — and lay a foundation to make the teen years great!

Hear from the whole Spooner family as they share what the teen years look like from the perspective of Dad, Mom, and the teenagers themselves. What do our teens need from us, and how can we raise them in the way they should go so when they are old, they will not depart from it? How do we combat depression? How do we establish identity? Whether you have a teen or are worried about what is yet to come, this session is for the whole family! It will end with some family ministry time—families praying over families and teens praying over teens. Walk away equipped.

What plan would suit your high school student? What subjects do you teach and when? This seminar will help you organize your thoughts and lay the groundwork for a viable four-year plan. You’ll learn about high school credits, simplifying grading, and the fundamentals of recordkeeping—transcripts, extracurriculars, and diplomas.

A transcript is a vital part of your teen’s high school records. In this interactive, practical seminar, you’ll create a transcript that can be used as a template when designing your own. The session will guide you through the how-to of transcripts, evaluating credit, and calculating grade point averages (GPAs).

The high school years are a prime opportunity to equip your teens for future success. Whether your teen is headed to college, a career, or the military, they will benefit from advanced skills in study and time management. This session provides parents and teens with practical ways to develop these skills during high school, and lists resources that will help.

Want to transition your young adults from simple obedience to mature responsibility? In this session, Dr. Steve shares the important phases teens need to learn to take responsibility for their lives. Watch your kids move from childish irresponsibility to becoming young adults who embrace ownership and initiative as they move up the “Responsibility Tree."

Preparing your teen for their post-graduation goals requires planning. This seminar provides a timeline and checklist to ensure that important items are included! For college-bound teens, this includes entrance tests, applications, and financial aid information. Students headed directly into the workforce can benefit from career aptitude testing, training opportunities, and building a resume. Learn about the military’s homeschool enlistment policy and advice for applying to service academies.

You’re not just your teen’s teacher; you’re also their guidance counselor! Find out how to navigate the entire admissions process—from narrowing down the selection of colleges to filling out applications, applying for financial aid, and asking the questions that will help you and your teen discern when and where they should go to college.

Do your children struggle with learning hard concepts or facts but can quote their favorite movie to you verbatim? Join me as we discuss how and when to use educational apps to help your children master hard concepts and learn facts without the tears. Cherie will share some of her favorite learning apps. If you have favorites please be prepared to share about them.

As a parent homeschooling a teen (or thinking about it), you may have doubts about your ability . . . and your sanity. Come and be encouraged as you discover a long-range perspective for teaching your teen that is filled with hope, faith, and joy!

Can you overcome self-doubt and lack of experience to teach the harder subjects like pre-algebra, chemistry, or English literature? Instead of putting it off, find out what your options are! Karri Iverson, veteran homeschooling mom and author of The Mystery of Science series, will share how she’s used resources available to teach her kids through high school.

What plan would suit your high school student? What subjects do you teach and when? This seminar will help you organize your thoughts and lay the groundwork for a viable four-year plan. You’ll learn about high school credits, simplifying grading, and the fundamentals of recordkeeping—transcripts, extracurriculars, and diplomas.

Internet safety is a serious issue, but most parents feel overwhelmed, unqualified, and out of control when it comes to navigating the digital world with their kids--unsure of where to begin or how to effectively protect their family online. But it doesn't need to be this way. Despite the seeming complexity of the issue, there are plenty of simple, practical steps that any parent can take to drastically improve their children's online safety. In this session, we will cover numerous, specific techniques you can start implementing today--most of which require essentially zero technical expertise. We'll also cover common mistakes most parents make, and how to fix or prevent them. You'll come away with a sobering perspective on the seriousness of your role in protecting the hearts of your children as well as a new sense of empowerment that even you can take control of your family's digital safety.

Recent years have seen an enormous increase in the use of technology in education for even the youngest students. But is technology really the cure-all that many believe it to be? While traditional skills such as cursive penmanship are seen as unnecessary in the modern world, the actual research tells a different story. Join Andrew Pudewa to learn the compelling reasons to read paper books instead of electronic devices, handwrite instead of type, teach cursive instead of printing, and grab a pen instead of a pencil. Discover how to unleash creativity that goes beyond technology.

You can’t do everything, but did you know that you shouldn’t even try? In this session, you’ll learn how independent learning decreases burn out, helps students excel, and equips them for life. This workshop will give you the tools to guide your child as they gradually transition to learning independently, whether you have preschoolers or high schoolers!

This workshop addresses some of the challenges associated with teaching struggling or atypical learners at home in the high school years. Do you have questions such as “How do I award my teen with special needs a diploma?” or “What do I do when my teen with dyslexia can’t read high school-level material?” This workshop discusses alternative coursework, specialized curricula and learning materials, assistive technology, transcript options, possible graduation guidelines, high school programs for special learners, and post-high school options. It will also offer tips for navigating the process of applying for testing accommodations for College Board tests.

A transcript is a vital part of your teen’s high school records. In this interactive, practical seminar, you’ll create a transcript that can be used as a template when designing your own. The session will guide you through the how-to of transcripts, evaluating credit, and calculating grade point averages (GPAs).