This fall, Oliver Powell began taking some courses at Delaware Area Career Center (DACC), a regional vocational-technical school in Ohio. Like his older brother, who recently graduated from high school, Oliver has been homeschooled since kindergarten.
“We definitely prefer it,” said Jean Powell, Oliver’s mom. She feels that home education provided a nurturing environment and made it possible for her sons to interact more with their many cousins in the area who are also homeschooled.
It accommodated their family’s schedule as well.
“I have my own business and work out of my home,” Jean said. “With homeschooling, I was able to do that.”
Jean organized a homeschool co-op for students in 1st through 8th grade, which both her sons took part in. But Jean and her husband also encouraged their boys to pursue special interests. Oliver’s brother nurtured a talent for baseball, playing all four years at the local public high school, which is permitted by Ohio law. Oliver’s interests leaned toward the performing arts.
Oliver has participated in homeschool theater groups, where he’s had the opportunity to act sing, and design costumes. He’s landed roles in several productions, including the musical Captain Hook’s Revenge. Additionally, the teen plays guitar for his church’s worship band.
The flexibility to craft a customized educational program for a homeschooled teen pursuing a unique career path is a key feature of homeschooling.
Early in high school, Oliver toured the DACC. He was impressed by the wide range of vocational training it offered for junior and senior high school students as well as adults to earn industry credentials in specific areas of study. The center aims to empower students by preparing them for future careers and inspiring them to achieve their goals.
DACC offers a variety of programs, including unique elective courses and hands-on training for occupations from auto mechanics to wildlife resource management. They also host events like open houses, leadership conferences, and family group tours to engage with the community and prospective students in Delaware County and surrounding areas.
Oliver decided to enter the culinary arts program to supplement his homeschooling.
“It’s funny,” Jean observed about her son’s choice. “He doesn’t even cook. He loves theater and loves music, and he thinks culinary arts would be a good career to support his work in those areas.”
After selecting his vocational training, Oliver also signed up for several academic courses available at the center.
Meanwhile, the teen has been thriving in his program. “He loves it,” Jean said. “He’s getting straight A’s.”
Would you like to know more about specific programs at DACC or how to get involved? Visit https://www.delawareareacc.org
Source: https://hslda.org/post/teen-can-take-career-training-and-still-be-homeschooled
