Virtual High School
Welcome to Homeschool Companion's Virtual High School!
"Wait, you ARE sending them to high school, right?" You know, for the REAL education!"
You know that awkward moment when someone finds out you homeschool? First, they're super nice about it.
"Oh wow, homeschooling! So cool!"
"Your kids must love it!"
"You guys are so brave!"
Then... plot twist... "You ARE sending them to high school, right? You know, for the REAL education!"
Um, excuse me? Did they just call our homeschool journey fake? Like we've been playing school this whole time with toy diplomas and pretend math?
Here's the truth bomb: We're keeping them home for high school too. Why? Because homeschooling isn't the opening act - it's the whole concert!
The truth is, teens are trying to figure out who they are (and sitting at a desk for eight hours won't help). They need time to explore what they actually care about (not just what's on the state test). They deserve to be treated like real humans, not walking grade point averages.
"But what about prom? Sports? Drama club?" you ask. Relax!
We'll find it or make it happen. The world is full of basketball courts, theater groups, and fancy dances. You don't need a school ID to have fun.
The final question is always, "How will they get into college without a 'real' diploma?"
Actually, colleges LOVE homeschooled kids! They get in through portfolios, interviews, and special programs. Plus, research shows they often do better in college than regular school kids.
But honestly? College isn't the only path to a fulfilling life. Maybe they'll start a business, learn a trade, become an author, or even become the next YouTube sensation.
Ready to ditch the "fake school" for something real? Check out Homeschool Companion's Virtual High School—we'll show you how to make high school homeschooling actually work (and even be fun.) Because this isn't practice—this IS the real thing!
At Virtual High School, we are committed to providing a challenging and supportive academic environment for all students. Our experienced teachers and staff strive to help each student reach their full potential, both academically and personally. We offer a wide range of courses and extracurricular activities to ensure that all students have the opportunity to pursue their interests and passions. We believe that a well-rounded education includes not only rigorous academics but also opportunities for community service, leadership, and personal growth.
Join Virtual High School and discover your potential!
Interested in joining our virtual high school?
Apply now to begin your journey with us!
Meet Our High School Faculty
Dr. Rose Gamblin, Principal, Math
Dr. Gamblin began teaching at an early age since her parents were missionaries in West Africa. She was homeschooled through the 10th grade. She earned a Ph.D. with an emphasis in Special Education/Gifted and Talented. “I believe every child is gifted in some way.” In 2008, She began her daily radio show, Homeschool Companion, which broadcasts daily. Rose is a home school evaluator (K–12, Special Ed.) for the state of Pennsylvania. She is working with a team of like-minded educators to provide a virtual high school for families who want to homeschool their children through high school. “With the pandemic, school violence, and limited accessibility, homeschooling has exploded, so much so that we recognize that we are part of "The Home School Revolution.”
Mr. Vaughn Jennings, Vice Principal, Humanities
After becoming a registered respiratory therapist, Mr. Jennings returned to college and earned a BS in elementary education and art with minors in elementary math and science. Later, he received an MAT in multi-age instruction and was certified in WI, NY, OH, PA, and MD. From 1965 to 1999, he began and taught in several church-run micro-schools. Then, he became a supervisor of MD, DE, parts of WV, and PA schools. Since retiring, Vaughn has taught elementary and high school classes virtually. He loves editing, writing books and poetry, and giving Bible studies. For the past three years, Mr. Jennings has worked tirelessly to create community through the virtual delivery of instruction. He is considered a pioneer in the field.
Mrs. Gretchen Harman, Registrar, German, and Math Tutor
Mrs. Harman is our resident homeschool authority, having homeschooled all seven of her sons. Before having a family, she earned a BS in mathematics and did graduate work. She serves as a math tutor and registrar. Most recently, she has been teaching German, Algebra 1/2, 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 both virtually and face-to-face. She believes that mathematics should be taught like a language. It takes both practice and a connection to real-world experiences.
Mrs. Courtney Tooley Dye, Health and Fitness, Music Appreciation and Flute
Courtney Tooley Dye graduated from Washington Adventist University in 2021 with a triple major in Physical education: teaching certification K–12, Music, and Interdisciplinary studies. While at the university, she was a Dual Athlete at the NCAA Division II level in Volleyball and Basketball. She was a collegiate musician for both orchestra and band and played with the New England Symphony at Carnegie Hall, NY.
Courtney's other hobbies include traveling, reading, rock climbing, and hiking. She has been a teacher for two years and works at the Boys and Girls Club in her spare time. She is excited about teaching and participating in the Homeschool Companion Virtual High School Team. She is also available for virtual flute lessons.
Dr. Faith Laughlin, Spanish, English, Social Studies, and Career Paths
Dr. Laughlin graduated from Colegio Adventist de Sagunto, earned a bachelor's at Andrews, and then went on to Pacific Union College for her master's. She earned her doctorate at Shenandoah University. As a Christian educator, she aims to educate students not merely for life after graduation but also for eternity through the integration of faith and learning. This education occurs through the use of diverse methods, incorporating various learning styles, presentation styles, learning activities, collaborative projects, modeling, scenarios, case studies, technology usage, and question-and-answer sessions. "In this endeavor, I frequently remind myself that our lives must center on Christ "momently" if we truly desire to integrate faith and learning," says Dr. Laughlin
Andelena Jackson, Music Composition and Oboe
Andelena Jackson graduated from Shepherd University with a Bachelor of Arts in music composition. She wrote the film Score for the theater department's annual production. She has mastered multiple forms of composition, including solo works with accompaniment, woodwinds, brass, choir, chamber ensembles, concert bands, string orchestras, and symphony orchestras. She currently works at Music and Arts of Frederick, MD, teaching voice, oboe, and composition. She has had several works published by C. Alan Publications, was the winner of the CATF 30th Season Opening Fanfare Competition, and sang the national anthem for the Letterkenny 77th Anniversary Celebration for Italian POWs in 2022. Most recently, she won the opportunity to have one of her orchestral compositions played by the National Theatre Claudio Santoro Symphonic Orchestra. Ms. Jackson believes that music is a universal language and a way to communicate with every human being.