The Unbound Equip Program: Our Experience in 9th Grade

As a homeschool parent, finding the right-fit educational program for my child has always been a priority. This past year, my son had the opportunity to participate in the Unbound Equip program, and it’s been a journey worth sharing.

Designed for students in 9th through 11th grades, Equip goes beyond traditional academics, emphasizing mentorship, accountability, and skill-building to prepare young people for success in all areas of life.

What is the Unbound Equip Program?

Equip is an educational program integrating coaching, reading, worldview training, and hands-on projects to help high school students develop practical skills and grow personally. The program is thoughtfully structured and adapts to students’ unique interests and goals.

Here’s an overview of what Equip offers:

Coaching and Accountability

Students engage in four coaching modules each month and participate in two group coaching calls. These sessions introduce new principles and provide mentorship opportunities, goal-setting strategies, and a chance to collaborate with peers. The focus on accountability has been pivotal for my son, helping him stay motivated and organized.

Courses and Reading

Equip includes a robust curriculum that combines online courses with thought-provoking reading. Each year, students complete two 8-week courses covering topics like life skills and advanced study techniques. They also read two impactful books and undergo 8 weeks of Christian worldview training, fostering critical thinking and personal application.

Student-Led Projects

One of the program’s highlights is its focus on hands-on learning. Each semester, students complete an 8-week project of their choice. These projects encourage creativity and practical application of the skills they’ve learned, allowing students to explore their passions and take ownership of their education.

A Closer Look at the Curriculum

We are about halfway through the first year of the program. The first semester has been divided into two parts. The first several weeks were focused on teaching students how to manage their time, tasks, and relationships. Students are coached through weekly readings and scaffolded activities that prompt them to take action and reflect.

The second part of the semester was a mini-personal project. Students learned about goal setting, chose a project to work on, set a goal, and had weekly reflections on their progress toward meeting the goal.

9th Grade

• Courses: Core Life Skills, Basic Study Skills
• Books: Love Does by Bob Goff, Your New Playlist by Jon Acuff
• Worldview Training: Now We Live by Summit Ministries

10th Grade

• Courses: The Young Traveler’s Gift, Ultralearning
• Books: Do Hard Things by Alex & Brett Harris, Everybody Always by Bob Goff
• Worldview Training: What Would You Say?

11th Grade

• Courses: Navigate, Advanced Study Skills
• Books: 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey, The Little Things by Andy Andrews
• Worldview Training: How to Think Like a Christian by Thinking Out Loud

Our Experience with the Unbound Program Equip Level

Participating in the Equip program has been a good experience for my son. The coaching modules and group calls have helped him develop self-discipline and refine his ability to set and achieve goals. The reading selections have broadened his perspective, encouraging reflection on life’s challenges and opportunities for growth.

At the beginning of the year, the program took more work than I anticipated on my part as his parent and teacher. My son has profound dyslexia and some processing issues. I needed to come alongside him and help him figure out how to organize the reading, tasks, and materials. This is the intention of the first part of the program, but he was unable to do it with simply the support of the program.

As the semester progressed, I slowly backed away from the amount of support I was giving to help him organize the tasks and sift through the information. I no longer help him manage his daily tasks and only check in, asking if he’s completed it for the day.

I wish the program included more touchpoints and specific or tailored coaching. I was hoping for a robust, constructive feedback loop. Of course, I recognize this is hard in a homeschool environment where kids don’t see the same instructors daily. But it does seem like other online academic classes have this in place.

So far, he has completed one of the hands-on projects. He chose a goal within his comfort zone and worked toward it.

Over the next semester, I hope the student-led initiatives will allow him to dive deeply into topics he’s passionate about, fostering a sense of independence and accomplishment. The Christian worldview training is also something I’m looking forward to him learning more about, too.

Why Choose Equip?

Equip offers a balanced and enriching approach to high school education. It’s a program that doesn’t just prepare students for tests or college applications but equips them with the skills and mindset to succeed in life. Equip might be the perfect fit for your family if you’re looking for a program emphasizing personal growth, practical skills, and a strong Christian foundation.

As a parent, I’ve been encouraged by my son’s progress and am excited to see how he continues to grow through this program. If you’re considering Equip for your 9th grader, I recommend exploring the program’s website to learn more about this unique educational opportunity.