Unit 8: Litha (Optional)
Senior Prep & Portfolio Development
Summer (June – July)
6th Principle: Goal of world community
☀️ Unit Overview
At Litha, we prepare for senior year—building portfolios, researching futures, and exploring how to contribute to the world community.
🎯 Learning Goals
- Build academic portfolio
- Research colleges/careers
- Draft application essays
- Prepare for standardized tests
- Develop senior year plan
Project 1: Portfolio Development (Weeks 1-2)
Hearth Circle: Litha celebration—honoring the sun's peak, reflecting on growth
Portfolio Work: Gather best work from 9th-11th grade, organize by subject, write reflections on each piece, create a digital portfolio (Google Sites, Canva, or similar)
Transcript Review: Update homeschool transcript, calculate GPA, list extracurriculars and volunteer work
Goal Setting: Write a vision statement for senior year and beyond
Project 2: College & Career Research (Weeks 3-4)
Hearth Circle: Exploring paths—what calls to you?
Research: Explore 5+ colleges/universities OR trade schools/apprenticeships, compare programs, costs, locations, and culture
Virtual Tours: Take online campus tours, attend virtual info sessions
Florida Options: Research Florida Bright Futures, state universities, community college dual enrollment, Florida Prepaid
Career Exploration: Research careers of interest, interview someone in that field if possible
Project 3: Essay Writing & Test Prep (Weeks 5-6)
Hearth Circle: Telling your story—authenticity in applications
Essay Work: Brainstorm personal essay topics, draft Common App essay or personal statement, peer review and revision
Test Prep: Take a full practice SAT or ACT, review results, create study plan for fall, consider PERT for dual enrollment
Recommendation Letters: Identify who to ask, draft a "brag sheet" for recommenders
Project 4: Service & Senior Planning (Weeks 7-8)
Hearth Circle: Giving back—how will you serve the world community?
Service Project: Plan or complete a community service project, document hours and impact
Senior Year Plan: Map out 12th grade courses, set application deadlines, plan for any remaining requirements
Summer Reading: Choose 2-3 books for pleasure reading before senior year begins
Reflection: Write about how your education connects to the 6th Principle—building world community
📺 Just Can't Day Alternatives
🎓 Ready for Senior Year!
Completing this summer unit means you're well-prepared for 12th grade. You'll have:
- A polished portfolio showcasing your best work
- A clear understanding of your post-graduation options
- A draft of your personal essay
- A study plan for standardized tests
- A roadmap for your senior year