HOW TO HOMESCHOOL
THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL

GOALS FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND

As you plan for your student’s future, think big, in terms of what does your student want to do.

  • What are his strengths, talents, gifts?

  • What is her personality?

  • How do you feel God is leading your student?

  • College? Two or four year?

  • Vocation? Apprenticeship or vocational school? On the job training?

  • Military? Officer or enlisted?

  • Life skills?

  • Marriage?

TESTING

Tests are a tool that you can use to help your student attain her goals.

Standardized achievement tests include the Stanford, California, Iowa Test of Basic Skills, Terra Nova, etc. These tests are given at grade levels and can start as early as kindergarten. Student scores are based on a comparison to a norming group of students at that grade level whenever the test was published. Scores can be given as a Percentile (based on 100%), Grade Equivalent (compared to norming group of students), Stanine (below average, average, above average).

College entrance tests are mainly ACT and SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). The CLT (Classic Learning Test) has been developed to measure student knowledge along the lines of classical academic models without a nod to modern sensibilities and political correctness. 

PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program and other College Board recognition and scholarship programs.

AP (Advanced Placement) tests are given during the first two weeks of May each year at times set by the College Board; not all schools offer all tests. It is up to the student to find a location for the test she wants to take. You can take an AP test without taking an AP approved course; you can take an AP approved course and not take an AP test.

CLEP (College Level Equivalency Program) has been around for a while. CLEP exams are touted as tests students can take to get credit for what they already know. It is important to know what colleges accept CLEP credit, and for what courses, where the test centers are, and how tests are structured.

ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a multiple-aptitude test that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. The enlistment version is only given at military recruiting centers and is used for recruiting purposes only. The student testing program, also known as the ASVAB Career Exploration Program is used for career exploration and is given in high schools and community colleges to measure academics and aptitudes.

DUAL ENROLLMENT IN COLLEGES

Nearly all colleges offer dual enrollment now, either on campus or online, or both. If your student is enrolled with a church school in Alabama, ask if they have dual enrollment agreements with the college in which your student wants to enroll. If not, then pursue accelerated enrollment courses, or look through the college website to find what they offer to homeschool students

ACCREDITATION

Obviously, most church schools that offer homeschooling programs are not accredited, and homeschoolers using the private school law will not be accredited either. Public 2-year and 4-year colleges in Alabama may not deny admission to an otherwise qualified student based on the fact that he attended, graduated from, or is enrolled in a non-public school (which is probably not accredited).

It is important that a homeschooling parent keep good records for her student and prepare a transcript that communicates the pertinent facts of the student’s education.

TRANSCRIPT

A high school transcript should include 

  • A list of subjects studied by grade level (if possible)

  • Carnegie unit assignments for each subject studied (suggested 1 unit = 5 45 minute periods each week for 36 weeks = 135 hours)

  • An assignment of level of quality (A/B/C/D/F), including a GPA

  • Results of all standardized testing

  • Graduation date 

  • Current Alabama requirements for high school graduation. Click HERE to see details.

Be aware that individual school districts may have additional requirements, which is important IF your student wants to re-enter the public school system. Re-entering the public school system is tricky when your student is in high school. Individual school districts have their own policies and procedures; finding out about these policies AFTER the fact is a common occurrence. Be aware that IF you begin homeschooling in high school, your student will probably need to graduate with a homeschool diploma.

RESUME

  • Educational opportunities (high school, college, other)

  • Club memberships

  • Vocational experiences (both paid and unpaid)

  • Volunteer experience (church, summer camps, community)

  • Specialized experiences (sports, fine arts, etc.)

  • References

SKILLS NEEDED FOR LIFE

  • Reading and Writing

  • Computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, etc.)

  • Critical thinking and analysis, verbally and in writing

  • Ability to function away from parents 

  • Laundry – mending – grocery shopping – health issues – car repair – etc.

  • Ability to seek out help when needed

  • Beliefs, convictions, moral standards that the teen has adopted as his/her own in their hearts, and not just from their parents

HIGH SCHOOL COURSE EXAMPLES

(This is in no way a complete list of subjects that can be taken, just a sample) 

  • Math: Basic math, Pre-algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus, advanced math, consumer math, business math, technical math, accounting

  • Science: Biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, marine biology, basic science, physical science, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, aerospace

  • Social Studies: Alabama history, world geography, world history, U.S. history, government, economics. Be aware that, in the public schools, Alabama history is taught in the two courses required of U.S. history, not as a separate subject.

  • Physical Education: Exercise videos, basketball, baseball, football, volleyball, running, walking, tennis, soccer, ballet, golf, swimming, wrestling, weight lifting, skating, bowling, hockey

  • Electives: Drivers education (1/2 unit), Bible, keyboarding (no longer typing!), computer systems (word processing, database, spreadsheet), computer programming, accounting, art, home economics/family living, agriculture, horticulture, auto mechanics, small engines, photography, journalism, speech, drama, woodworking, clothing design

  • Foreign Language: Spanish, French, German, Latin, biblical Greek or Hebrew, sign language

  • Music: Instrument, choir/solo/ensemble, recitals, competitions

  • Vocational training: Up to 2 credits per year for job experience in the junior and senior years, if the job is 18-20 hours per week, for the entire year.