A Step-By-Step Guide to Homeschooling in High School
(Part 2)
What is a High School Credit?
It's useful to understand what a "credit" actually is. A credit is technically a "Carnegie Unit." According to the Carnegie Foundation, this unit was developed as a measure of the number of hours a student has studied discrete (separate/distinct) subjects. For example, a total of 120 hours in one subject earns the student one "unit' of high school credit.
Homeschoolers may receive credit if they do any ONE of the following, per course:
- Complete two-thirds of a textbook
- Have 120 daily logged entries
- Have 120 hours of logged study
- Complete a 10-page research paper
- Complete a college course
- Pass an AP exam
- Documented Work Study
- Documented Apprenticeship
- Community Service/Volunteer Work
- Long-term participation on a sports team
- Long-term participation in community arts programs
- Other creative ways in which you can demonstrate that a reasonable amount of learning has taken place.
Strategy
Using your state's guidelines, college admissions, and any other resources, make a list of the minimum required courses your student should complete. Then, with your student, discuss options for electives. Keep their interests and abilities in mind as you plan. Electives don't have to be planned out all at once. Be flexible and allow room for your student to grow and mature.
Now make a plan of attack: Which courses will be completed which year? Is your student capable of or interested in early graduation? Check to see if it's legal and acceptable in your situation to accelerate and do high school in three years. For many homeschool students, this allows them to spend what would be their senior year pursuing community college courses and/or work options.
Typical Credit Requirements for Graduation from High School
(For the college bound, choose the extra classes.)
| Subject | Credits |
|---|---|
| Electives | Foreign language, Driver Education, Computer, Art, Speech, Music, Drama, Business courses are all popular choices. Future goals should guide selections. |
| English | 4 - 3 credits of sequential English and 1 elective such as Journalism, Creative Writing, etc. |
| Health | 1 |
| Mathematics | 2 or 3 - Choose courses with college/career in mind. Consumer or general math for some students or Algebra, Geometry, Trig. |
| Physical Education | 1 Soccer leagues, Ballet, Tennis, Aerobics, etc. |
| Science | 2 or 3 Biology, Chemistry, Physics for the college bound. |
| Social Studies | 3 or 4 U.S. History, World History, Government or Geography are typical. |
What Are Some Options for Teaching High School Courses?
This is a great time to be homeschooling! The options are many and diverse. Besides the traditional student book/teacher book method here are other ideas:
- Barter
"You teach my student Spanish and I'll teach yours Algebra." - Be a Student
Learning right alongside your child can be a fantastic experience. Whether you sign up together for a local Spanish course or just dig into the books together, show your kids that learning is a lifelong process! - Community Colleges
Many homeschoolers take college level courses during high school. This serves two purposes: first, it is a practical way to take a class the parent prefers not to teach or for which the equipment may not be readily available, like chemistry. Secondly, a job well done offers "proof' of the student's ability to college admissions personnel and/or potential employers. - Computer Courses
There are many programs available now. Ask friends for recommendations. - Co-ops and Hybrid Co-ops
We're involved in a wonderful co-op we started with two other families to teach our kids once a week in a classroom-like setting. We've expanded to three different groups: upper elementary, middle school, and high school. This year in high school we offer Literature, AP U.S. History, Biology, and Spanish II. Each year we decide which classes we want based on our families' needs. We open this up to other students on a paying basis. Each teacher is paid, along with the co-op administrator. The kids love it and so do the parents! - Correspondence Courses
There are a number of different correspondence schools. Choose one course or take the whole program. Depending on the school, it may offer support, record keeping, testing, transcripts, report cards, and accountability. Many are accredited. There are both secular and Christian schools. This might be good for a course you prefer not to teach. - Hire a Tutor
If you can afford it and your local homeschooling laws permit, this is a great way to cover that one class you'd just as soon not teach. We do it for piano lessons, why not Latin? - Internet Classes
We've participated in Escondido Tutorial Services. Fritz Hinrichs teaches a number of classical courses through live, interactive weekly meetings. We've been very pleased. There are other many others now doing similar things. - Video Courses
These courses are often lacking in interactivity but excelling in material covered. Some of the courses we've used have been very well done.
As you can see, there is a plethora of possibilities available to you, including articles from the Homeschool are of and many, many great homeschooling sites online. Be of good cheer! These are your teens and you can do this!
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Used by permission Lifeway.com
