High School Homeschooling FAQs
February, 2005

Fortunately there are answers to many of those same concerns and it is possible to continue to homeschool through high school with great success.

Although it was difficult in the past for homeschoolers to make their way into college, most higher education institutions today think highly of homeschoolers and are open to accepting homeschooled students.

Because a homeschooler will not have traditional grades, colleges will most likely put more emphasis on SAT and other standardized test scores. However, colleges also recognize that success in higher education is not solely based on grades, but rather the ability to manage time well, to be well-rounded, and to communicate effectively. This is why a well-developed portfolio and well-written essay will greatly improve homeschoolers chances of acceptance into the institution(s) of their choice.

The best approach is to directly contact the admissions office of any colleges of interest and ask them for their policies concerning homeschooled students.

How to Gain College Admission Without Anything Resembling a Traditional High School Education with Wes Beach

How to Get Your Homeschooled Teen Into Their 1st Choice College with Diana Johnson

High School Record Keeping, Organizing and Class Design with Barb Shelton

Homeschoolers can decide for themselves how they feel about receiving a diploma. Many view the document as a representation of their accomplishment, to be framed and displayed. Others feel their portfolios and body of knowledge best represent what they have learned and do not feel a diploma is necessary.

The laws and regulations concerning a high school diploma vary by state though there is a positive trend toward acceptance of alternative certificates. Currently only two states recognize high school diplomas issued by state-regulated home-school organizations but other options include parent-issued diplomas, diplomas from correspondence schools, or a General Educational Development exam (GED). Many colleges do not require a diploma for admissions but homeschoolers may want to complement their admissions packet with a more formalized diploma.

A well-known route for many high school homeschoolers is to pass the General Educational Development (GED) exam, which gives them an officially recognized diploma for college admissions. Most institutions and employers consider the GED to be the equivalent of a traditional high school diploma but students should still maintain and submit a portfolio of their work to accompany the GED, just as they would with a traditional high school diploma.

Students who wish to receive a traditional diploma or to participate in athletics or other activities at a local high school may choose to enroll in a public or private school full time or part time for their senior year to receive graduation privileges.

The regulations and requirements for dual enrollment vary by school district but many are open to the idea since the burden of administrative paperwork is still on the homeschooling family. Parents and students need to stress the importance of complying with the regulations of the school while still following a homeschool schedule.

A major advantage to homeschooling in high school is that most students can complete the required coursework earlier than through a traditional high school setting. This means that many students are able to take college credit courses while in their junior and senior years of high school.

Students and parents will need to check the procedure and requirements for their college of choice but in general most colleges use the following guidelines:

1. Students must have the approval of their parent(s)/guardian(s) and of their high school principal. (Be sure to let the college know of your homeschool status and ask what alternative recommendation letter will suffice.)

2. Must be high school juniors or seniors, although under special circumstances younger students may be granted permission.

3. May be required to take a placement exam.

4. May be limited to number of courses per term or total credits available.

The High School Graduation Requirements for Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) have been increased effective August 1997. The class of 2002 was the first to graduate under these new requirements with a second increase in requirements to become applicable to the class of 2008.

In general, the required credits for science, mathematics, and computer technology have been increased and two years of the same second (foreign) language are now required. Details are available at the http://www.dodea.edu/college/grad.htm DoDEA Website.

Services such as academic resources, access to the library of the school, after-hours use of school facilities, and participation in music, sports, and other extracurricular and interscholastic activities are provided to homeschoolers on the same basis that such resources are made available to dependents enrolled in DoD schools.

In recent years, homeschool parents in several states including Ohio, Florida, and New Jersey have organized statewide homeschool proms and in 2004 California joined them. Alternative options include local organized dances or dinners customized to the wants of the homeschoolers.

Although many schools do not grant graduation privileges to homeschoolers (unless they are enrolled in the school), many homeschoolers simply choose to have their own graduation ceremony. These can be larger, organized events in which several homeschools and organizations get together or they can be small, family-centered dinners. As with homeschooling itself, choices are available.

How to Plan an Incredibly Memorable Graduation Ceremony
http://www.homeschool.com/audio

While high school itself presents many new challenges for parents, the homeschooled high schooler also has additional responsibilities and decisions to make. The best advice is to become informed, ask questions, do research, and find the answers you need. If you are prepared and alert, homeschooling through high school can be a very rewarding experience.

To help you with some of the topics presented here please take a look at our high school-oriented resources:

High School Resource Guide
http://www.homeschool.com/resources01/Electives.asp

High School Homeschooling Kits
http://www.homeschool.com/kits/HighSchool.asp

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