How to Keep Homeschool Records

July 24, 2020
Written by:
Guest Author
Featured, Homeschool Graduation, Homeschool High School, Homeschool Planning, Homeschool Resources, Homeschooling Freebies

Sponsored by Calvert Homeschool.

A common worry for many families is how to keep records of their homeschool so they can observe state laws and prepare for high school transcripts. We’re here to help! Use this guide and download our free template to create a transcript made to impress!

Start Early

Transcripts are only required for high school students, but you should be in the habit of keeping records long before high school rolls around. Depending on your state, you may be legally required to keep certain records. However, even if your state doesn’t require it, we recommend you get in the habit of recording attendance, hours spent schooling, grades, and the curriculum you use (levels, subjects, publishers, and Scope and Sequences). If you haven’t been tracking these things, it’s never too late to start!

Plan With the End in Mind

Make sure to choose a transcript track that fits your post-graduation plans. If your child wants to pursue a trade immediately, then AP classes aren’t necessary. However, if you’re aiming for an Ivy League school, you’re going to need certain things on your transcript.

You can find your state’s minimum high school requirements on your state’s department of education website. From there, determine which tier of transcript your child should work toward.

  • The minimum requirements
  • A slightly more rigorous recommended program
  • A distinguished program

If you need help determining how many credits you should pursue for each tier, use this free “road map” from College Prep Genius that breaks down the credits for each.

Decide on APs, Dual Credit, and/or CLEP

If your child is looking toward college after graduation, you should consider early college options like AP, Dual Credit, or CLEP. Any of these early college options should be included on your child’s transcript and can be listed under “notes.”

Make It Official

The best way to make your transcript look official is to use a template like this:

DOWNLOAD CALVERT’S EDITABLE TRANSCRIPT

Keep your transcript to two pages and get specific when you’re filling out the course information. For example, instead of putting “12th-grade History” put “Government and Economics.” To go a step above and beyond, get your transcript notarized.

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