Lists: Prepare to Homeschool High School

Homeschooling High School

There are steps to take to prepare for homeschooling high school and these lists are here to help you.

First List

1. State laws regarding homeschooling high school
   Check your state homeschooling laws to make certain that you can teach high school under the *option that you are homeschooling under. *Some states have several options to homeschool and each of the options typically have different requirements.
2. Requirements for high school graduation by your state
   This is a list of courses that a student must take and the number of credits that a student must earn. [see: HS Requirements]

States Vary, Ask Locally

States vary when it comes to homeschooling high school and graduation requirements. You must check the requirements from local or state sources. Please don't ask someone from a different state to tell you what to do. If you are using an umbrella school, they will probably provide this information and if they don't ask them for it.

College-Bound List

Do you think your child might go to college? If so, investigate the items in this list.

1. The timetable for college entrance exams
2. Course of Study Requirements of the colleges that your child will most likely attend
3. Possible opportunities for extracurricular activities
   If your student is college-bound, this is important
4. Scholarships
5. Dual enrollment at local colleges and their requirements
   Some require nothing, others require ACT or SAT test scores

Timetable

There are certain things to do at certain times. See the timetable below and if it helps, add the items to your calendar so that you don't forget to do them.

During Your Child's 8th Grade Year

1. Find out your state's requirements for graduation (credits and courses)
2. Consider your child's gifts (aptitude)
3. Plan a 4-year Course of Study (see course of study)
4. If you haven't already, start saving for college
5. Explore opportunities for extracurricular activities

Ninth and Tenth Grade Years (3-4-years prior)

From here on, make certain that your child stays on track in his studies.

1. Investigate the colleges that your child might attend. Find their course requirements and any expectations they have from homeschooled children. Sometimes, this information can be found on the college web site.
2. Make sure your child's course of study is college-prep and revise curriculum if necessary
3. Decide which tests your child will take and set up a timetable for them
4. Investigate AP (advanced placement) programs and decide if this is something your child should do.
5. Check your local community college to see if they have dual enrollment for high schoolers. While there, check their requirements. Decide if this is something that would benefit your child

Eleventh Grade Year (2-years prior)

Review the course of study, update transcript, do community work

1. Check schedules for ACT/SAT tests, consider having your child take a test late in 11th grade year.
2. Look into AP again. It might be time to start that.
3. Student: Refine essay writing skills
4. Will your student take a PSAT? If so, this is the year.
5. If you haven't done this, get your teen involved in community work. College and scholarship applications want to know what good things your child has been doing outside of school work.
6. Tour the colleges that your student might attend. College web sites usually have either special dates for this or allow you to make an appointment.

Twelfth Grade Year (1-year prior)

1. If your teen needs to retake the ACT/SAT, do so as early as possible in the senior year. If student has not taken it yet, take it as early as possible in the senior year.
2. Start college applications
3. Start scholarship applications
4. In January of senior year, get the FAFSA application [web site: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/]
5. Pay attention to deadlines! Everything has a deadline now, don't miss them!
6. Talk with the financial counselor at the college