Focus on High School

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Homeschooling through high school can be some of the most rewarding years of your homeschooling journey. As your teens grow toward adulthood, you have the opportunity to guide important discussions, help them explore future goals, and prepare them for life beyond graduation. Don’t be intimidated by the high school years—they can be some of the richest and most meaningful years you spend learning together.

Planning for High School

1. Know Your Legal Requirements

Each state, province, or country has its own homeschooling requirements. These generally fall into two categories: homeschool compliance requirements and graduation requirements, including required subjects and credits. Some states may also distinguish between a basic diploma and a college-preparatory diploma.

To research the requirements in your area, start with one of these resources:

  • The Homeschool Alliance: Homeschooling in My State
    Select your state to view homeschool laws, local groups, events, and getting-started information.
  • Home School Legal Defense Association: Homeschool Laws by State
    View state-specific homeschool laws and regulations, including summaries of reporting and record-keeping requirements.
  • Independent Research
    Search online for “Homeschooling Requirements [state, province, or country]” and verify any information you find with current official sources.

2. Make a Plan and Begin a Transcript

Using the graduation requirements for your state and your student’s future goals, sketch out a tentative four-year plan. This roadmap can change as interests and opportunities develop, but having a plan in place will help ensure that graduation requirements are met. Be sure to leave room for electives and special interests along the way.

Because your four-year plan will eventually become the foundation of your student’s transcript, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with transcript requirements early in the high school years.

Homeschool Records Center

Find planning, record keeping, and transcript resources in one place, including:

    • Compliance forms and documentation tools
    • The Portfolio Management System
    • The Education Plan Builder
    • The Schoolhouse Gradebook, with transcript templates and guidance
    • Applecore online record keeping resources

 

Additional Transcript Resources

3. Choose Your Courses

SchoolhouseTeachers.com offers a full range of high school courses, allowing families to customize a program that meets their student’s goals and graduation requirements. Parents may select courses individually or use one of the pre-planned high school School Boxes as a starting point.

Featured: High School School Boxes

Each School Box includes a suggested course plan for the year, making it easy to get started while still allowing flexibility to customize your student’s education.

  • Browse High School Courses
    View all high-school-level courses by grade level, subject area, or in a complete course list.
  • Scope and Sequence
    Use these planning documents to see suggested course progressions by grade level or subject.
  • Electives and Enrichment
    Explore courses in art, drama, speech, music, Bible, computer technology, foreign language, health, fitness, and more.
  • Unit Studies
    Unit Studies aren’t just kid stuff. Whether your student needs extra practice with a specific math skill, wants to write a news lede, or hopes to improve study skills, you’ll find unexpected treasures in these collections.

Transcript Information
Most high-school-level courses include suggested academic weighting and transcript information on the course landing page. Parents should consult their own state requirements and determine appropriate credit based on the work completed.

4. Build Up a Resume

Don’t just graduate with classes. Graduate with a story.

Colleges and future employers don’t just look at transcripts. Those records tell what a student studied. A resume helps tell the story of who that student is. Activities such as sports, music, drama, church involvement, volunteer work, competitions, and community service help students develop new skills and interests while demonstrating commitment and responsibility. Be sure to keep track of these experiences throughout the high school years.

  • Community Service Opportunities
    Community involvement demonstrates initiative, leadership, and a willingness to serve others. Church projects, co-op leadership, volunteer work, and community outreach can all strengthen a student’s resume.
  • Events and Competitions
    Encourage students to participate in talent showcases, recitals, science fairs, speech and debate clubs, county fair exhibits, writing competitions, and other local events. These experiences provide valuable opportunities to learn, grow, and demonstrate commitment beyond the classroom.
  • Awards, Honors, and Activities Record
    Don’t rely on memory during senior year. Keep a running list of extracurricular activities, volunteer work, awards, honors, and other accomplishments using the Awards, Honors, and Activities page included with High School Transcript – Option 1.
  • Certificate Library
    Print certificates for completed courses and activities to include in your records or portfolio.

Featured Course

How to Write a Resume
This four-lesson course teaches students how resumes are organized, the different types of resumes, and how to format them effectively.

5. Start Making Future Plans

High school is a time to explore possibilities and prepare for the future. Whether your student is considering college, a career, a trade, entrepreneurship, or another path, now is the time to begin researching options and developing a plan.

Seek God’s Direction

What’s Next: Discovering God’s Will for Your Life
Searching for the next step in life can be exciting yet overwhelming. This course helps teens explore how to seek God’s direction as they consider future opportunities.

Unbreakable Faith: Assurance in a World of Unbelief
As students prepare for adulthood, a strong Biblical foundation can help them navigate challenges, make wise decisions, and stand firm in their convictions.

Explore Career Possibilities

Career Center
This quick-reference guide helps students connect career interests with courses and resources.

Career Exploration
Students discover potential career paths, college majors, talents, and interests.

Prepare for College

Focus on College Prep
Resources, ideas, and guidance for navigating college preparation.

SAT/ACT Math Prep
Prepare for standardized testing with focused math review and practice

Explore Entrepreneurship

Starting a Micro-Business for Teens
Learn the basics of launching and managing a small business.

Internet Entrepreneurship for Teens
Learn how to start, promote, and manage an online business while exploring your God-given interests and talents.

6. Graduation

Graduation is more than a ceremony—it’s a celebration of years of hard work, growth, and accomplishment. As senior year approaches, begin planning early so you can create a meaningful event that reflects your student’s achievements and future goals.

 

Featured Resource: Focus on Graduation

Visit our Focus on Graduation Center for planning guides, celebration ideas, graduation resources, and practical tips for organizing a memorable homeschool graduation.

Additional Graduation Resources from The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine