Creating the perfect high school homeschool program starts now! As our young homeschoolers turn in to older homeschoolers their needs change drastically. Consequently, that means it is time for the parent-teacher to evolve too. Many homeschoolers have not even given a grade to an assignment up until now. That will need to change. Along with being the parent-teacher, you now get to be a guidance counselor and college admissions or career training consultant. (Don’t forget to update your resume.)

This shift can seem daunting. Fortunately, students tend to become much more independent at this stage, which will free up some of your time to help them discover what the next step is going to be. However, there is still a lot to keep on track – particularly if your child is college bound. We are going to make that simple.

Step 1: Know The Bare Minimum & Set Expectations

First, both you and your student need to know what must get done and the deadline. If your child is not college-track some of this will be less important, but having a transcript or educational resume is more than likely a bare minimum that all homeschool high school graduates will need.

Another consideration, as we head into the final stretch, is if you are considering enrolling in a structured school, college, or other program this is a great opportunity to make that educational shift. In fact, though states vary, it is extremely common for a district to deny your transcript and records – even those including dual enrollment classes from a junior college. All that to say, homeschooling high school should involve serious consideration because there will be serious commitment (and possibly consequences). Further, once you begin, consider it a four-year commitment.

Step 2: Sketch out a Four Year Plan

While we want our kids to be independent, as homeschooling parents you are the teacher, principal, and guidance counselor. You get to wear all the hats so do not feel any guilt at helping your kids get to where they aim to go. If they were enrolled in a government run school you can bet they would have help and resources available to them. Enjoy this time creating an individualized path. Here is a general timeline of things to do for a vocational school or college-bound student:

Four Year Homeschool High School Timeline

Step 3: Organize a Transcript

Use your state’s specified guidelines for what is required for a homeschool educated child to graduate. Some states, like Texas, however do not have graduation requirements for homeschools. In this case many parents use the state’s minimum recommended high school program. For example, from the TEA guidelines, it suggest students should earn at least 22 credits: 4-English Language Arts credits, 3-Mathematics credits, 3-Science credits, 3-Social Studies, 2-Foreign Language credits, 1-Physical Education credit, 1-Fine Arts credit, and 5-Elective credits. Another track for homeschoolers is to opt to take a GED test.

If your child is likely college-bound it would behoove you to find out what the admissions requirements are of a few schools of interest and make those your minimum.

Though keeping grades and a transcript are not always a requirement, as you embark in the homeschool high school years you should. The benefit is, it gives your child more flexibility and options. Plus, if you keep one as you go along your life will be easier come senior year if, all of a sudden, they decide to go to college and need one. It will save you a lot of time and stress.

To help homeschoolers organize a transcript we have a fully customizable template for high school students. It autofills the courses and grades directly from the gradebook; as well as from the course description page. Also, two versions of the transcript are included – an unweighted and a weighted option. The grade scale is completely customizable. Further inclusions are a page for tracking extracurriculars and volunteer work as well as a page with transcript “best practices” and four gradebook options for classes with many assignments and/ or variously weighted grades.

Homeschool High School Transcript Template

Step 4: Choose and Take Classes

Now it is time to get specific. Because you are homeschooling you and your student have the flexibility to craft an engaging and exciting course load. Do not be limited by British Literature or General Science. Explore deeply, find the classes that best put your child on track to achieve their goals. A future writer might load up on writing as a craft over traditional composition. Or, just because the literature is British does not mean it all has to be from the Victoria Era. Feel free to hone in on various themes like Dystopian Literature or Military Leadership. A kid who wants to be a marine biologist does not need to take simple science, fill it out with classes like anatomy, zoology, marine biology, etc.

Consider if your student is interested in taking Dual Enrollment courses or the PSAT. These are possible for homeschoolers but take a few extra steps, so give yourself plenty of time to organize them.

Step 5: Enjoy the Ride

Remember back to the days of yore…for some of us that is the old 1900’s. High School is an exciting time for students, but you have been there every step of the way. So much of the high school years is seeing the “pay off” of all the hours you spent teaching and worrying and loving them so darn much. Be sure to enjoy it and them as much as possible. You have honed a great person who is almost ready to go out into the world!