High School
Every high schooler is different.
What works for your child may not work for another. Try not to compare your high schooler to others. The one thing we all have in common is - we all have questions. We hope to the information you find in the High School section of our website will help you.
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The following information comes from the THSC (Texas Home School Coalition)
1) What is required for graduation?
Home schools in Texas are private schools and not regulated by the state; therefore home schools, just as with other private schools, set their own graduation standards. There is no minimum age requirement for graduation.
2) How can my child receive a diploma?
When a student meets the requirements set by his school for graduation (See question #1.), he may receive a diploma. Diplomas may be ordered from the Texas Home School Coalition Association and other sources.
This means you are a private school,
you set your High School requirements.
3) Can my home educated students get into college?
There is no reason that a student with a diploma from a home school in Texas could not go to college. Some colleges and universities are more friendly toward home schoolers than others, so some will be easier to work with.
In Texas, state colleges are required to accept a home school graduate's diploma and transcript and to treat a home school graduate just as they would any other applicant. Home school graduates are accepted at most colleges and universities around the nation, and even recruited by many. (Click here for more information.)
- 4 years of English
- 2–4 years of Math
- 2–4 years of Science
- 2–4 years of History
- at least 2 years of a Foreign Language
Be sure to check your state homeschooling regulationsfor any high school requirements, if applicable. Also, see the resources under "After High School."
5) Besides the core academic courses, what else should a high school program include?
In addition to the core courses mentioned above, don't forget about adding some electives each year. Think of electives as courses (such as life skills courses) that supplement the core courses.
Elective choices should reflect to some degree your child's future plans. For example, if your child is considering going directly into the workforce after high school, a personal financial management course may be a good idea (how to set up and reconcile a checking account, what to consider when purchasing a car, etc.). On the other hand, if your child is considering college, an SAT Prep course would be a good choice for an elective.
6) Besides the academic courses, should I consider any other options?
If your child already knows his intended vocation, consider an internship or apprenticeship. Don't stress out about this possibility; many times internship and apprenticeship opportunities simply fall into place. Does your child have an interest in veterinary science? Perhaps a local vet would consider having your child work in his office for several hours during the week. Does your child want to develop clerical skills? You may want to investigate the need for volunteer help in a local church or business.
- Math
(e.g. College bound—Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus / Non-college bound—consider Consumer Math and Accounting in lieu of upper level courses) - Science
(e.g. Biology, Physical Science, Earth Science, Chemistry, Physics, etc.) - English
(e.g. Composition, Grammar, Vocabulary, American Lit, British Lit, Speech, etc.) - History/Social Sciences
(e.g. American History, Ancient History, World History, Civics, Government, Geography, Economics, etc.) - Foreign Language
