How to Homeschool High School

The Shift

What changes in high school

Hundreds of thousands of families have homeschooled successfully through high school. Whether you're beginning or finishing your journey here, the goal is the same: help your student finish strong. The biggest change isn't the subjects — it's who carries the plan. In the elementary years, you set the direction. In high school, that responsibility gradually shifts to your student.

So take your focus off the list of subjects and step back to the bigger picture. Ask the questions that actually matter: What kind of adult do you want your child to become? What are their interests, gifts, and callings? Involve your teen in that discovery — it's nearly impossible to motivate a young person toward a goal they feel no ownership of. The more clearly you define the destination, the more efficiently you can map the route.

One practical note before you begin: once you start homeschooling high school, plan to see it through. Acceptance of homeschool credits varies from state to state and district to district, so don't assume a local public school will accept your student's work without question. Ninth grade is the moment to take a deep breath and dive back into research mode — this is the home stretch.

Before Academics

The bigger picture

Academics matter — but the most important things you'll give your teen in these years aren't found in a textbook. Build these first, and the coursework follows.

Good character

A young person who is honest, prompt, teachable, takes initiative, follows instructions, gets along with others, and acts responsibly will have no trouble getting a job, succeeding in college, or leading well. Use these years to cement those traits.

Increasing responsibility

Gradually hand over ownership of learning, finances, time, and personal growth — with structure and room for trial and error. An abrupt jump to full independence at 18 sets students up to flounder; a gradual transition sets them up to thrive.

Life skills

Don't let your teen leave home without the basics — managing money, running a household, caring for a car, cooking a meal. (A full checklist is further down this page.)

Discernment & worldview

Now is the time to introduce the conflicting ideas your student will meet in college and the workplace, and to have honest discussions about the issues of the day — so they can live in the world without being of it.

Learning how to learn

Teach research, reading for information, note-taking, outlining, time management, and clear writing and speaking. Most adults change careers several times — these skills are what make a lifelong learner.

A gradual handoff of the plan

Sit down together at the start of high school and sketch the next four years. More than a perfect transcript, you want a young person who loves to learn and can teach themselves whatever God calls them to next.

Plan Your Four Years

Choose a track

There's no single "right" high school. Start by naming your student's likely destination — workforce, trade, apprenticeship, ministry, or college — then plan for the most challenging realistic option so no doors close early. The three tracks below are planning guides, not rules. Mark the years you expect to cover each subject, and shape the electives around your student's gifts.

Credit totals and requirements below are typical samples. Graduation requirements vary by state, and college requirements vary by school — always confirm both with your state and with any colleges your student is considering.

General Education

Not college bound — maximum flexibility

22 credits minimum

Bible4 years suggested
English3 years; emphasize writing skills
Mathematics2 years; Consumer or Business math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, or Geometry
Science2 years; labs optional
Social Studies3 years; full-year U.S. & World history plus a semester each of government and economics
Foreign Language2 years
Fine Arts1–2 years
Phys. Education2 years
Electives5+ credits; pursue job-interest work experience and apprenticeships

College-Preparatory

Headed to a four-year college or university

28 credits minimum

Bible4 years suggested
English4 years required; include 2 years of Composition
Mathematics4 years required; Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, plus 1 year of college-prep math (Trigonometry or Calculus)
Social Studies3 years required; full-year U.S. & World history, 1 year Government with Economics
ScienceAt least 3 years with lab; Biology, Chemistry, and Physics usually required
Foreign Language2–3 years of the same language
Phys. Education2 years required
Fine Arts1 year minimum
Electives5–6 credits in a career/degree interest; leadership or academic preferred

Highly Selective

Aiming for a highly-selective university

30 credits minimum

Bible4 years suggested
English4 years required; include Classical Literature and Composition
Mathematics4 years required; Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, plus 1 year of college-prep math (Trigonometry or Calculus)
Social Studies2–4 years; include U.S. and European history
Science4 years with lab; Biology, Chemistry, Physics — at least one at an advanced level
Foreign Language4 years of the same language
Phys. Education2 years required
Fine ArtsPlan on 1 year
Electives5+ credits in a career/degree interest; leadership or academic preferred

Grade by Grade

A sample course of study

The plan below closely parallels a traditional college-prep sequence — a helpful starting point, not a straitjacket. Where your student is gifted or especially interested, get creative: an apprenticeship, a reading program, real lab work, or project-based study can all earn credit. Ready to build a year? Jump straight to the curriculum for that grade.

Grade 9 Freshman

English: Grammar, Composition, Introduction to Literature, or high school vocabulary
Math: Consumer math, Pre-Algebra, or Algebra I
Science: Physical science or Earth science
Social Studies: U.S. history, Geography, World history, or Government
Foreign Language: choose by interest and available materials or tutors
Bible: design your own study or use a Christian curriculum
Electives: choose 1–2

See 9th Grade Curriculum →

Grade 10 Sophomore

English: Advanced grammar, World literature, vocabulary, Practical writing
Math: Algebra I, Geometry, or Algebra II
Science: Biology or Physical science
Social Studies: U.S. history, Geography, World history, or Government
Foreign Language: best to continue the same language
Bible: continue your study
Electives: choose 1–2

See 10th Grade Curriculum →

Grade 11 Junior

English: Shakespeare, American literature, Advanced composition, vocabulary, Speech
Math: Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Applied math, or Business math
Science: Physics or Chemistry
Social Studies: U.S. history, Government, or Economics
Foreign Language: best to continue the same language
Bible: continue your study
Electives: choose 1–2

See 11th Grade Curriculum →

Grade 12 Senior

English: Shakespeare, European literature, Journalism, vocabulary, Speech & Drama
Math: Algebra II, Business math, Pre-Calculus, or Calculus
Science: Physics or Chemistry
Social Studies: Government, Economics, Sociology, or Psychology
Foreign Language: optional (colleges prefer 3–4 years of the same language)
Bible: continue your study
Electives: choose 1–2

See 12th Grade Curriculum →

Elective ideas

Typing, computer science, physical education, drawing, painting, home economics, auto mechanics, family living, woodshop, carpentry, music, dance, driver's training, construction, agriculture, photography, computer programming, business experience, and theology. Record the time spent on each elective, keep evaluations from tutors, mentors, and instructors, note any proficiency tests, and list the textbooks used.

Keep Good Records

Credits, grades & transcripts

Good records turn a great education into one colleges, employers, and the military can recognize. A transcript isn't required by law, but nearly every next step will ask for one — so start it in ninth grade and keep it current.

How credit hours work

As a rule, one school year of work equals one credit; an elective often equals half a credit. If you keep a logbook, a Carnegie Unit defines one credit as 120 hours (some schools use 180). For dual-enrolled classes, three college credit hours equal one high school credit — and to avoid an inflated transcript, it's fine to count even a four- or five-hour college class as a single high school credit.

Grading & GPA

Even if you didn't grade in the younger years, adopt a grading method for high school — colleges weigh grades and GPA heavily. The simplest approach is to average chapter tests; for less objective courses, decide at the start what each category is worth and take a weighted average. Assign points on the standard scale:

A = 4.0B = 3.0C = 2.0D = 1.0F = 0.0

Add the points and divide by the number of classes; carry the GPA to two decimals. For college-bound students, use plus/minus grades — a tenth of a point can decide a scholarship. For a cumulative GPA, total the grade points and credit hours across all semesters, then divide total grade points by total credit hours.

What a transcript must include

Full name, birthdate, and grade level
Specific courses taken each year, with the grade and credits for each course
GPA and cumulative GPA for each year, and total credits
Your signature and the date — this is what makes it official
Optional but valuable: extracurricular activities, honors and awards, and a brief evaluation from you as the supervising teacher

Leave your student's Social Security number off the transcript itself. If a college or program needs it for admission or enrollment, provide it separately, directly to that institution.

Naming your courses

Colleges prefer traditional titles over overly specific ones — "World Literature" rather than a branded course name, "Biology" rather than a curriculum's product title. You have real freedom with electives: a student who designs and builds a shed might earn a "Construction Lab" credit; heavy involvement organizing an event could become "Project Management." Mirror the wording of the planning charts above or a target school's catalog.

Need a head start? Our free High School Planning Kit includes a blank print-and-write transcript template. Set it up in ninth grade and update it every quarter.

Free Download

The High School Planning Kit

A print-and-write companion to this guide. Inside: the three planning tracks, a credit & GPA quick-reference, a blank transcript template, and the four-year college-bound calendar as a check-off list — everything you need to map your student's four years on paper.

Download the Free Planning Kit

Plus, receive encouragement, homeschool resources, and biblical discipleship content from Generations.

Beyond the Books

Extracurriculars & life skills

Homeschooling doesn't limit activities — it multiplies them. Sports, band, choir, debate, music lessons, martial arts, church service and leadership, 4-H and Civil Air Patrol, internships, and part-time work are all within reach, and admissions officers look for well-rounded students. Just as important are the everyday skills a young adult needs to run their own life.

A life-skills checklist

Automobile

Routine care, maintenance, and emergency basics (flat tire, jump-start)
Buying a vehicle: registration, plates, insurance
How insurance and the "good student" discount work
What to do if stopped while driving

Household

Cleaning, laundry, dishwashing
Sewing and simple mending
Basic electrical, plumbing, and carpentry
Yard care, home upkeep, painting
Nutrition, menu planning, and grocery shopping

Finances

Checking accounts and using credit wisely
Budgeting, paying bills, and tithing
Loans, saving, and investing
Taxes and buying insurance
Self-employment basics

Job-related

Initiative, dependability, promptness, and honesty
Following instructions and managing time
Resumes, applications, and interviews
Business letters and phone skills
A marketable trade or vocational skill

Personal & travel

First aid, hygiene, and basic health care
Medical paperwork and personal fitness
Public transit, booking travel, navigating airports
Maps, hotels, and rental cars

Computer

Fast, fluent keyboarding
Setting up a computer and installing software
Documents, spreadsheets, email, and safe internet use
For the interested: basic coding (HTML, CSS)

Driver's education

Check your state's transportation website for permit and license requirements. Good driver training takes time, not a single summer — treat it like any other skill your student masters gradually, with plenty of supervised practice across a variety of conditions.

The Road Ahead

Paths after high school

Graduation is a launch, not a finish line. College is one good road — and it's wide open to homeschoolers — but it's far from the only one. Help your student picture the destination, then plan the high school years to get there.

College & university

No accredited college refuses students solely for being homeschooled, and many actively recruit them. See the full college-prep guidance below.

Community college & dual enrollment

Tuition can run about half that of a university, entrance requirements are simpler, and once a student has earned enough credits they can transfer to a four-year school — often with no questions about the high school transcript. Dual enrollment lets high schoolers bank college credit early (watch the "too many credits" caution below).

Trade school

A skilled, honest craftsman is always in demand. Research thoroughly before enrolling: ask about accreditation, visit the campus, and talk with graduates.

Apprenticeship & entrepreneurship

On-the-job training in a trade, craft, or profession — from a formal multi-year arrangement to an informal after-school role. Sometimes the best fit blends a few college courses with real hands-on experience.

Military service

Homeschoolers have equal opportunity to enlist. Contact a recruiter — ideally in the fall of senior year — for the branch that interests your student (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy). Expect the ASVAB aptitude test plus academic, medical, moral, and physical screening. A diploma and transcript are what's needed; a GED is generally not recommended, as the military now accepts very few.

Ministry & missions

Short- and long-term mission opportunities can shape a gap year or a calling. Team with your student to explore a one-of-a-kind future — it may be a mix of several of these paths.

Preparing for College

The homeschooler's college roadmap

If a traditional college experience is the goal, admission should be no problem when you prepare well. No two schools are identical, so call the colleges that interest your student early and ask for their specific requirements for homeschoolers. The essentials: schedule enough credits (but not too many), adopt a grading system by ninth grade, keep a credible transcript, and plan for the entrance exams.

Typical admission profiles by college type

Type	Class rank & GPA	Test range	Core subjects
Highly selective	Top 10%; GPA 3.74+	ACT 29–33; SAT ~1370	4 yrs each of English, math & science; 3–4 social studies; 3–4 foreign language
Selective	Top 25%; GPA 3.5+	ACT 22–27; SAT 1050–1250	4 English; 3–4 math; 2–3 science; 2–3 social studies; 2–3 foreign language
Traditional	Top 50%; GPA 3.0+	ACT 20–23; SAT 900–1060	3–4 English; 3–4 math; 2–3 science; 2–3 social studies; possibly 1 foreign language
Community college	Often open admission	Placement test instead of ACT/SAT	Recommended: 3 English; 2 math; 2 science; 2 social studies

Approximate only — always confirm with each admissions office. Many colleges are now test-optional, so a strong transcript can carry more weight than a score; where scores are used, the digital SAT (400–1600) and the enhanced ACT (1–36) are read the same way earlier versions were.

College entrance & credit exams

Standardized tests let admissions officers compare your student with peers and help validate a homeschool GPA. Two of them can also earn college credit while your student is still in high school — plan ahead, and always confirm a college's policy before testing.

SAT

A widely used admissions test, now fully digital and taken on College Board's Bluebook app. It runs about 2 hours 14 minutes across two sections — Reading & Writing and Math — and is scored on the familiar 400–1600 scale. The format is section-adaptive (your work on the first module sets the difficulty of the second), a calculator is allowed on all math questions, and there's no penalty for wrong answers, so your student should answer every one. There's no longer an essay. It can be taken more than once; colleges generally consider the highest score. Free official prep is available through Khan Academy.

ACT

An achievement test scored 1–36. Under the updated ("enhanced") format, the core test covers three required sections — English, Math, and Reading — and takes about two hours; the composite score is the average of those three. Science and Writing are now optional add-ons, reported as separate scores when taken (some STEM-minded students and programs still want the Science score). The ACT is offered in both digital and paper versions and, unlike the SAT, is not adaptive. Offered several times a year; register through a local test center.

PSAT/NMSQT

A digital, adaptive test (same Bluebook app and format as the SAT) for 10th and 11th graders, scored on a 320–1520 scale. Taken as a sophomore it's practice; the junior-year score is the one that can qualify a high scorer for National Merit Scholarship consideration. Scores aren't sent to colleges — only National Merit standing shows up on applications — so it's a low-pressure way to preview the SAT.

Advanced Placement (AP)

College Board courses covering roughly 40 college-level subjects, with exams scored 1–5. Scores of 3, 4, or 5 earn credit and/or advanced placement at most colleges. You can tutor from an AP text through the year, then sit the exam in the spring — just confirm each college's credit policy first.

CLEP

The College-Level Examination Program offers 34 subject exams; a passing score on one can earn three or more credit hours at over 2,900 colleges, depending on the college's transfer policy. Exams run about $97 each (2025–26) plus a test-center fee, and the nonprofit Modern States offers free online CLEP prep that can even cover the exam fee. Test only where you're confident and where the credit will apply to the degree — colleges cap how many CLEP credits they'll accept, and some accept none.

Paying for college

Think in this order: scholarships and grants first, then family contribution, with loans as a last resort. Apply broadly and early, reuse strong essays and reference letters, and never miss a deadline. Don't overlook a parent's employer — matching scholarship dollars go unclaimed every year. For need-based state and federal aid, complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at studentaid.gov. The form is free — never pay to file it — and opens by October 1 each year for the following school year. The simplified FAFSA now uses a Student Aid Index and pulls tax data directly from the IRS; the student and each contributor (usually a parent) will each need their own studentaid.gov account. Many colleges and states set earlier priority deadlines, so file as soon as it opens.

Service academies

A small but growing number of homeschoolers are admitted to the U.S. service academies (Air Force, Coast Guard, Military/West Point, and Naval). Admission is demanding and typically requires strong academics, a nomination (often from a senator or representative), medical qualification, and a fitness test — so start early and build a real record of leadership. Contact the academy directly for its homeschool guidance.

A note for your student: test scores measure a narrow slice of ability and say nothing about their worth. Seek out the unique gifts God has given your child — don't force a round peg into a square hole.

Stay on Track

A four-year college-bound calendar

Falling behind in the admissions process is the most avoidable mistake — especially where scholarships and aid are concerned. Use this year-by-year rhythm as your checklist.

Freshman year

Map a plan around your student's goals, interests, and abilities
Begin a foreign language
Keep a journal of activities and a record of books read
Choose a transcript form and update it each quarter or semester
Start SAT/ACT prep and begin researching colleges
Commit to one or two extracurriculars you can stay with all four years

Sophomore year

Reevaluate goals, curriculum, and interests; continue foreign language
Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October (practice year)
Keep the transcript and activity records current
Step up research into colleges, financial aid, and testing
Consider visiting colleges or trying an apprenticeship over the summer

Junior year

Review admission requirements; for selective schools, aim to exceed them
Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October (this one counts for National Merit)
Register for and take the SAT and/or ACT in the spring
Examine financial resources and plan for aid
Line up who you'll ask for letters of recommendation
Visit campuses; attend fall college fairs; keep up leadership activities
Begin any military academy application process

Senior year — summer to fall

Request applications, catalogs, and aid info from 5–10 colleges
Research national, local, and college-sponsored scholarships
Build a master calendar of every test date and deadline
Start a filing system for all college correspondence
In September, maintain (or raise) grades and confirm required entrance tests

Senior year — fall to spring

Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov as soon as it opens (by October 1) for need-based state and federal aid
Submit applications and a projected transcript to your top schools; many use early deadlines
Send official test scores and notify your recommendation writers
Send first-semester grades; recheck catalogs and any remaining test requirements
Track acceptances, rejections, and aid awards; reply promptly and submit deposits on time

Want this calendar as a printable check-off list? It's included — along with the planning tracks, credit & GPA reference, and a blank transcript — in our free High School Planning Kit.

The Finish Line

Graduation & the diploma

Homeschool students earn diplomas through several avenues: a correspondence or umbrella school, some independent schools, or a parent-issued diploma. Many families worry about the word "accredited" — but a diploma simply certifies that your student completed a planned course of study. Home education is so widely accepted that few, if any, doors are closed to a well-prepared graduate, and once college-level work begins, the high school diploma matters much less.

If you issue the diploma yourself, keep complete records to back it up: samples of your student's work, test results, transcripts, the curricula used, and how you calculated grades. A homeschool diploma and transcript, entrance-test scores, and work samples are normally more than enough to demonstrate competency.

A small number of states and colleges may ask about parent-issued diplomas — check the requirements where your student plans to enroll.

Do you need a GED?

Usually not. The GED is designed for those who don't complete a regular high school program, and it isn't recommended for most homeschoolers. A student who completed high school in a homeschool setting recognized under their state's law is eligible for federal student aid without an accredited diploma or a GED — you simply self-certify that on the FAFSA. The one exception: if your state issues and requires a secondary-completion credential for homeschoolers, your student will need to obtain it.

Common Questions

High school FAQ

Do colleges accept homeschool graduates?

Yes — most colleges now consider homeschool students on equal footing with everyone else. They tend to put extra weight on ACT/SAT scores to validate a homeschool transcript, so plan ahead. Well-prepared homeschoolers are admitted at least as readily as their conventionally schooled peers.

What graduation requirements does my state require?

Requirements vary by state — check your state's rules (HSLDA is a helpful resource). If your student is college-bound, also confirm the credits each prospective college looks for; the planning tracks above are a strong starting point.

How do dual-enrollment hours count toward high school credit?

Typically three college credit hours equal one high school credit — so one semester of college English Composition can cover a full year of high school English. Even for a course worth more than three college hours, it's often wise to count it as a single high school credit to avoid piling up too many credits in one subject.

What about high school science labs?

Most homeschool science courses include clear at-home lab instructions, and lab and dissection kits are readily available. Many families gather a group of friends to do labs together, or use a co-op for courses like chemistry.

I'm not strong at higher math. What should I do?

You have plenty of options: video courses, online classes, and private tutors all work well for higher math. Ask around your church or community for a math major willing to help, and consider handing a subject to your spouse if it's more their specialty.

How do I teach high school writing?

If writing isn't your strength, lean on a video course, an online class, a co-op, or a tutor. Above all, have your student read good books and write often — letters, essays, journals, poems, and stories all build the skill.

Is grading really necessary?

In high school, yes. Colleges and other institutions weigh grades and GPA heavily, so adopt a grading method — a simple percentage of correct answers works for many subjects. See the credits and GPA section above for the full approach.

What about socialization in the teen years?

Time with parents and other wise adults builds the most valuable relationships of these years. Encourage your teen toward godly mentors and friends of all ages; homeschooled students are well known for relating easily to people across generations.

Finish Strong

Build your student's high school year

You don't have to figure this out alone. Generations' Reformed, God-centered curriculum is built to carry your student through every high school year with confidence. Pick up where you are.

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