FAQs

Traditional schools have to calculate a credit based on the length of time a class is in session (i.e. 180 days at a class time of 50 min/day = 150 hrs = 1 credit). You can keep track of the amount of time spent on a subject and give credit this way. You can also assume that teachers never actually teach a full 50 min, and if you use a traditional curriculum, such as one from BJUP or ABeka, and you complete the curriculum in a year, your child has earned one credit. If your child has activities outside the home for which you are counting as part of his/her subjects, you can use the # of hours spent to calculate the amount of credit given.

Grades- While in the lower grades, many parents opt not to give grades for their child's work, colleges usually expect to see some sort of grade. If you are using a traditional curriculum, it is a simple matter to grade the work based on the answer key. If you are using a less traditional curriculum, you might begin by establishing a set of standards and goals you want your child to achieve. Write these down. You can use these to evaluate your child's work and assign grades. If you are using a tutor, or an on-line tutorial, ask if the teacher will provide you an evaluation of your child's work at the end of the year. If you are going through a correspondence school, they will usually provide you with a transcript showing grades and credits, otherwise you will have to keep good records and list subject, grade, and credit along with the student information (name, address, etc.).

Because homeschoolers, on the average, excel above those in public high schools and even many private schools, many colleges are now welcoming them with open arms. You, the parent, need to keep good records and make sure your child has the credits the college(s) of their choice require. They also need to have some outside activities (as do traditionally schooled students). Many colleges require every student to take the SAT and/or the ACT entrance exams. Your child can also study for and take the College Board AP exams offered through high schools across the country. If your child passes this exam in a particular subject, this gives him/her college credit. Many times, a high schooler who passes one of these exams, attracts the attention of colleges and receives scholarship offers.

THSC offers some advice and encouragement on college preparation here.

There are many ways for your child to get the courses he/she needs to complete high school.

Homeschool Co-Op- Parents come together and agree to teach a subject or two in exchange for their child (children) attending. This usually meets once per week.

Tutors- There are many people who specialize or have degrees in the subject(s) you need. Although this tends to be more expensive, it is a very viable option.

Video Schools- Both Bob Jones University Press,  ABeka Curriculum, among others, offer videos for High school subjects. One drawback is that in many cases, you can only use them for one child.  There are numerous FREE resources on-line at your disposal to aid as well.

Exchange- You and another parent get together and agree to teach the subject of your choice to each others children.

On-Line Classes through the Internet- There is a growing number of classes available through the internet. From Web sites with lessons and email access to teachers, to once a week fully interactive real-time classes, the internet just may be the next real alternative for homeschoolers.

Most parents, in an attempt to balance the socialization fear, over schedule their children's time with outside activities. While it is important for your children to experience activities outside the house, remember to be very cautious. Add one thing at a time, then, as long as schoolwork is getting done (and your housework), consider adding another. Most homeschool families find that 1 - 2 activities / child are all they can manage.