Can I Homeschool High School?

Yes! You can homeschool high school whether you feel confident or not. If your student is an independent learner and self-motivated, they may be able to teach themselves with the right materials. However, if you find that additional help is needed for difficult subjects, check out other resources such as homeschool co-ops, paid tutors, or video or correspondence courses. Other options may include internet courses, community college courses, or bartering with another parent to share teaching responsibilities. 

Do I Need to Submit a Letter of Intent to my Local School or with the State?

If you have not registered your student with a public school, you do not need to notify anyone of your intent to home educate.

Withdrawal from Public School

If your student is registered with the public schools, notification of withdrawal is not required by Oklahoma law, however we suggest you submit a letter of withdrawal to the principal of your school so they are aware you are leaving. Ask for a copy of your student’s transcript.

High School Course Work

Make the goal of your student’s education the development of life skills, not just acceptance to a college or trade school. Make a plan of study for the high school years based on some general subjects. Here are some to consider:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • History
  • Science
  • World Language/Computer Technology
  • Fine Arts
  • Electives

Each year, these subjects are called by different names. A good track upon which to run can be found in the admission requirements of colleges or trade schools your child may be interested in attending.

Build your child’s course work with their specific gifts and callings in mind. This is the time to expand subjects you’ve already introduced and begin tailoring studies to suit their specific career and/or ministry needs. Get your student involved in volunteer positions that utilize their skills, talents, and interests. Consider apprenticeships.

Grading

Grading
How to Grade a High School Course by HSLDA
When Are Grades Necessary by Sonya Shafer
Grades and Transcripts: Homeschooling Through High School the C M Way by Sonya Shafer

Transcripts

Mapping a Plan for High School
Why Every Teen Needs a Transcript – and How to Get One by HSLDA
What Information Goes on my High Schooler’s Transcript? by HSLDA
Click on homeschool forms at donnayoung.org
You can create a transcript through academicrecords.net (small fee when printed).

Here are some things that should be on your transcript:

  • Limit the transcript to one page.
  • A student information section should be at the top, including the student’s name, address, social security number, date of birth, parents’ names, home phone number, total years of home education, date of graduation, and GPA (grade point average).
  • Courses names, credits earned, and grades for those courses should be listed for each year of high school.
  • Accomplishments, awards, and community service hours may also be listed.
  • A place for your signature as the primary instructor and a notary stamp is advisable.

If you are interested, the Oklahoma State Department of Education has pdf files for upcoming graduation years that have all the credits required to graduate from their public schools here. Look under High School Graduation Checklists. Use as a jumping off point for planning.

Can my Student Earn College Credit during High School?

Yes, many students take concurrent classes in basic college courses during high school. Most colleges do require that the high school student take the ACT or SAT and meet the minimum score required for their institution. Upon graduation the college may apply those credits toward a degree program. Check with colleges in which your student may be interested to be sure the credits will transfer. This is a great way to get a head-start in college.

Another way to accrue college credit is by taking CLEP (College Level Examination Program) tests. By showing proficiency on CLEP exams in specific subject areas, students are exempt from certain college freshman courses. Ask your college or university for details.

Technical School in High School

Vocational-technical programs are a great resource, and many are free for high schoolers. During the junior or senior year of high school, a student may enroll in a two-year vo-tech program concurrently with high school coursework. Other options also exist.

Can Homeschools Be Accredited?

Homeschools and most private schools are unaccredited schools. Many Christian schools have their own accreditation agency that regulates their coursework based on biblical standards. While those diplomas are “accredited” by their accrediting agency, the diplomas are not “accredited” in the eyes of the public school system. Other Christian schools and private schools choose not to belong to any accrediting agency and therefore do not offer “accredited” diplomas.

Accreditation refers to schools that have paid an accrediting organization to determine specific rules for how and when to teach each course, the number of hours each course must be taught, and the curriculum that must be used to teach the course. In return for following these rules, the school can offer “accredited diplomas.”

Diploma

Like many other things in homeschooling, you, the parent, are responsible for making or purchasing your student’s high school diploma. Create your own in an app like Canva or check out these resources from Donna Young. HSLDA has diplomas to purchase as well. And Grads 4 Good has beautiful diploma covers and seals.

Is a Diploma Needed for College Admission?

Most colleges do not require a diploma. ACT or SAT test scores and a well-prepared transcript are most often all that is necessary. There are some colleges that do require a transcript from an accredited school. It is a good idea to contact the particular institution your child is interested in to find out specific transcript requirements.

Should my Student Take the GED?

By successfully passing the GED (General Educational Development) test, a certificate of high school equivalency is earned. Some colleges, trade schools, or job training programs may require a GED in lieu of a public school transcript. Research your options to be sure that having a GED will really help your student. We do not recommend taking the GED unless it is completely necessary because a GED often indicates to prospective employers that the student dropped out of school.

Graduation Requirements

Parents may choose coursework to satisfy the requirements of their own homeschool high school. College-bound students can tailor the subject matter to the courses required by the college(s) of your choice. Contact several colleges for their entrance requirements.

If you are interested, the Oklahoma State Department of Education has pdf files for upcoming graduation years that have all the credits required to graduate from their public schools here. Look under High School Graduation Checklists. Use as a jumping off point for planning.

Graduation Ceremony

Graduation is the pinnacle of your homeschool journey. Consider holding one on your own or with friends. There are co-ops that have graduations you can pay to participate in, as well. If you are looking for graduation apparel, Grads 4 Good has caps, gowns, diploma covers, seals, tassels, signets, stoles, even yearbooks.

Military Service

The military classifies would-be recruits into one of three categories, which are known as [tiers]. Tier I candidates are graduates of a traditional high school or students who have completed at least 15 college hours. Tier II candidates are high school dropouts who have successfully passed the GED (General Equivalency Diploma). Tier III includes individuals who possess neither a high school diploma nor a GED.

Prior to October 1998, the military classified homeschoolers as Tier II candidates, often requiring them to pass the GED. However, in October 1998 Congress passed a five-year pilot program in which homeschoolers would be considered high school graduates and placed in Tier I. For more information concerning homeschoolers and military enlistment, see Home School Legal Defense Association’s website, www.hslda.org.

Services

Homeschool Oklahoma does not endorse specific programs, organizations, or tutoring services.  It is the parent’s responsibility to thoroughly investigate those who will be involved in their children’s education.

Homeschooling Thru High School – HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) – resources, information, personal advice, and encouragement for the high school years.

The high school section of the HSLDA website is available to the public, as well as their blog, where weekly tips, thoughts, and resources are shared here: Teaching my kids: High School and Beyond.

HSLDA members only: Ask questions and get personal advice, suggestions, and recommendations from  HSLDA by email or phone. See their website for details.

Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education has info available online at okhighered.org. These brochures are designed to inform students of the courses they must take in high school to be admitted to an Oklahoma state college or university. They also detail admission standards, placement scores, financial aid information, and a map of Oklahoma public colleges and universities with institution phone numbers and websites.

 Free SAT Online Prep Test: https://www.khanacademy.org/ 

College Entrance Tests

PSAT

You must sign up for the test at a high school in your community. The test is administered by high schools, not through test centers. If you want to take the PSAT/NMSQT, contact a local high school counselor or principal to find out about registering for the test, paying test fees, and learning the correct date, time, and location of the test. Also, contact your guidance office for a copy of the Official Student Guide to the PSAT/NMSQT to help you prepare.

Homeschool Code for the PSAT – 993 799

Note: The fee for the PSAT/NMSQT is usually around $25. Schools sometimes charge an additional fee to cover administrative costs. The College Board makes fee waivers available to schools for juniors from low-income families who can’t afford the test fee. See your counselor for more information about fee waivers.
PSAT Registration is not available online. Register through your local high school or through a private school near you.
Visit www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about/bulletin.html for additional information and sample questions.

ACT

The ACT is a college entrance exam. The ACT is not required for completion of high school. Check with the colleges of your choice as to whether your student needs the test. Many colleges in our area still require an ACT test score with their own minimum score requirements. Visit www.act.org for more information, deadlines, fees, test sites, and online registration.

SAT 

The SAT is a college entrance exam. The SAT is not required for completion of high school. Check with the colleges of your choice as to whether your student needs the test. Visit satsuite.collegeboard.org for deadlines, fees, test sites, and online registration.

Suggested Books

Activities

  • Be a Page at the State Capitol: Contact your state representative or senator’s office to ask about being a page. Call the state switchboard at (405)521-2011.

What is a high school credit/unit?

A credit is a measure that identifies one semester’s course work. Two credits make a full Carnegie unit, or a year’s course work of 120 hours. In homeschooling, the amount of course work required for each credit or unit is determined by the parents. The number of units required for graduation from high school is also determined by the parents. College entrance requirements include certain numbers of units in each area of study (for example, 4 units in English, 3 units in math, etc.).

Is a work permit required for my teenager to get a job?

A 14- or 15-year-old teen must obtain a work permit before an employer will consider him or her for a job.  There are some restrictions that apply to types of jobs and the number of hours.  Teens who are 16 or older have no restrictions.  To get a copy of the child labor law for 14- and 15-year-olds, go to www.okdol.state.ok.us and click on the child labor poster link. 

To get a work permit, call the State Department of Education at (405) 521-3369.  Explain that your child is homeschooled and you would like the work permit form to be sent to you.  According to Oklahoma law, the parent of a homeschooled child is authorized to administer the oath, verifying the student’s age and status as a student. 

40 Oklahoma Statute, Sec. 79 states, in part:

“The age and schooling certificate shall be approved by …one of the child’s parents if the child is being schooled at home….”