My family lives in Texas, a state with no governing body that oversees homeschooling. Homeschools are considered unaccredited private schools in this state, which means lots of freedom and very little guidance. The lack of clear expectations for homeschool graduation requirements can be frustrating for parents who have college-bound students. While all students in high school need a course plan for graduation, those with sights set on college need careful planning and consideration for the high school years.
Texas Education Agency has a “Graduation Toolkit” for high school students in public school, and I find it a good place to start. Depending on your child’s goals, it lays out a road map of courses for high school, from the basic “foundation” diploma to the more advanced diploma requirements for various “endorsements”.
For the basic “foundation” diploma of 22 credits to graduate in Texas:
- English: 4 credits
- Math: 3 credits including Algebra and Geometry
- Science: 3 credits including Biology and Chemistry/Physics
- Social Studies: 3 credits including American History, World History or Geography, US Government (1/2 credit) and Economics (1/2 credit)
- Language other than English: 2 credits
- PE: 1 credit
- Fine Arts: 1 credit
- Electives: 5 credits
For students ready for college classes, dual credit can be a fantastic way to knock out high school requirements and college degree requirements at once but also requires careful planning. The grades from dual credit classes are “permanent” and will show up on the student’s college school transcript.
Please check your own state’s graduation requirements for homeschoolers as well as the application requirements for their desired destination after high school, such as college or trade school.
For planning and recording your child’s credits and GPA for graduation, I offer a free transcript in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. Use the form to plan out the courses for the student’s high school years, and then add grades to turn it into an official transcript for graduation!
Get the transcript template HERE.
North Star Homeschool Resources 