Homeschooling in the middle school and high school years can feel intimidating, however, with the right resources and information it's not at scary as you think!
Grace Sherman, Admissions Counselor from Grand Canyon University, shares with us some key points to keep in mind when homeschooling middle and high schoolers.
Middle School
The best advice for this age group is to get them Involved in activities that speak to their strengths and interests. Some examples include:
STEM activities, summer camps
Classes & workshops in art, graphic design
Thundervision: college bound, college ready; homeschool day
The goal here is to help students develop a better understanding of what they enjoy, what college and career opportunities exist, and how they can develop long term goals for the future.
High School
A general sequence of preparation is advised:
9th grade: Career aptitude test ; helps you pick degree options;
10th grade: Visit college/university; free matinee day; Nov 15th ; webinars
11th grade: apply for colleges in the Spring ; better scholarship opportunities; “junior lock in” better scholarship package
12th grade: meet admissions counselor
Homeschool Transcript
Contact HSLDA for complimentary transcript template
Organize by subject or grade level
Simple is better: just letter grades (A, B, C); don’t list percentages or +/-
Where you get the credit, that institution creates credits; for example, if you satisfy the credit at home, then the parent creates the transcript/credit; if you satisfy the credit at a community college, the community college transcripts must be included in the application; students can include community college courses that satisfy high school requirements
Weighted GPS (5.0) vs. Unweighted GPA (4.0 scale)
Weighted GPA includes and give credit to higher-level coursework (Honors, AP, etc.)
Acceptance requirements
Some states do not recognize home-school transcripts and require students to take GED
Depending on school, you might need ACT or SAT score
Transfer credit tool
Transfer Course Search Tool: https://transfersearch.gcu.edu/SSTP/#/course-search
Always first check the university or college's:
Program requirements
Transfer policies
Official transcripts
Must be signed and dated by a parent or administrator
Must have graduation date
Must be sent to the school via email, fax, or mail by parent or administrator
College-Level Examination Program
CLEP Exams
Highly recommend for home schooled students
Offered through college board
Each exam covers one college level course (4 credits)
$90/test
34 exams to choose from
Be strategic! Specific exams will give you credit for specific college classes
Some general education, i.e. English 1, 2
AP Credit
Offered through college board
Must take the course that aligns w specific exam
$96/exam
Scores from 1-5 and must score at least a 3, 4, or 5 in order to get any credit
36 subject areas
Be strategic
Dual Enrollment Courses (most popular)
Courses count for both high school and college credit
Courses can be take at community college or a four-year university
depending on institution, schools can accept up to 60 dual enrollment credits (two years of college)
GCU’s Dual Enrollment
GCU Dual Enrollment: https://www.gcu.edu/individual-courses/dual-enrollment
Online, high school, on campus
Affordable
Minimum age: sophomore in high school, freshman transcript on file; range for sophomores
Scholarship wise considered a freshman even if dual enrollment completed
GCU & Homeschool Families: https://www.gcu.edu/individual-courses/dual-enrollment/homeschool
You can also go here to view the Live Lesson options we have: https://forms.gcu.edu/gtr/gcu-live-lessons
Financial Preparation
Types of Scholarships
Institutional
Funded by university
Eligibility determined by the university through GPA and test scores
Potentially renewable each year up to a maximum # of semesters
Beware: some universities’ scholarship programs award larger scholarship amounts for the first year and smaller amounts subsequent years
External Scholarships (Junior year start looking, making a list, separate email due to spam)
Funding from outside organizations, not university specific (i.e. Chick-fil-a)
May or may not be renewable each year
Funds are sent directly to the university or to the student
Focus on local vs. national
If you still have questions feel free to reach out to Grace Sherman
contact information: grace.sherman@gcu.edu & 602-247-4595
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