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A message from CHN:
There are three legal ways to educate children in Washington State: public school, private school and home-based instruction. All three are authorized to determine graduation requirements, issue diplomas and transcripts for students enrolled in their school. Therefore, in the case of home education, the parent/guardian has the legal right to determine the student’s graduation requirements, create their transcript and issue their diploma upon graduation.
It is not necessary for a student to take the GED to validate their education. Because the GED is associated with high school drop outs, taking the GED only serves to undermine the validity and success of home education.
Homeschoolers are not without resources for preparing high school transcripts. While it may take time and effort, it is an important aspect of the student’s academic record.
College credits during the high school years.
The Christian Homeschool Network works to protect homeschoolers’ access to higher education. CHN is neutral in regard to homeschoolers enrolling in the programs listed below. With that in mind, we have provided the following information for your use.
The purpose of this page is to give parents an idea of the options available to them in Washington State. Homeschooling a student in the junior and high school years is a very rewarding experience and is a great responsibility. Many credible books address this issue in greater detail than we do on this page. Each has their own emphasis regarding homeschooling style.
- Homeschooling the High Schooler by Diana McAlister and Candice Childs
- Homeschooling: The Teen Years: Your Complete Guide to Successfully Homeschooling the 13- to 18- Year-Old by Cafi Cohen and Janie Levine Hellyer
- Homeschooling High School: Planning Ahead for College Admission by Michael Farris
The following programs are intended for high school students who have not yet graduated.
Program overview:
Washington State law allows students in the 11th or 12th grade to attend community or technical college tuition free. The parent/student is responsible to pay for books, fees, and transportation. Students can complete their high school credits along with earning college credits and an Associate of Arts degree or technical degree. Access to the Running Start program is through the local public high school as the tuition is paid through state K-12 funding. See Running Start Overview
- Other Community College/ Technical College programs:
Some community colleges and technical colleges offer programs to high school drop-outs. Some homeschoolers have used these programs in lieu of Running Start. These programs allow them to enroll directly though the college without going through the public school. The programs are tuition free or offer reduced tuition. A homeschool graduate does not qualify for these programs since they are not technically a “drop-out.”
- College- Level Examination Program- CLEP:
This is an opportunity to earn college credits for what a student already knows. www.collegeboard.com/clep
- Advanced Placement Courses:
These courses are for the academically strong student who wants to pursue college level work during the high school years. A student who scores high enough on the test(s) could earn college credits. To prepare to take the exam typically requires a year of study. www.collegeboard.com/apstudents
- Distance Learning programs
Many colleges are now making this option available to high school and college students.
Homeschooling thru High School : This resource from Homeschool Legal Defense Association will answer many of your questions regarding such topics as preparing for college, college admissions, transcripts etc.
Common Exams used for College Acceptance:
PSAT/NMSQT - Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
This test measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities. It is traditionally considered the practice test for the SAT. Eligible juniors who take the PSAT/NMSQT in October will automatically be entered into the National Merit Program. Merit Scholarship awards will be given to approximately 7,000 - 8, 000 students based on their scores. A number of homeschoolers over the last few years have been granted full or partial college scholarships because of the National Merit Program. Pre-registration and a small fee are required. Although it is traditional to take this test in the junior year (and the junior year is the year that counts for National Merit) consider also taking it in the sophomore year for additional practice. Register with your local high school. For more information:
PSAT/NMSQT
P.O. Box 6720
Princeton, NJ 08541-6720
(609) 771-7070
www.Collegeboard.org
www.nationalmerit.org
SAT I - Scholastic Aptitude Test (Formerly SAT)
The SAT I is a three-hour test primarily consisting of multiple choice questions that measures verbal and mathematical abilities. It is administered six times per year; pre-registration and a fee are required. Register directly with the College Board. For a registration packet and a free copy of Taking the SAT I, write:
College Board SAT Program
P.O. Box 6200
Princeton, NJ 08541-6200
www.Collegeboard.org
ACT Assessment®
The ACT Assessment® is designed to assess high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. Go to www.ACT.org for more information and registration.
Send for information, then read and follow the directions carefully. There are books and computer software available to help prepare for each and every examination. The mega-site for college planning and test registration (except for the ACT) is: www.CollegeBoard.org. Don’t miss this site!
Revised 05/08
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