How to Start Homeschooling High School: A Beginner's Guide
- hazelbriarwoodcurr
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
Homeschooling high school might sound intimidating — credits, transcripts, college prep, and teenage emotions all rolled into one. But the truth? You can do this.
Whether you’re switching from public school or continuing from middle school, this guide will walk you through how to start homeschooling high school step-by-step — with confidence, clarity, and the flexibility that homeschooling offers.
Step 1: Know Your State Laws
Before anything else, you need to know what your state requires. Every U.S. state has its own homeschool laws.
Here’s what to check:
Do you need to submit a Notice of Intent?
Are there recordkeeping or testing requirements?
Does the state mandate specific subjects or credits?
Will you be required to submit a portfolio or annual evaluation?
Check homeschool laws at hslda.org/legal
Step 2: Create a 4-Year High School Plan
In high school, you’ll start thinking in terms of credits and transcripts. Most states and colleges expect a certain number of credits in core subjects.
A typical 4-year plan includes:
4 credits of English
3–4 credits of Math
3–4 credits of Science
3–4 credits of Social Studies
2 credits of Foreign Language
1–2 credits of PE or Health
Electives (Art, Business, Computer Science, etc.)
Step 3: Choose Curriculum That Fits
High schoolers can learn through:
Textbooks
Online courses
Unit studies
Dual enrollment at local colleges
Project-based learning
Apprenticeships or work-study
Popular High School Homeschool Curricula:
Time4Learning – Online, self-paced (great for independent learners)
Notgrass History – Literature-based, Christian worldview
The Good and the Beautiful (High School) – Free or low-cost with religious themes
Khan Academy – FREE for math, science, SAT prep & more
Hazel Briarwood - Flexible, Independent learning, Literature-based
Step 4: Track Credits and Create Transcripts
This might sound scary — but it’s totally doable from home.
You’ll want to keep:
Course names & descriptions
Grades and completion dates
Credit values (usually 1 credit = 120–150 hours)
Extracurriculars and volunteer work
There are tons of free homeschool transcript templates, or you can use tools like:
Homeschool Planet (paid planner)
FastTranscripts.com (HSLDA tool)
Google Sheets or Excel (DIY)
Colleges accept parent-created transcripts from homeschoolers!
Step 5: Focus on Independent Learning
High school is the perfect time to teach your teen how to teach themselves. This skill matters more than any subject and sets them up for success in college or real life.
Encourage:
Time management and weekly checklists
Self-paced courses with built-in feedback
Research and project-based learning
Student-led electives (coding, entrepreneurship, art)
Example: Turn a student-led blog into an English or Business elective credit!
Step 6: Prepare for Life After High School
Whether your teen plans to go to college, trade school, join the military, or start a business: homeschooling can prepare them.
If they’re college-bound:
Start tracking GPA and transcripts by 9th grade
Research college admission requirements early
Plan for SAT/ACT testing, dual enrollment, or CLEP exams
If they’re not:
Focus on life skills, career exploration, and financial literacy
Consider entrepreneurship, apprenticeships, or certification programs
Homeschoolers are accepted into top universities every year — many even get scholarships.
Common Questions From Parents
Is it legal to homeschool high school?
Yes! in all 50 U.S. states. Just follow your state’s homeschool laws.
Will my teen get a diploma?
Yes! you, as the homeschool administrator, issue the diploma.
Will they be able to go to college?
Absolutely. Many homeschoolers thrive in college and even get recruited.
What if I feel unqualified to teach high school?
You can outsource what you don’t feel confident teaching — through co-ops, online courses, or tutors.
Free Tools to Help You Get Started
You don’t need to buy everything right away! Here are some free homeschool high school tools:
Final Thoughts: You Can Do This
Starting to homeschool high school might feel like a huge leap — but you don’t have to do it all at once.
Focus on one year at a time, build confidence in your teen (and yourself), and don’t be afraid to adjust as you go. Homeschooling high school is a powerful, flexible, and deeply rewarding experience.
You’ve got this — and your teen will thank you later.
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