Homeschooling High School: Online AP Classes And Dual Enrollment
Homeschooling high school doesn’t have to be complicated! There are so many options and resources to help. This is an overview of what you can expect as you navigate the high school years, as well as online homeschool resources for AP classes and dual enrollment.
Since my oldest son graduated from our homeschool last year and headed off to college, I am often asked about how it all worked. High school credits, transcripts, science labs, advanced math, AP classes, and possibilities for dual enrollment (to name a few!) can feel overwhelming as a homeschooler.
Homeschooling High School Doesn’t Have To Be Complicated
After four years of high school with my oldest, as well as my youngest just completing his first year of high school just this past week, I feel so much more confident.
The truth is, homeschooling high school doesn’t have to be overly complicated. You just have to find the right resources!
High School Credits And Transcripts For Homeschoolers
The very first place to start is with your own state’s requirements for receiving a high school diploma. You can usually find these with a quick google search.
For example, here is what my state requires:
Minimum Requirements For High School Graduation
- 3 years of Language Arts
- 2 Years of Mathematics (either Integrated Math or a minimum of Algebra 1)
- 3 years of Social Science (including US history and Geography, World History, Culture and Geography, One Semester of American Government and One Semester of Economics)
- 2 Years of Science (including biology and physical science)
- 2 Years of Physical Education
- One year of Foreign Language or Visual/Performing Arts or Career Technical Education
University bound requirements
- 4 years language arts
- 3 Years Mathematics
- 2 Years History
- 2 Years Science
- 2 Years Foreign Language
- 1 year Visual/Performing Arts
- 1 Year College Preparatory Elective (chosen from the subjects above, including visual/performing arts)
Based on these standards, you can plan your high school subjects and courses accordingly. As the school year progresses, you’ll want to keep track of both the courses themselves and your child’s grades associated with them, as this will be the foundation of your high school transcript.
You’ll find more specific help and resources for creating a high school transcript in this post: Unique Homeschool Portfolios, Record Keeping And Transcripts (Interest-Led)
What Is Dual Enrollment?
As you determine your child’s planned classes for the year, you may want to consider the possibly of dual enrollment.
Dual enrollment is a chance for your child to take college level courses that count towards their high school graduation requirements. Essentially, the courses give them credit at both a college and high school level.
What About AP Classes For Homeschoolers?
Early on, I assumed that AP classes would not be a possibility for my sons because of our choice to homeschool. I am happy to say that I was wrong.
AP classes and examinations are easily accessible and available for your homeschooled learner.
AP (advanced placement) is a program of classes developed by the college board to give high school students an introduction to college-level classes and also gain college credit before even graduating high school. These courses are more difficult than the usual high school class and also require passing an AP exam at the end of the year to gain the college credit. NSHSS.org
AP classes teach college level material as part of a high school course (they’re the inverse of dual enrollment where you take colleges courses and are given credit for high school). They also demonstrate that a high schooler is prepared for college level learning which can help your child’s chances for admission at some universities.
Online Courses For High Schoolers, Including Dual Enrollment And AP Courses
If your child is interested in pursuing AP courses or the chance for dual enrollment, a great place to start is with Stepmojo.
Stepmojo is an online learning platform offering high level high school courses for homeschoolers.
Classes are offered in a live format using a traditional semester schedule, multiple times a week. This allows students to interact with their teachers, and have rich and educational discussions with their classmates. They also then receive feedback and support as they work through higher level coursework.
Stepmojo sources, vets, curates, and distributes high-quality educational options from great institutions and educators with extensive experience leading effective, safe and engaging virtual classrooms.
Take a look at Stepmojo’s course offerings for the upcoming school year:
Courses offered Fall 2022
Core STEM classes:
- Algebra 1
- Algebra 2
- Geometry
- Physics
AP STEM Classes:
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Computer Science A
- AP Computer Science Principles
- AP Physics 1
STEM Electives:
- Animation
- Python Programming
- Game Design
Stepmojo For Homeschooling High School
Stepmojo’s commitment to providing high quality educational opportunities to homeschoolers is evident throughout their platform.
Guaranteed Quality
Stepmojo has a rigorous process to ensure that every single class offered follows a thoughtfully-planned curriculum, and is taught by engaging teachers who are expert in their subjects and experienced in leading effective virtual classrooms.
You can also be certain that the content itself aligns with college board and college admissions standards.
Live Instruction
Because of the high level nature of these classes, Stepmojo courses are offered in a live synchronous format, multiple times per week. This is important as it allows students to really interact with their teachers and classmates. It also gives them the chance for personalized feedback and support.
Positive Learning Environment
Stepmojo works tirelessly to ensure all classes have a safe, productive, and friendly learning environment. Stepmojo takes pride in ensuring that all students are able to learn without fear of bullying or indoctrination of any set agenda.
Social Emotional Learning
Students often say that the best part of taking a Stepmojo class is the chance to practice having rigorous discussions with teachers and peers. This builds core skills including teamwork, communication, and leadership.
Curriculum and Accreditation
All Stepmojo classes are accredited through a transcript issuing body. As a mom who has already completed one homeschool high school transcript, I can tell you that this is a significant benefit. It eases the logistics of the college application process and, if needed, ensures traditional schools grant credit for completed courses.
College Recommendations
Because students are working throughout the semester in live classes, teachers really have a chance to get to know them as learners. Stepmojo instructors are happy to provide college recommendation letters for their students – another significant benefit in the college admissions process.
Get started with Stepmojo and take advantage of significant savings.
Register for online high school courses before August 1st, 2022 and you’ll receive an automatic $100 off!
Receive an additional $50 off when you use the code 50differentbydesignlearning at checkout!