The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling High School: Curriculum, Planning & Graduation
Homeschooling high school is a big shift from the elementary and middle school years. From ninth grade onward, the focus begins to shift—students take on more responsibility, and parents begin thinking about transcripts, college prep, or vocational training. Meanwhile, high schoolers may also be involved in extracurriculars like sports, theater, or music, and spend more time with friends.
As your teen grows into independence, both of you will need to learn to manage time, balance priorities, and ensure all the academic boxes are checked. For homeschooling parents, this also means preparing transcripts and understanding graduation requirements. This guide will help you get started and navigate the journey with confidence.
Step One: Know Your State’s Homeschool Laws
Before anything else, check your state’s homeschooling laws. Requirements can vary, and you want to make sure your homeschool program complies—especially at the high school level. The HSLDA website is a great place to find up-to-date information on homeschooling laws in your state.
Make a Four-Year Plan
Create a high school plan starting with ninth grade. Think of this as a flexible roadmap—not everything will go exactly as planned. Your student may change their post-high school goals, interests, or pace. That’s okay. Plan in pencil and stay adaptable.
Choosing High School Curriculum
Instead of asking “What’s the best high school homeschool curriculum?” ask, “What’s the best curriculum for my student?”
Each teen is different. Some thrive on workbooks. Others prefer video lessons or online classes. Some want structure; others do better with self-paced learning. Attending a Great Homeschool Convention is a great way to see a variety of curriculum options in person—and let your teen be part of the decision-making process.
Aim for courses that:
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Match your student’s learning style
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Are academically sound
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Are interesting or engaging
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Lead to independent learning
Build Strong Study Skills
Good study habits don’t happen by accident—they are learned and practiced. Help your teen develop note-taking, time management, and test-prep strategies. Co-op groups, online classes, or even study groups at the library can provide opportunities to build these skills in community.
Choose Electives That Matter
Electives are more than just filler—they help personalize your student’s education. Choose electives that align with your teen’s passions or future career goals. These might include:
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Art, music, or drama
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Foreign language
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Entrepreneurship or business
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Home economics or life skills
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Sports or volunteer service
You can also turn hobbies into electives with proper documentation of time and learning objectives.
Keep Excellent Records
Accurate record keeping is essential in high school. Track:
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Courses taken
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Grades
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Attendance
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Volunteer hours
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Extracurricular activities
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Test scores
These records will help you build a strong transcript and ensure compliance with local laws.
Tip: Even if you’re unschooling, document learning outcomes and how they meet subject requirements in your state.
Planning for Graduation
Create a plan that meets your state’s graduation requirements. Then, issue a diploma when your student completes the necessary coursework.
Dual enrollment is a great option for many homeschoolers. A student who begins taking one college class per semester at age 15 can graduate with up to 18 college credits. However, be aware that some colleges classify students with too many credits as transfer students, which may impact housing or orientation.
Start SAT®/ACT® test prep early—ideally in 10th grade—and plan to test in 11th grade to be ready for senior-year applications. Free practice tests are available at collegeboard.org and act.org.
In Closing
Homeschooling high school can feel overwhelming at first, but it becomes manageable when broken into steps. Stay informed, involve your teen, and keep focused on your goals. With the right tools and planning, your high schooler can graduate confidently—equipped for college, career, and life.
