High School Basics
There are two high school programs, an 18 credit accelerated program and a 24 credit traditional program. A credit
The 18 credit program has fewer electives and is for students entering the workforce, attending trade school, or certified training program after graduation. A college may or may not accept this program as meeting their entrance requirements.
18 Credit Academic Diploma English - 4 credits Math - 4 credits, incl. Algebra I & Geometry Science - 3 credits, incl. Biology I Social Studies - 3 credits, incl. U.S. History/ World History/ 0.5 credit in Economics/ 0.5 credit in Govt World Language - 2 credits in same language Arts - 1 credit Fine or performing arts, speech and debate, or practical arts Elective - 1 credit
Class schedule example:
14 yo (9th) English I Business Math Physical Science World History Foreign Language I 15 yo (10th) English II Algebra I Biology I US History Foreign Language II 16 yo (11th) English III Geometry Any Life or Physical Science Economics and Government 17 yo (12th) English IV Accounting Fine Arts Elective
A 24 credit program is for students planning to enter college or university upon graduation or for those who want a broader high school education.
24 Credit Traditional Diploma. English - 4 credits, Math - 4 credits including Algebra I and Geometry Science - 3 credits, including Biology Social Studies - 3 credits, including U.S. History/ World History/ 0.5 credit in Economics/ 0.5 credit in Civics (government) Arts - Fine or performing arts, speech and debate, or practical arts - 1 credit Physical Education - 1 credit Electives - 8 credits within chosen area of interest (incl. 2 consecutive years of a foreign language if planning to enter college)
Following is an example of class schedule. Pick a track and stick with it all the way through the program.
14 yo (9th) English I Math Track I - Algebra I Track 2 - Practical Math World History Science Track 1 & 2 - Physical Science Phys Ed or Team Sport Foreign Language I 15 yo (10th) English II Math Track-1 Geometry Track 2 - Pre-Algebra US History Science Track 1 & 2 - Biology Fine Arts Foreign Language II 16 yo (11th) English III Math Track 1 - Algebra II Track 2 - Algebra 1 Economics/U.S. Government Science Track 1 - Chemistry or Physics Track 2 - Anatomy & Physiology Elective 1 Elective II (Academic, Vocational or Technical) 17 yo (12th) English IV Math Track 1 - Calculus Track 2 - Geometry Elective III Elective IV Elective V Elective VI (Academic, Vocational or Technical)
What is a credit?
There are a couple different ways in which a credit is determined. One credit is equal to 120 hours of study in a particular subject. One credit is also successful completion and satisfactory demonstration of competency or proficiency in a subject matter.
For example, a year long textbook Algebra class is a credit. Demonstrated competency in Algebra learning standards via an AP test, passing ACT math score, or an alternative course such as Khan Academy would also satisfy the credit criteria.
Martial art lessons or team sport participation would be a credit in P.E. Unit studies reading books on history and writing reports and book reviews would be credits in history and grammar.
That is why it is important to keep track of what activities and experiences transpire throughout the year and record them as they occur. It’s possible to go back and put a transcript together in April of 12th grade, but much less stressful to pull out your notebook and have it all recorded already.
If your child is planning on attending college after graduating high school there are a few things you need to know.
Each college determines their policies so check with them to see if they will accept transcripts from us. Most will, but there is no guarantee. That said, there are colleges that don't even require a high school diploma (really, I'm not joking) so look around for an opportunity that fits your needs. Check out this article https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/college-no-ged-or-high-school-diploma/ or speak to your prospective institutions registrar.
There are even ways to get an almost free college education (seriously). And we're not just talking enlisting in the armed forces or if you have top SAT scores. University of the People is tuition free (fee for exit exams). Check it out. http://www.uopeople.edu/ A bachelors degree currently costs around $4000. And they are accredited making it more likely credits will transfer to other colleges.
What about financial aid?
Private school graduates qualify for most types of financial aid. Some state specific aid is also available like the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship. Check out their website for their requirements. https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFHandbookChapter1.pdf
In order to ensure your chances, apply for Federal Aid early. Fill out a FAFSA to qualify for Federal financial aid including Pell Grants. And don't forget scholarships. There are tons out there, but they take effort to find and receive.
It may seem complicated, but you can do this.