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.