High School Course/Credit Guidance

What is needed to reach graduation?

Information for High School Credit Earning Students:

High school credit can start being earned in 7th grade. But don’t push children to earn early if they aren’t ready. High school physical science, Algebra 1, computer courses including keyboarding & applications, foreign language, …. are some classes kids take in middle school for credit. But waiting until 9th grade is perfectly fine. PE and many elective "lite" courses such Home Economics are not acceptable by many colleges (or reentry to public school) as credit courses prior to the 9th grade.

FOLLOWING ARE ONLY RECOMMENDATIONS

Homeschool students are not required to fulfill the SC public school graduation requirements.

CHE stands for the SC Commission on Higher Education. This entity, among its other responsibilities, "administers state, regional, and federal programs, in addition to state-funded lottery scholarships and grants."

Here is what we recommend for high school—



The student's ultimate goals beyond high school should be taken into consideration when planning. Students capable of college prep coursework should have planning that would keep college open as an option even if it is uncertain if they will go to college immediately.

• The Public School Requirements (24 Credits) / Homeschool Suggested Guidelines Only!

Items marked with * may have additional requirements. Also, the student must demonstrate computer literacy before graduation.

• CHE Recommendations (http://www.che.sc.gov) .... The College Preparatory Course Prerequisite Requirements are minimal requirements for SC four-year college admission. Each institution may make exceptions in admitting students who do not meet all of the prerequisites. Students should check early with colleges of their choice to plan to meet additional high school prerequisites that might be required for admission.

*Three (3) units of Laboratory Science taken in two different fields of physical, earth, or life science (biology, chemistry, physics, or earth science) and the third unit in a field that requires one of the above as a prerequisite.

*One unit of PE or JROTC unless exempted because of physical disability or for religious reasons.

*Two units of the same World Language (American Sign Language, ASL, is accepted as are the Classic languages - Latin, Greek, and Hebrew)

• PACESC Recommendations (Contact PACESC for questions, and to discuss individual plans)...

*Seriously Recommended: A study of the Constitution should be included either in US History or in Government. The US Constitution and founding documents can also be a stand-alone course.  Economics is suggested if a student is planning on applying to a 4-year college. If a 2-year college or trade school is the goal, then not having Economics would not be an issue.

**Strongly  Recommended: Personal Finance (either half or full credit course) should be included.

***Either two units in the same World Language (American Sign Language is acceptable) or the student can concentrate on Career & Technology courses.

****Two Electives should be Core Electives which are those from any of the academic areas already listed.

*****The remaining electives may be Bible, additional PE if a child is active in competitive sports, Home Economics, Life Skills, Work Experience... etc.