• Do you need a diploma?
• How to write a diploma
• Transcripts vs. Portfolios
• Financial Aid & Scholarships
• Homeschooling Graduates
• Alternative Paths to College

At a recent graduation ceremony for Florida State homeschoolers, the emcee read a short description of each of more than forty teenagers receiving diplomas. More than 90 percent of them had taken college classes concurrent with their high school homeschooling. Several had accumulated more than a year’s worth of college credits.

Homeschooled teenagers take college courses for several reasons. Amy on Main explains, "Our teenagers enroll in college classes to be independent from us and to boost their confidence in their ability to do well at conventional style schooling." Janice adds, "my teens take one or two college classes each semester for the challenge, to start accumulating college credits, to ease into a classroom environment before full-time college enrollment."

Some families find that college classes offer subjects and resources not available even at large high schools. Molly in Colorado says, "Our teen takes college classes. It’s the only way to get music theory." Kate, in California, reports, "Our son takes eight semester hours per quarter at our local community college. Having recently received a hige grant from Microsoft, they have wonderful computer science classes. We cannot begin to reproduce all the equipment he has access to at college."

Lauren across the country in New York State, relates a different experience. "Our daughter took three college classes one semester. She audited them – no credit, no payment. She took them for the content and the experience of college classes. Her art history professor volunteered to write a college recommendation for her."

Jill in California writes about supervising the college experience of young teenagers. "My daughter enrolled in an American Sign Language class for two semesters at a local junior college. She was fourteen at the time. Because of her age, my husband sat in the back of the class reading."

Unfortunately some states make it difficult for homeschooled teenagers to take college courses. Monica in Wyoming reports, "Our local community college does not allow homeschoolers to take classes without a GED. And in our state, no one under eighteen can take the GED." If you find yourself in a similar position, consider the correspondence and online colleges. Many institutions will allow your teenager to enroll in courses.

College classes, community activities, libraries, support groups – the whole world is wide open for your teenagers.

Alternative Paths to College

see the interview with Cafi (Teen Homeschooling)