Homeschool Record Keeping in High School

Have you ever wondered about the difference between an "accredited" and "official" homeschool transcript? A mother contacted me because she was told her son could play on a private school baseball team - IF he entered that school's Independent Study program. The school said he needed an accredited transcript from his 9th grade year to prove that he is in the 10th grade this year. The mother was under the impression that his work was accredited by her. The school disagreed and said they could review his transcript from last year for $50 per credit hour.

So, what does accreditation mean? How does a homeschool student get "accredited" transcripts without paying hundreds of dollars?

There is a difference between an "accredited" and an "official" homeschool transcripts. Homeschool credits are official, and our transcripts are official. Homeschool transcripts are usually NOT accredited, however. Accredited transcripts are provided by certified programs, with some sort of government oversight. For that reason, they are often avoided by independent homeschoolers. Although it's important to note that a certified program is not necessarily better than your homeschool program, in this case the school was correct. Our homeschool credits are not accredited. They are official, however, when you act within your state law.

There are many programs that can accredit your transcript. They may cost about $50-$100 per credit or more. It adds up quickly, and it can be VERY expensive in the long run. At one point I calculated that a whole 4-year high school would be $2000-$5000 just for a piece of paper that said "accredited." Accreditation agencies make a lot of money this way!

The cost of accreditation wasn't worth the hassles for my family. Apparently didn't matter to our university choices either. My sons received great scholarships from every university where they applied. They were also both given a four-year full-tuition scholarships based on my "mommy-made" official yet unaccredited transcripts. The admissions director at that university said my transcripts and records were the best he had ever seen. And he had seen lots of transcripts, accredited and official!

Accredited programs generally come with strings attached. You have to enroll with them, and use their curriculum, follow their rules, and work at their speed. They may require additional record keeping from the parent. Using accreditation programs can reduce your independence and flexibility to create the perfect homeschool high school experience for your child.

Strangely enough, the mother who contacted me might have had better luck with a baseball team associated with a public school. Ask public schools about playing on their sport team, and see if they will allow you access under part-time enrollment. That will allow you to participate without being a student at the school. I know parents who have chosen that option.

For more information on homeschool transcripts, visit this website - www.TotalTranscriptSolution.com.

Homeschoolers should keep high school records. We know that. Still, for parents who have never kept records before, change is hard. How do you change your own behavior, and begin keeping good records? The secret is the same for ALL kinds of change.Do one simple thing differently. Take just one thing and make a change, and slowly change behavior one task at a time.

They say it takes 6 weeks to make a habit. Take one simple thing and do it differently. In 6 weeks, try changing another simple thing. A starting place may be to keep a tub for papers, and throw in some papers, tests, quizzes, or daily work each day.

As they say, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Don't do the same thing, and keep your sanity. Create an environment that will help you meet your goals. Put a tub for your records in a clearly visible place, as a reminder to put something in it. The first step of record keeping is simply KEEPING something from which you can make your records.

Instead of feeling discouraged about records, take one small step and do something different today.

Sometimes transcript questions are very specific and complicated, but not really "Hard." I love helping parents homeschool high school, and I would love to help you as well!

"I'm going to ask a dumb question. I need to send the transcript to a college this week and this is my first time sending one. How do I list the classes which have not been completed and for which I've not yet calculated a grade? Some of them are required for admission but it's too early for them to be officially recognized. Also, do I calculate the summary of credits and GPA according to what has already been accomplished? She graduates in May and hopes to start college this fall. We're getting a late start with the admissions process. Our lives have been disrupted the last ten months with death and serious illness. The college which my daughter is interested in has been more than accommodating already, so I'm hesitant to ask them how they want to see the transcript."
~Melissa on Facebook

Hi Melissa,

You can put TBD - to be determined, or IP - in process, or something similar. In a public school they do list classes, but they do not give the final grade until the class is done. To calculate GPA, you calculate only the classes that are FINISHED. Some schools will also list "Credits attempted" to show how many more classes she has that aren't done yet.

"We do Bible as a family everyday. I would guess we spend about 45 minutes a day. Sometimes we simply read the Word and discuss, other times we do a formal study. Plus there is the daily discipleship%u2026Sunday's at church, youth group studies, etc%u2026 May I give a Bible credit per year to my son, or must he have actually done a formal Bible study with documented work done in a portfolio? Any wisdom? Thanks for any help/thoughts. I'm beginning to feel as though I'm stumbling towards the finish line, rather than sprinting. It's all about doubting myself at this point%u2026"
~Yvonne on Facebook

Hi Yvonne,

I gave my kids 1/2 credit per year. You can see how it looks on this link to my own homeschool transcript.

If it were me (hey, it WAS me!) I really WOULD put it on the homeschool transcript. Because of the amount of time, you could even say 1 credit per year.

You don't have to use a textbook for Bible anymore than you would use a textbook for PE or a music class like piano. In this case, you just count hours, not textbooks. It's still an accurate and legitimate way to calculate credit value.

Some colleges may like to read a course description of it, but it depends on the college. Some secular colleges won't consider a Bible class in their GPA, some Christian colleges will want to see Bible classes so they know the student is prepared.

Your job is to make your transcript true. This Bible class was truly part of your homeschool, so I say give him the credit.

Sometimes, homeschool parents get concerned about calculating grades for their high school students. Before creating complicated grading rubrics, check state law to see if it is really necessary. And before giving tests, consider all the other evaluation options that are available to homeschoolers because of our fabulous student-teacher ratio.

"I am having a hard time calculating semester grades. I am trying to place all grades into one of two groups%u2026 tests/quizzes and classwork/homework. I added all grades then multiplied by .5. Some of the grades do not look correct. Can you tell me if I am doing this right? I have asked my accountability group, but no response yet! Thanks for any help!"
~ Christine in South Carolina

Christine, I did mine a little different. I just averaged the percentage grades in one column. Then I added up the other column. Then I averaged the two columns (add them together and divide by two.) Honestly, I have heard that teachers do it differently, too. They may drop the lowest grade in each column, or weigh each column differently%u2026. Whatever you do will be just fine. Also, I don't know your state law is, but you only have to calculate grades like that if it is required by your state law. You don't have to do it just for you, and you don't have to do it for colleges either.

Check with other homeschoolers about the law in your state. Just because you have to give a number grade on a transcript doesn't mean you have to give tests and quizzes and stuff. You could just choose to evaluate in other ways, as many other homeschoolers do.

How do you begin making a lifestyle change? Purchasing a "Biggest Loser" workout video does not constitute a lifestyle change. What will make it a true change is when the video arrives, I put it in the DVD player and actually begin working out!

Whether it is exercise, dieting or high school record keeping, the answer is the same. Start by Starting! All the thinking and talking and learning in the world is not going to change your behavior. You have to take the first step IN ACTION. You have to put your first foot forward when you start walking, and you have to start record keeping by STARTING.

If you are ready to start, then grab your closest box or RubberMaid tub, and set it beside you right now. That is going to be the container for all your records. When you child produces anything in your homeschool simply label it (name and date) and throw it in the tub. That way, when you actually need to write a homeschool transcript, you will have one place to turn to look. It's not elegant. It's not beautiful. It will, however, get the job done.

If you are not ready to start record keeping, but you WANT to be ready to start record keeping, then you may get some motivation from the many parents who are homeschooling their children. You can meet them in online forums and yahoo groups. When you are reading, just remember that all the knowledge and wisdom in the world will not actually help you until you start keeping your own homeschool records.

Just start by STARTING. Do not over-think it, do not stress out, and do not try to be perfect from the beginning. Just begin today! As they say "well begun is half done," so gather the basic knowledge on record keeping online by studying and interacting with homeschool parents. Then, simply, begin.

When I was making my transcript, I worked at it in the coursework of the END of each school year. A number of the things I fully intended to do never actually happened. At the end of the year I would be aware of the classes they would complete, so I would insert them, work on the coursework descriptions in the spring and then add the final grades and details in June, when they were completed. I didn't use semester grades, I had the final grade at the end of the class. It fit my homeschool better - since I didn't do a lot of actual "grading" it appeared to make sense to have large grade at the finish. Other homeschools will do it differently.

For packaging, I laid the transcript on top of the spiral-bound comprehensive record. On top of that I had a cover letter explaining what it contained and the student that it was meant for. I put that in to a immense manila envelope. college wanted my transcript sealed, so they were the that got it sealed. They wanted the transcript in a sealed envelope with the "principal's signature" on the seal of the envelope. So I did that for them - it didn't hurt anything after all. But when I got prepared to mail that transcript, I had a sudden moment of panic - had I put Kevin's transcript in Alex's application? Opened them both up, yes I had mixed them (in my own defense, they were both applying to schools, so I did actually have 8 applications in front of me at the moment, LOL!) I fixed the issue, resealed the envelop, and resigned it. I am not positive how a sealed envelope helped them .

Each college will need their applications submitted in their own one-of-a-kind way. I encourage parents to conform to the wishes of the college, as long as they don't ask you to compromise your values in any way. In the event that they need an official school envelope, then print an envelope on your computer saying "Official Home School" together with your home address. In the event that they need it sealed, then seal it. Notarized? Notarize it at the library free! Whatever they need, that is the way you do it. Of coursework, that means you need to read the fine print.

I have often said that the easy part about writing the transcripts is the typing. The hard part is knowing what to type! That's why I became so frustrated with transcript software, and why in my business I focus more on "WHAT" to type.

"My daughter is studying Shakespeare and I'm wondering what "subject" will that fall under. Might you know? Is drama, theatre, or ????"
~Tisha in California

Hi Tisha,

Put it where you need it.

If you're doing it for English class, then English makes the most sense. If you already have an English class this year, and she doesn't have another Fine Arts class, then I would call it Theater. If she has enough credits for both, you can always put it under "Electives."

If you don't "need" the class somewhere, then my vote is for calling it English, because that is how it's listed in college catalogs.

Some homeschoolers wonder if they need an "accredited" transcripts to get into college. They also wonder if the transcripts they have prepared for their homeschool are "official" and can be used to enroll their kids in a university. Homeschoolers should understand the difference between "accredited" and "official" transcripts.

"Accredited" transcripts are those issued by accreditation and certification programs. With the usual government oversight, these programs evaluate your homeschool records and, for a fee, certify a number of credit hours. In most cases, these certified programs require that you enroll your children with them, observe their rules and use their curriculum. They may even require additional records from homeschoolers as a requirement for accreditation. But these accreditation bodies are businesses. They charge you certain fees for every credit hour. Indeed, these accreditation and certifying bodies make tons of money!

But there really is no need for homeschoolers to have their transcripts accredited! Homeschooling parents should know that our transcripts, provided that we comply with state law requirements, are official. Hence, they can be used by our college-bound students without need for prior accreditation.

I have done this myself! My sons received scholarships from each and every college they applied. They also received four-year-full-tuition scholarships based on what I call "mommy-made" or "mommy-accredited" official transcripts. And as far as the admissions director of the university was concerned, my children's official transcripts were the best he had ever seen! Take note, my transcripts were not accredited by any outside group!

My message is simple. You don't need to get your transcripts accredited. You can avoid paying the high cost of accreditation by preparing your transcripts and records at home. The costs of accreditation may not be worth the inconvenience you and your children will face.

When is your homeschool transcript official? When do you add grades? Sometimes the details can drive parents crazy!

Karen is a Gold Care Club member, and she asked me her questions:

"I was just looking over your book setting the record straight. Thank you for sending it and it looks great. When you started doing your 9TH grade transcript did you write everything you were going to study in the beginning of 9Th and then just add on the semester grades as you went along? This may sound silly but when you sent your transcripts to the colleges how did you package them? You know how colleges send transcripts in official envelopes that say official if not opened? Just curious."
~Karen in Florida

Dear Karen,

When I was making my homeschool transcript, I worked at it during the END of each school year. Some of the things we fully intended to do never actually happened. At the end of the year I would be aware of the classes we would complete, so I would insert them at that time, work on the course descriptions in the spring (right about now) and then add the final grades and details in June, when we were done. I didn't choose to use semester grades, I just had the final grade at the end of the class. It just fit my homeschool better - since I didn't do a lot of real "grading" it seemed to make sense to just have one big grade at the end. Other homeschools do it differently.

For packaging, we laid the one piece transcript on top of the spiral-bound comprehensive record. On top of that I had a cover letter explaining what it contained and the student that it was meant for. I put that into a large manila envelope. Only one college wanted my transcript sealed, so they were the only one that got it sealed. They wanted the transcript in a sealed envelope with the "principal's signature" on the seal of the envelope. So I did that for them - it didn't hurt anything after all. But when I got ready to mail that transcript, I had a sudden moment of panic - had I put Kevin's transcript in Alex's application? Opened them both up, yes I had mixed them (in my own defense, they were both applying to four schools, so I did actually have 8 applications in front of me at the moment, LOL!) I fixed the problem, resealed the envelop, and resigned it. I'm not sure how a sealed envelope helped them .

Each college will want their applications submitted in their own unique way. I encourage parents to conform to the wishes of the college, as long as they don't ask you to compromise your values in any way. If they want an official school envelope, then print an envelope on your computer saying "Official Home School" with your home address. If they want it sealed, then seal it. Notarized? Notarize it at the library for free! Whatever they want, that's how you do it. Of course, that means you have to read the fine print.

When's the best time to start YOUR homeschooling transcripts?

" I was wondering I have been told that middle school is the right time to start putting together a transcript. She is now in 8th grade and I have not officially started. How do I get started and is there a good software out there that is worth getting."

Thank you
~ Antonia on Facebook

Middle school is the BEST time to start putting together a homeschool transcript for two reasons! First, it will give you the practice you need to feel comfortable and confident in your new homeschool role as high school counselor . Because transcripts are so critical in high school, learning that skill a little early can help you become more knowledgeable and do a better job. Record keeping, particularly in some states, can come as a big surprise to homeschool parents. Although it isn't difficult to learn, it does take a little bit of effort. Homeschooling will give you the edge in confidence and ability.

Second, learning how to make a transcript in middle school can be very important because some courses you are teaching may actually be high school classes that should be on a high school transcript. Because some middle school students take high school classes without realizing it, these courses may be mistakenly left off the transcript. By learning about the homeschool transcript now, you can be SURE whether classes should be on the high school transcript or not. Beyond just "for practice," this kind of learning ahead of time is critical to making sure your child gets the credit they deserve, particularly if they are ahead of grade level in any course or standardized test.

Transcript software is about all the same. They all give you nice forms and transcript templates to type on. When I tried transcript software, I quickly became frustrated that there was no template that I preferred - I had to fit my homeschool into their charts and graphs, and my homeschool didn't fit!

I also found that while software is "nice" it actually requires some brain-ware to back it up. That's what was missing! I didn't actually know what to type - regardless of where I would type it. That's why I worked to make my Total Transcript Solution . I wanted to teach parents WHAT to type. Then I give them 10 templates in a variety of looks and formats so they could choose to make it look any way they want it to look.

I will say that high school record keeping is really not that hard. There are easy strategies that can save you a ton of time so that you don't have to tediously count hours, so don't worry about that part. I hope that helps!

Lee Binz, The HomeScholar explains how her comprehensive record solution would help you to create an amazing homeschool record that is going to help you in entering college / universities. Lee helps parents homeschool high school

Watch the video to Find Out How Homeschool Records Can Help You.

Homeschool record keeping fears can be eliminated!

"I am so afraid of homeschooling my high schooler next year. I don't think I can keep up with all the record keeping that will be required. Any help he would greatly appreciate because he doesn't want to go to public school and that is where my thoughts are heading toward."
~ Kim on Facebook

Nothing educational needs to change when your child starts homeschooling middle school and high school! The only difference is that you want to somehow keep a running total of what your child has done. That "running total" is called a transcript. It's helpful to create a transcript and a reading list. Once you are comfortable with that, consider making course descriptions.

Making a transcript is like riding a bicycle. Once you have learned how, it always seems easy and you never have to learn how to do it again. You don't have to learn it again for each of your 8 children, you only have to learn it once. None of the record keeping tasks (transcripts, reading list, or course descriptions) is particularly difficult. It just takes a little effort to learn how, and then it's easy.

When I wrote my book on homeschool record keeping, I did it with mothers like Kim in mind. I wanted to make sure to explain it in the simplest and easiest way possible. My book is called Setting the Records Straight: How to Craft Homeschool Transcripts and Course Descriptions for College Admission and Scholarships. About 1/3 of the book is from my ebook called "The Easy Truth About Homeschool Transcripts." About 1/3 of the books is a section about how to make course descriptions. About 1/3 of the book is just samples of homeschool records and course descriptions, including my complete homeschool plus records from two other moms who were also successful. I really do try to make it sound as easy as possible!

The Total Transcript Solution (www.TotalTranscriptSolutionDOTcom) can help you even more, particularly if you are in a hurry, if you prefer ebooks, or if you are a visual learner who does best with webinars or videos. It has four steps: an class on Making a Transcript, an ebook on transcripts that you can print or read on your computer, a complete set of transcript templates so you can choose the one that looks prettiest to you, and one month of support from weekly 20 minute consultations with me. So even if you're scared, you can get help!

I promise, there is nothing scary about homeschool record keeping! You can do it!

Early high school credit in middle school? Are you kidding? How does that happen?

"You mentioned (TheBest Time to Start Your Homeschool Transcript) about middle school students taking high school courses and not realizing it. How is that done? Wouldn't a person know what grade level book they are using, typically. My twins are going into 8th grade next year. Are there any courses that we could do to help us get a step ahead in high school? Thank you for your help."
~ Sharon

Dear Sharon,

This is a topic I talk about often in my book about homeschool records: Setting the Records Straight.

Not all homeschoolers use graded textbooks, so it can be difficult to tell when your high school student is doing high school work. The most common early high school credits are algebra and foreign language. However, math textbooks rarely say "High School Algebra" it usually says "Algebra." And a foreign language curriculum may say "French" and a parent using it in middle school may not realize they mean high school level French.

If you are using a graded curriculum that is clearly labeled "WARNING: HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL" then it's pretty easy, but it's usually not that clear. As long as parents know that it can happen, that some middle school classes really are high school level, then they can keep their eyes open.

The best classes to prepare for high school are reading, writing, and math. Reading and writing are fundamental skills that everything else will hinge upon. Math is a skill that builds incrementally, so you have to be consistent in order to become successful.

Junior high is a time to focus on fundamental skills in some things, and work ahead at a senior high school level for other things. That's the great thing about Junior high - you really can't be behind. Since the purpose is EITHER remedial OR advanced, and each subject can be taught separately, you can provide exactly what your child needs and still be at just the right level in everything.

If you were going to measure an AP class, how much would it weigh? The number you see on the scale isn't what they are talking about when parents mention "Weighted Grades" on transcripts.

A public school mom said that if my child takes AP classes they are weighted heavier and you need more than a 4.0 to get into some colleges%u2026Only in 9th now%u2026have time to figure it out but how do you weight AP credits?
~ Rebecca on Facebook

Look at this website from Florida State University. It clearly states that no matter what you do or think about weighting of classes, they will re-work your transcript according to what they view as important. Every college will have their own unique way of dealing with AP courses, so you can give weighted credits for honors courses, or you can give regular credits and regular grades, and it will still be OK.

You need to recognize that public and private senior high schools all have a different way of providing grades and credits. Teachers within a single school may have their own unique way of determining grades and credits. Trust yourself! This provides you with a huge amount of freedom. You can do it in any way that makes sense to you and your family.

If you want the longer answer, it would take a book! I cover that information extensively in my book about homeschool transcripts and course descriptions; Setting the Records Straight: How to Craft Homeschool Transcripts and Course Descriptions for College Admission and Scholarships.

In the book I don't give a lot of hard-and-fast rules. Instead, I emphasize that there are a wide variety of right ways to providing grades and credits.

I also cover this information extensively in the Total Transcript Solution at www.TotalTranscriptSolution.com.

"Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Junior High anymore"

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On Your Journey Toward
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Just follow Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, on the Yellow Brick Road toward high school success and scholarship riches!

Lee Binz, The HomeScholarDear Homeschool Parent,

Sometimes homeschooling high school can seem like a long journey to the Emerald City. There are dangers and challenges at every turn:

* How do I evaluate my children?
* How can I give grades that colleges will believe?
* How should I assign credits?
* Where can I get the answers I need?

"I'm frightened, Auntie Em! I'm frightened!"

You don't have to be frightened because I have put together a remarkable one hour training webinar that will answer all these questions and ease your fears once and for all.

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Just fill in your first name and primary email in the box below to claim your FREE Webinar and learn how I can help you navigate to the Emerald City of GREAT homeschool records!

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One of the big tasks of homeschool senior high school is writing course descriptions. There comes a moment in senior year when a light bulb goes on. "What do I DO with it?" How do you actually submit course descriptions to a college?

Each college will have unique requirements and suggestions, so it best to ask them directly, and then try your best to do it exactly the way they want. You want to make it as easy as possible for the college, so they have warm feelings about your child - such warm feeling that they want to give you scholarships.

Some colleges like the information in an email attachment. Some will want a paper copy. Some will want a computer disc mailed to them. It's impossible to guess which way a particular college wants the information. Ask each admission department exactly how they want your course descriptions. If they don't answer then mail them a hard copy of the documents WITH a disc. That way they can have it physical or electronic.

When submitting high school transcripts and course descriptions, provide a one-page transcript first. Under that single loose piece of paper, provide the course description packet underneath. That way colleges can see an overview of the student first, and decide if they WANT to read course descriptions. It just makes it a little easier for them to make that first round of decisions (for example, has the student met math requirements.)

Mailing a package does not need to delay your application. Fill out the applications online first, and get that completed. Mail the package later. The day you submit the online application is usually considered your official "application date." They expect other pieces to come trickling in slowly. The SAT scores, final grades, and other details do not come in at the moment of application either.

It's best to submit the online college application immediately. At the same time, write an email to the university admissions department to find out how they want the course descriptions. People in college admissions usually deal with schools when it comes to records and transcripts. They will not view it as unusual when a parent handles that aspect of admission.

Homeschoolers should keep senior high school records. We know that. Still, for parents who have never kept records before, change is hard. How do you change your own behavior, and start keeping good records? The secret is the same for ALL kinds of change. Do one easy thing differently. Take just one thing and make a change, and slowly change behavior one task at a time.

They say it takes six weeks to make a habit. Take one simple thing and do it differently. In six weeks, try changing another easy thing. A starting place may be to keep a tub for papers, and throw in some papers, tests, quizzes, or daily work each day.

As they say, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Don't do the same thing. Instead, keep your sanity! Create an environment that will help you meet your goals. Put a tub for your records in a clearly visible place, as a reminder to put something in it. The first step of record keeping is simply KEEPING something from which you can make your records.

Instead of feeling discouraged about homeschool records, take one small step and do something different today.

For more information, visit this homeschool records website, www.ComprehensiveRecordSolution.com.

There is a difference between an "accredited transcript" and an "official homeschool transcript." First of all, it is important to identify the difference between an accredited and an official homeschool transcript. Homeschool credits are official, and our transcripts are official. Homeschool transcripts are usually NOT accredited, however. Homeschoolers do not have to pay for the word "accredited" when their own homeschool transcript is official.

Accreditation is usually provided by a certified program, with some sort of government oversight. There are some schools that are not accredited, just like homeschools are not accredited. Certified programs are not necessarily better than your own homeschool program. It is entirely possible to provide a superior high school education on your own, without the addition of a certified program. Independent homeschool transcripts may not accredited, but they are official when you act within your state law.

There are many programs that can accredit your transcript - for a price. They may cost a hundred dollars or more per credit or more. It adds can add up quickly and become VERY expensive in the long run. At one point I calculated that accrediting a 4-year high school would be $2000-$5000 just for a piece of paper that said "accredited." Accreditation agencies make a lot of money this way!

Accredited programs generally come with strings attached. You have to enroll, use their curriculum, follow their rules, and work at their speed. Often you must choose a curriculum they provide, rather than choosing from unlimited sources. The parent may need to keep additional records, causing additional work for the parent. You may sacrifice your independence and flexibility to create the perfect homeschool high school experience for your child.

Our family eventually decided that the cost of accreditation was not necessary. Both of my children applied to four colleges, and apparently accreditation didn't matter to our college choices either. My sons received admission and scholarships from every college where they applied. They were also both given four-year full-tuition scholarships based on my "mommy-made" official (but unaccredited) transcripts. The admissions director at one university said my transcripts and records were the best he had ever seen - and he had seen lots of transcripts, with and without accreditation!

If you are considering homeschooling high school, remember that you can provide an official homeschool transcript that can help your students achieve their college dreams! There is no reason to be scared. Just remember that your homeschool, operating within your state law, is an official homeschool, and you can provide an official homeschool transcript.

For more information on homeschool transcripts, visit this website - www.TotalTranscriptSolution.com.

A lot of homeschool parents are considering online accredited homeschooling for next year. It pays to consider what the reality is behind the marketing image that is portrayed. Many online schools are accredited organizations with a classroom mentality -- which means that you have extremely limited flexibility with your homeschool. Let me go over an advertisement for a popular online school for you point by point:

* A Free Homeschool Portfolio Review - Students transitioning into (this school) receive a free homeschool portfolio and/or transcript evaluation.

Sounds like they will be sitting in judgment over your homeschool to see if you have been a "good" or "bad" homeschool parent. In reality, a loving parent is in the best place to judge their own homeschool and curriculum choices.

* A Well-Written Homeschooling Curriculum - (this school) courses are accompanied by high-quality textbooks and course materials. Our broad array of courses complements other curriculums and homeschool programs. You have the option to enroll in a full four-year program or in individual courses.

That means you can't use what you have already been using - even if it had been working well. Any online classroom will have limited options for curriculum - the curriculum you use must be approved by them

* Valid Transcripts - Credits earned at (this school) are accepted by major colleges and universities. (Students can earn a (this school) high school diploma by successfully completing 21 course credits, but all credits do not need to come from (this school).

This is trying to convince you that your own homeschool transcript is somehow NOT valid. That's not true - my homeschool transcript was accepted everywhere my kids applied. The truth is that YOUR transcript is valid too, and it is also accepted by major colleges and universities.

* Autonomy and Independent Study - Students set their own schedule around family, work, and community commitments.

That doesn't mean you can set your own yearly schedule. You have to finish by a certain month or you "fail" and you can't just drop classes - at least that is some of my clients who have come from such school have told me. In other words, it may not be as autonomous and independent as an independent homeschool.

* Teacher Support - Our certified teachers are subject matter experts so parents don't have to be the experts when it comes to things like complex Chemistry equations.

That's trying to tell you that if you homeschool regularly that you DO have to be an expert, but that's not true. We don't need to be "teaching" our children, we want them to learn how to learn. These are completely different approaches with completely different goals. The best homeschool is the one which produces mature, self-motivated students who have the ability to teach themselves. This is a life skill that cannot be fully replicated in a classroom setting.

* An Affordable Program - The (this school) Family Plan makes it affordable for families to enroll more than one child.

Over four years of homeschooling high school, these programs can cost THOUSANDS. They have GOT to be kidding, if they think that's affordable - especially in this economy!

Accredited online schools are one of the many valid choices homeschooling parents can make. I worry parents are being pressured with untruths (like those implications above.) I worry that parents will look at these and think they are "more than" what they can provide at home, which they aren't. I worry that parents will think these are a perfect solution, when there really IS no perfect school, and everything will have pluses and minuses.

In my opinion, these kinds of programs can limit the flexibility we have to independently homeschool our students. They imply a kind of inadequacy in parents that can make them less confident. Worse, they can lead to a "failure" in the homeschool that parents will attribute to homeschooling itself, rather than attribute the failure properly to the program itself.

For more information, on how to make the records that will document your independent homeschool graduation, visit this website - www.ComprehensiveRecordSolution.com.

The old "What to keep" question is complicated, because no two homeschoolers are alike! When you are doing school the textbook way, you can just keep tests and written work. You don't have to keep daily work - except the science lab notebook is usually kept. Anything that is flat, you can put it a notebook: awards, some art work. If the art work isn't flat, and you really WANT to keep it, then a photo would help.

You don't have to keep everything!

Ask yourself: Why are you keeping things? If it's just for you, like a scrapbook, then keep anything you want as a memento. If you are keeping it because of college, then consider how it will be used. A college *may* ask for a graded English paper, or a math test, or a history paper. They won't ask for ALL of it, just a sample. Your binder is a collection of samples, so that you can hand one to a college if they ask for it. Now, an artist may be asked for their portfolio. My kids aren't artists at all, so I had very little to show for it when we did the notebooks!

If you want to eventually make course descriptions using your records, then it can help to make a copy of the front cover and table of contents from the textbooks you use. If you are making course descriptions, that information will come in handy while you are writing things up.

Blessings,

Lee

When you homeschool high school, three months can equal one year - when your kids are doing dual enrollment at a local community college. Dual enrollment is offered to students in many states. It provides high school and university credit at the same time. Homeschoolers take advantage of dual enrollment to help defray higher education expenses by allowing students the opportunity to earn university credit while still homeschooling.

Are you thinking about homeschooling high school? Perhaps you have already started and have a few questions. Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, has created a resource just for you! The HomeScholar Gold Care Club is your one stop shop for all your homeschool high school questions. You can get expert advice on transcripts, grades, credits, record keeping, college preparation and more. This site is filled with parent training tools (videos and audios), templates, planning guides and good solid advice for all parents who are considering homeschooling high school with an eye toward college.

Get more information about homeschooling high school now.

When it comes to high school record keeping, I have noticed that there are four kinds of homeschoolers. Some keep their records in a Rubbermaid tub - and I call them Tubbies. Some keep records in a drawer or cabinet - I call them Cubbies. Some keep their records in a binder, like me! We affectionately call ourselves "Binder Queens." There is one other kind of record keeping style. This is the one where a gigantic question mark hovers over the parental unit.

No clue.

Not even aware that records need to be kept!

When you have that particular record keeping system, it's almost impossible to recover the information you need to make a transcript. If you don't keep any records, then it is critical that you keep an up to date running transcript every year, so you don't lose the information.

Being a Tubby is a perfectly acceptable method of record keeping, especially if you like watching "CSI." Because sometimes making a transcript out of a tub is more like forensic homeschooling, what we call "CSI - Homeschool!" You don't have to stay with your record keeping style. You can improve! Are you looking for ways to stop being Tubby? Like losing weight, you have to be committed if you want to avoid being Tubby. First of all, whatever you do, make sure you KEEP records - don't let your frustrations with being tubby make you give up record keeping altogether.

I have a online support group for parents homeschooling high school. I call it my Gold Care Club because if you are a member, I promise you will feel cared for. Here are some of the features on the membership site.

* Monthly members-only webinars
* Homeschool High School Audio and Video Course
* College Preparation for Homeschoolers Video Course
* 10 "Biggest Questions" answered on Audio Download
* 10 Transcript templates in Word and Excel, with GPA calculator
* The HomeScholar Planning Guide
* Sample Grading Criteria
* Lowest possible Convention Prices on every product, every day!

Gold Care Club Members also receive 20 minutes free consulting each week, including document review, and priority email support to my "members only" email address. You can get help with your transcript, course description, or high school plan from the comfort of your own home!

On the 20th of every month, the content of the Gold Care Club Membership Site will change, and I will provide different audio and video courses and other benefits.

Interested in becoming a Gold Care Club Member? Click on the image to read more about it.

Read what one mother has to say about the book and her Gold Care Club membership:

Lee,
These resources are AMAZING! We've got plans to really sit down tomorrow and really DIVE into it all! The new book is just a fabulous resource, and Scott and I have a "date!" to really read! It's certainly true, confidence is where most of us struggle and as a dear friend of mine reminds me, "FEAR is not of God, and our God is not a God of confusion....." I often think of that when I think of the decision to homeschool our children through high school. You have NO IDEA what these resources mean to us, and we can't begin to thank you enough! Happy New Year Lee and Matt!!
Peace,
Lori in Georgia

Today, more colleges than ever are homeschool friendly, and homeschool friendly colleges do not require an accredited transcript. Even the military academies understand that a homeschool transcript will not be accredited. Usually a college will understand a transcript that a parent makes for their child and will often accept such non-accredited parent-made transcripts. If they don't, colleges will often offer an alternative to an accredited transcript, like a GED or other testing. After all, some public high schools that are not accredited either.

Even a college that says it will only accept accredited transcripts may still show some flexibility. In that situation, the best strategy is having a high quality college prep education with a clear demonstration of specialization. In other words, if your student really has their heart set on that ONE college that says they won't accept a homeschool transcript -- DON'T DESPAIR -- you may still get in! First, document your student's college preparation with outside sources (CLEP, AP, SAT 2 tests or dual enrollment credits.) Second, encourage specialization in the student's area of passion (academics, sports, volunteering, or other specific area) and document that specialization on their college application. If they want your student, they can review their application on a case-by-case basis. That's where homeschoolers REALLY shine!

For more information on how to make amazing homeschool transcripts, visit this website - www.TotalTranscriptSolution.com.

When it comes to homeschool record keeping, I have noticed that you will find 4 types of homeschoolers. You will find individuals who maintain data in big plastic tubs - "tubbies" I call them. They maintain all their data from all of their kids in that tub, and it is a perfectly acceptable method of record maintaining. You will find parents who keep their records in cupboards, cabinets or drawers. Slightly more organized than tubbies, "cubbies" will typically have 1 drawer for each kid and for each year. That is also a fine technique of record maintaining, and it has the added advantage of organizing information by year. Nevertheless other parents maintain a notebook with their high school data, and it is also a useful technique of keeping data. I am 1 of these "binder queens" and will go into depth about how to accomplish this within the following section.

The final kind of homeschool parents are the ones I affectionately refer to as "question marks". When this kind of parent hears about needing to keep homeschool records, a question mark will appear over their ever-so-slightly-cocked head as they think to themselves, "Records? Were we supposed to keep records?" This is a lousy approach to record keeping. That's how you are able to lose things like 4 years of Latin, or being an Eagle Scout. Every homeschool parent can choose which technique is best for them. Tubbies maintain lots of stuff but lack organization, cubbies maintain lots of data with minimal organization, and binder queens have information on each class in an organized fashion. I generally suggest that parents attempt to get much more organized every year. If the initial year you're a tubby, attempt to graduate to a cubby the following year. Move up the food chain!

For more information, on how to make great homeschool records visit this website, www.ComprehensiveRecordSolution.com.

When I was homeschooling 6th and 8th grades (my two boys are two years apart) I began by keeping a daily schedule of their lesson plans. You can see more about what I did here. You can open the sample schedule to see what I did. Anyway, having this check list for their lesson plans gave me a record of everything they did. I figured I was training myself for the next year - when it really mattered. So one thing that you can do now is keep some sort of records, and using a schedule can provide those records for you.

Another thing that you can do is have a place where you keep all your records. That might include all their work, anything they have written, math tests, any workbooks, etc. Again, you really don't NEED to keep that stuff for 6th and 8th grades, but it will train you to keep those records when it DOES matter for next year. Make sense? I kept a 3-ring binder, with dividers for each subject: math, science, writing, etc. Every time they produced a piece of paper, I punched holes in it, and put it into the notebook. I was very glad I started early, in Junior High, because it ended up that my youngest son graduated 2 years early. When we started, I had NO idea he would do that. I was glad I'd kept the records once I realized how much I needed them at the end of high school. All this to say, simply, keep stuff.

Another thing that you can do is have a place where you keep all your records. That might include all their work, anything they have written, math tests, any workbooks, etc. Again, you really don't NEED to keep that stuff for 6th and 8th grades, but it will train you to keep those records when it DOES matter for next year. I kept a 3-ring binder, with dividers for each subject: math, science, writing, etc. Every time they produced a piece of paper, I punched holes in it, and put it into the notebook. I was very glad I started early, in Junior High, because it ended up that my youngest son graduated 2 years early. When we started, I had NO idea he would do that. I was glad I'd kept the records once I realized how much I needed them at the end of high school. All this to say, simply, keep stuff.

A final thing that you can do is to educate yourself while you are educating your children. Buy yourself some books on "how to homeschool high school" so that you will feel confident. My favorite book is Homeschoolers' College Admission Handbook by Cafi Cohen.

I've read a LOT of homeschooling high school books, and I thought this book really summarized all of them really well. It's a great overview, and a great way to start. When I was homeschooling, my goal was that every time I bought curriculum for the boys, I also bought a book for ME, about how to homeschool.

As far as contacting me for record keeping, you can do it whenever you would like. I have clients that call me in a panic and need a transcript within day because they are applying for college. I also have clients that want me to make a schedule for them, to keep their high schooler on task. I can consult with you about how to study for the SAT as well. Some people like to have a cumulative record with course descriptions and everything, and some people don't want or need that much. I have some clients that want course descriptions and records done BEFORE every year of school. I also have some clients that want it all done after they have finished their Junior year, when they start applying to colleges. It's whatever is easiest for you. My clients who want a cumulative record tend to like to do it every year, to spread the cost out over years, instead of paying for it all at once.

For more information, on how to make great homeschool records visit this website, www.ComprehensiveRecordSolution.com.

I know that many homeschoolers already have great transcript programs. I also know that the problem usually isn't software, it is what to put ON the transcript! How do you know what a credit is? How do you know what grade to give? What should a course be titled? What if you have had 58 great and unusual educational experiences, and you don't even know where to begin putting them on a transcript?

I have set up an amazing online support system on Facebook. On it you will be able to get help with your questions about homeschooling high school. Make sure to stop by today and see for yourself!!

When I was homeschooling high school, I bought myself one high school book a year, and considered it part of my curriculum expenditures. I started with Barb Shelton High School FormULA, and it was pretty good. She leans a lot on the unschooler approach - less structured approach, I should say. Lots on how to write up your high school experience after the fact, a lot about learning naturally in high school. She does seem to like forms, though. I always thought it was interesting that someone who was so into what appeared to be a go-with-the-flow style in curriculum would be so uptight about recordkeeping! She has tons of forms and stuff, lots of intricate stuff on how to make grades. I didn't use that stuff. But her overall theory of "write it after you do it" was helpful. She has a very VERY personal writing style - like she's just emailing you.

I also liked Mary Schofield's book The High School Handbook. She had some great course descriptions that I used a LOT in writing my own. It was a little less scary than Shelton's book, because there were fewer forms to fill out. She has quotes from a variety of homeschoolers using different techniques, but her advice is more concrete and straighforward, as if she's a textbook homeschooler. I got a lot out of her book.

Cathy Duffy's High School Curriculum Manual is good for choosing curriculum, and deciding what courses you should have. She doesn't go into the construction of a portfolio.

And I love Cafi Cohen's book on College Admission.

Of course, my FAVORITE book on homeschool records is the one I wrote! Setting the Records Straight - How to Craft Homeschool Transcripts and Course Descriptions for College Admission and Scholarships. You can find it here.

5 STARS!!! Read some of the reviews here.

Blessings,
Lee
The HomeScholar

Who was I kidding?

At least this is how I used to feel....I just spent time with my lovely niece, driving to Oregon, and we were talking about her public high school experience years ago. I knew that her father had taught a class on The History of Baseball, and that's one of the things that I share in my "Preparing to Homeschool High School" video. But when we were talking the other day, my niece mentioned that she had taken a different class from her father when she was in public high school. The class was called Sports Communications. They learned about journalism, radio broadcasting, and marketing - all of which she has put to good use in her career, by the way. But what she remembered the most was watching a LOT of movies in school and doing some sports "play by play" announcing to baseball games! Her father gave her a grade - an "A" as she recalled.

So, it appears that there are some creative curriculum choices being made in public schools as well as in homeschools. Apparently, it's OK to have some unique courses in your homeschool. Yes, make sure you have the basics down, but stretching your wings is also good! Homeschooling high school gives you the freedom to explore your student's areas of passionate interest. For us, those included Chess, Russian History, Economics, Economic Thought, and a bunch more that, quite frankly, I wasn't even aware my kids were studying.

Relax! Oftentimes learning is uncontrollable. Enjoy the process and don't be too concerned about what you name all the courses in the end.

If you ever do need help getting your creative homeschool courses down on paper, I have in depth instruction on how to capture "delight directed" learning experiences in my homeschool transcript solution product, the Total Transcript Solution. In it, you will get detailed guidance on how to create a homeschool transcript that will impress the colleges.

GED not required

Once upon a time, colleges sometimes required a GED from homeschoolers before providing financial aid. Since 1998, however, Congress has provided a better way for homeschoolers to demonstrate their "ability to benefit" from federal financial aid. The law states that students who have "completed a secondary school education in a home school setting that is treated as a home school or a private school under state law" can receive federal financial aid. When you fill out the FAFSA, the government will decide how much financial aid you should receive. You can receive financial aid as a homeschool student, and you do NOT have to take a GED.

>>>>A clients asked:
"I really enjoyed the Comprehensive Records! It really helped to see how you scored your grades, particularly in areas where you did not use a textbook. I also enjoyed your booklists. I have two question about books. How do you select the books for your courses? Do you have any favorite resource? "<<<<

Hi,

First of all, I'm really glad my Comprehensive Record is helping you. Of course, every family will have completely different records, and they will (hopefully) demonstrate each students unique area of specialization. That's why the book lists look like that on my records - because that's how my kids love to learn. I can't KEEP them away from books. This summer, when Alex was home from college, for fun he read Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, CS Lewis, Agatha Christie, and Shakespeare. He didn't just read ONE of each of those, he read the whole SERIES of each one. That's what they love to do, and that's why the book list looks like that. In fact, I actually didn't quite manage to capture ALL of their books, because they were much better about reading books then actually writing down the titles for me.

For example, with our Bible class one year, I set 35 books in front of the kids, and told them to read for just 1-2 hours a week from those books. I was expecting them to read, perhaps, 10. They read them ALL. It was amazing to me, but that's what they loved to do - and they still love it.

We started homeschooling with Sonlight Curriculum, and that started them on reading. I supplemented using Jim Trelease Read Aloud Handbook. By the time they were in high school, we included book lists from The Well Trained Mind, and various college reading lists that I found online.

We didn't use literature guides, really. They mostly just read the books. When I would ask them about it, the just said it was good, and asked for the next one. It's nice like we dissected each book in an intense way.

The classes that I failed in (art, state history, etc.) I found that it worked better when my kids learned from literature. So when I got completely frustrated by a subject, I just schedule them to do reading. So instead of studying art, we read art history. Instead of studying 3rd year french, we read french books, and books about France. It's like it's my kids' love language. You're kids may not have the same love language.

Don't feel like you have to read that many books with your kids. Many kids may be doing good to have 1/2 of one page of books on the reading list. It's all about encouraging your kids to do their best, and then be satisfied.

To keep a reading list, you can have the kids write down every book they read, but that didn't work well for me. You can also keep all the receipts from the library and from the bookstore. Keep all your assignment sheets, if you use them, because that may have the names of books you have used. You can include books on tape, and you may want to include plays that are books (like Shakespeare, Death of a Salesman, etc.)

I hope that helps! I'll get to your scheduling questions next time, OK?
Blessings,
Lee

When I was doing my state taxes, the State wanted to know which consultations were done with people in state and which were out of state. Huh? What a nutty detail! I was so glad I had kept every address from every client! Moral to the story?

Transcripts are like taxes: You never know the details you will need, so save everything!

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