Typical Course of Study High School Program
Charting Your Course
Typical High School Graduation Requirements
Planning ahead helps prevent gaps (every homeschool parent’s fear)! Here is a list of subjects and the number of credits that are typically part of a high school program.
4 credits – Language arts (literature, composition, grammar, vocabulary)
3 credits – Social studies (geography, U.S. and world history, government)
3 credits – Mathematics (algebra, geometry, consumer math, trigonometry, calculus, etc.)
3 credits – Science (physical science, earth science, biology, chemistry, physics)
4-8 credits – Electives such as Bible, physical education, home economics, health, typing, computers, woodworking, or art.
High School Program Course Guidelines
Ninth Grade
Bible: (see below)
Math: consumer math, pre-algebra, or Algebra I
Language Arts: grammar, composition, Introduction to Literature, or high school vocabulary
Science: physical science or earth science
Social Studies: geography, world history, government
Foreign Language: choose according to interest and availability of materials or tutors
Electives: (1-2 classes, see below)
Tenth Grade
Bible: (see below)
Math: Algebra I, geometry, or Algebra II
Language Arts: advanced grammar, world literature,
Practical writing
Science: biology or physical science
Social Studies: world history
Foreign Language: same
Electives: (1-2 classes, see below)
Eleventh Grade
Bible: (see below)
Math: geometry, Algebra II, advanced mathematics/precalculus, applied mathematics, or business math
Language Arts: Shakespeare, American literature, advanced composition, pre-college vocabulary
Science: physics or chemistry
Social Studies: U.S. history, government, or economics
Foreign Language: optional
Electives: (1-2 classes, see below)
Twelfth Grade
Bible: (see below)
Math: business math, Algebra II, advanced mathematics/precalculus, or calculus
Language Arts: Shakespeare, European literature, journalism, pre-college vocabulary, speech, and drama
Science: physics or chemistry
Social Studies: government, economics, sociology, psychology
Foreign Language: optional
Electives: (1-2 classes, see below)
Elective Options
Computer science
Keyboard skills
Typing
Bible
Home economics
Family living
Auto mechanics
Woodshop and carpentry
Music
Dance
Arts and crafts
Physical education
Record the time spent on each elective and include ALL proficiency tests and evaluations from tutors, mentors, and instructors. Record text(s) used, results of tests or evaluations, and possibly a write-up by the student.
**Bible Study – Design your own study for Bible, or use a Christian curriculum publisher. You might visit a Christian bookstore to select topical studies.
**Foreign Language – Most colleges require two years of foreign language studies. However, check with the admissions office of a potential college to find out their specific requirements. Many students can easily begin their foreign language studies in college.
Tutoring is an option chosen by many families if a foreign language must be mastered prior to high school graduation. Local community colleges offer evening and weekend classes in conversational language. These can be challenging and fun.
Rosetta Stone is a very popular foreign language option, available on CD or download, or through online subscription.
Berlitz is a familiar name in foreign language instruction. Look for their curriculum on computer software as well as audio CDs.
The Learnables is another “user friendly” foreign language program. It offers about seven different languages with CDs and books.
