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Teaching My Kids
College, Workforce, Military
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What’s the next step for your teen?
High school is the best time to start exploring what’s next for your student. Maybe your teen’s sights are set on a specific path or maybe they have no idea where to start—both are normal! Explore all the options below.
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College
College is a common choice for high school grads. Even if your teen is undecided, you may want
to consider a college prep plan so they still have the option to apply.
College Planning
Search Process
Applications
SAT/ACT/CLT
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Gap Year 101
Considering a Gap Year? What You Need to Know
Not every teen needs to start college or career right after graduation! A gap year might be a good fit. Learn more about what they are & how to craft a good one.
Workforce & Military
Many teens have success entering straight into the workforce or joining the military.
Take a high-level look at each of these paths.
Post-graduation goals start in high school
The best high school plans are built around the end goal: college, workforce, or military.
Use the flexibility of homeschooling to prepare your teen for their future!
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Do colleges accept homeschool graduates?
Yes! Homeschool students have proven themselves in colleges and universities for decades. Most admissions officers are familiar with homeschooling, and many institutions even post homeschool admission policies on their websites.
You can maximize your student’s chances of acceptance by visiting college websites, understanding their high school credit requirements, and incorporating these into your student’s high school program.
Colleges want focused and motivated students who love learning. With well-kept records and competitive college entrance test scores, homeschooled applicants are generally welcome at postsecondary schools.
Check out this series to learn more about college prep for teens.
Where can my high schooler take college entrance exams (SAT, ACT, or CLT)?
Homeschool students are eligible to take college entrance exams wherever the exams are offered, typically at local high schools or colleges. Your teen can register at any testing location for the SAT or ACT using the nationwide homeschool code. The CLT is an online exam, so it can be taken at home. Read more details here.
How do homeschool students get high school diplomas?
Homeschool students receive their diplomas from their parents. Since parents are the ones who structure and organize a homeschool student’s education, they are also the ones qualified to judge when that education has been successfully completed and a diploma earned.
A few states have high school graduation requirements for homeschoolers, so you can check your state’s homeschool laws on our interactive legal map. If you’re an HSLDA member, please contact your state’s legal team if you have any further questions.
Are you wondering more about where to get diplomas, what you should put on a diploma, and whether you should have your child take a GED test? Check out our Diploma FAQs.