High School Record Keeping

Record-keeping in high school becomes more important, especially if your student plans to apply to college. A short-cut that many families use is to register with a home school umbrella school. The school will keep your records, provide a transcript to prospective colleges, and usually gives a diploma. Another advantage is that they often provide proof of attendance, which is required for drivers' permits and licenses in some states.

If you do not use an umbrella school, you will want to document work in the following areas:

English: 4 credits

Mathematics: 3-4 credits

Science: 3 credits

US History: 1 credit

World History or Geography: 1 credit

A Single Foreign Language: 2 credits

Visual or Performing Arts: 1 credit

Economics: 1/2 credit

Physical Education: 1 credit (usually requires two years at a half credit each)

Health: 1/2 credit

Electives: 4-6 credits

For each credit you should record:

Text books and other materials or books used

Grades for each semester (There are two semesters in a high school year.)

Attendance for 90 days minimum for each semester

A sample of assignments completed such as essays or photographs of projects

A record of any applicable field trips or related activities such as science fairs, foreign travel, etc.

Documents may be stored in files or notebooks. Many families find that keeping documentation in a thick three-ring binder makes the material more portable for college interviews.