HIGH SCHOOL
EARNING YOUR DIPLOMA
Parents facilitate the instruction of their student.
Branson Academy is an administrative PSP.
We do not offer classes or curriculum.
Branson Academy is an administrative PSP.
We do not offer classes or curriculum.
HOW WE HELP YOU
An umbrella covering for your homeschool for total peace of mind!
We support all learners! Including un-schoolers and students with special needs.
We provide tools and resources to help you homeschool.
We take care of Transfers, Transcripts, and Dual Enrollment.
We offer a Path to Early Graduation and a Standard Four Year Ed Plan.
Parents may view High School Credits Summary on student transcript every year.
It is our privilege to provide Diplomas for eligible graduates.
Students with special needs may receive either a regular Diploma or Special Diploma based on learning outcomes.
We partnered with Parchment - a leader in transcript Exchange! It's free and easy to request your transcripts for college admissions.
We provide a School Code for SAT / ACT Testing.
We offer optional Student Photo IDs.
We're here to support you through emails and Phone Consultations.
Optional Homeschool Coaching Package and Weekly Teen Mentoring is available.
HIGH SCHOOL ED PLANS
Early Graduationpath to early graduation
Our Path to Early Graduation (PEG) meets California State Education Code 51220 – 51228 requirements for high school graduation. Minimum Age
Student must be at least sixteen years of age or received admission to a university to graduate (per California Ed code). Students in the PEG plan usually begin high school coursework in Grade 8. Gifted students who demonstrate proficiency may accrue credits earlier. Credit requirements
A student must complete all requirements for Standard Four Year Plan to be eligible for a diploma. H.S. level courses completed during Grade 8 with a B+ or higher may be eligible for high school credit. It is important for parents and students to understand that course credits and GPA will appear on the student's high school transcript. HIGH SCHOOL CREDITS REQUIREMENTS CHART |
Standard - Four YearFour Year plan
The Standard Four Year Plan meets California State Education Code 51220 – 51228 requirements for high school graduation. Transfer students
Transfer students must be enrolled in Branson Academy for a minimum of one year, and have a credible transcript or other proof of prior credits. Credit Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 20 credits as required by California Ed Code to be eligible for a diploma. HIGH SCHOOL CREDITS REQUIREMENTS QUICK CHART |
College Prep - Four Yearcollege prep plan
The College Prep Plan exceeds the Standard Four Year Plan which meets California Ed Code 51220-51228 and is patterned after admissions guidelines for most universities. We provide a college prep checklist, resources for college admissions, and offer a dual enrollment option. credit requirements
A student must complete a minimum of 24 credits which meet college prep or UC transfer credit requirements. HIGH SCHOOL CREDITS REQUIREMENTS QUICK CHART honors diploma
Students who complete Honors or AP courses substantiated by AP Exams will receive an Honors seal on their Diploma. |
DIPLOMAS AND TRANSCRIPTS
All Graduates receive a Diploma and Official Transcripts
Students with special needs may receive either a regular Diploma or Special Diploma based on learning outcomes.
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We partnered with Parchment - a leader in eTranscript Exchange!
Order your official transcripts FREE of charge through Parchment. Transcripts are sent directly to the college of your choice. |
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STAYING ON TRACK FOR GRADUATION
STUDENT TRANSCRIPT
Transcripts are updated each quarter
- Summary of Credits - including credits required / met
- GPA - weighted / non-weighted
- UC / CSU A-G approved coursework noted
- Student Achievements
- Community & Volunteer hours and activities
- Year-round access for review
TESTING
SAT / ACT Testing
Branson Academy does not require testing for graduation.
SAT / ACT testing is not required for California high school graduation.
SAT testing is not required for community college enrollment.
Testing may be useful for university admissions as a metric to demonstrate capacities and skill levels.
A few top-tier universities, such as Stanford, actively recruit students who demonstrate focused, self- directed learning and exceptional intellectual and community achievements without fulfilling UC/CSU (a-g) requirements. In these cases a SAT/ACT could be most helpful.
Note: As of 2021-22 most universities waived the SAT/ACT test scores for admission due to the impact of COVID-19 on testing availability.
SAT / ACT testing is not required for California high school graduation.
SAT testing is not required for community college enrollment.
Testing may be useful for university admissions as a metric to demonstrate capacities and skill levels.
A few top-tier universities, such as Stanford, actively recruit students who demonstrate focused, self- directed learning and exceptional intellectual and community achievements without fulfilling UC/CSU (a-g) requirements. In these cases a SAT/ACT could be most helpful.
Note: As of 2021-22 most universities waived the SAT/ACT test scores for admission due to the impact of COVID-19 on testing availability.
AP Courses and Subject Tests
Students may enroll in and receive high school credit for AP (Advanced Placement) courses.
To receive college credit a student must pass a SAT AP Subject Exam and request College Board to send official scores to their college.
To receive college credit a student must pass a SAT AP Subject Exam and request College Board to send official scores to their college.
Branson Academy School Code provided for SAT / ACT Testing.
Testing Dates are updated each year on our SAT/ACT page. Sign up on College Board and use our school code.
If you are not enrolled in our PSP use the homeschool code that College Board provides for independent homeschoolers.
If you are not enrolled in our PSP use the homeschool code that College Board provides for independent homeschoolers.
DUAL ENROLLMENT FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Dual enrollment is a significant step in independent learning and in jumpstarting a college education.
Dual enrollment is sometimes referred to as concurrent enrollment.
It means your student is enrolled in college classes at a local community college while still in high school.
Dual enrolled students receive both college credit and high school credit for completed coursework.
Grades affect both the high school transcript and the college GPA.
Learn more about How to Dual Enroll your student.
Dual enrollment is sometimes referred to as concurrent enrollment.
It means your student is enrolled in college classes at a local community college while still in high school.
Dual enrolled students receive both college credit and high school credit for completed coursework.
Grades affect both the high school transcript and the college GPA.
Learn more about How to Dual Enroll your student.
HIGH SCHOOL COACHING SESSIONS
Need additional support?
Choose our Teen Mentoring & Check Ins
Weekly accountability and motivation for your teen!
Choose our Teen Mentoring & Check Ins
Weekly accountability and motivation for your teen!
Homeschooling high school coaching packages available for all parents.
Your student does not need to be enrolled in our PSP to benefit from experienced teen mentoring.
Book your session and receive the support you need. Boost your homeschool to a new level!
COLLEGE PREP PLANNING AND ADMISSIONS CHECKLIST
Download a free College Prep Checklist here!
The best resources for college prep and planning here.
GRADUATION PROCESS
Congratulations on homeschooling through high school!
This is an exciting time for you and your student!
This is an exciting time for you and your student!
PLAN FOR A SUCCESSFUL GRADUATION
CHECK HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
SENIOR YEAR TO DO FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
1. Schedule final SAT / ACT test in the fall.
Use Branson Academy School Code and request records be sent to Branson Academy and your college of choice.
If you have a previous SAT or ACT score, we need the date, location and score for your transcript.
2. Create a portfolio for your college application.
Include extra-curricular activities, achievements, service learning and volunteer activities.
Include dates or accumulated hours for Volunteer or Community Service.
Example: Assisting in boxing and food delivery to the elderly, two hours every two weeks during Grades 10 and 11. Approximately 72 hours total.
3. Write a Senior Essay or a personal essay detailing accomplishments, future dreams and goals.
4. Request mid-year transcripts early if needed.
We partnered with Parchment - a leader in eTranscript Exchange!
Order your official transcripts FREE of charge through Parchment. See link above.
5. Fill out online college admissions applications.
Check your college admissions deadlines!
If you use Common App we upload your transcript to that portal and it is transmitted directly to your college of choice.
Check with your college ahead of time for their transcript policy requirements.
6. Apply for financial aid if necessary and fill out the FAFSA.
7. Finish high school grad requirements!
Use Branson Academy School Code and request records be sent to Branson Academy and your college of choice.
If you have a previous SAT or ACT score, we need the date, location and score for your transcript.
2. Create a portfolio for your college application.
Include extra-curricular activities, achievements, service learning and volunteer activities.
Include dates or accumulated hours for Volunteer or Community Service.
Example: Assisting in boxing and food delivery to the elderly, two hours every two weeks during Grades 10 and 11. Approximately 72 hours total.
3. Write a Senior Essay or a personal essay detailing accomplishments, future dreams and goals.
4. Request mid-year transcripts early if needed.
We partnered with Parchment - a leader in eTranscript Exchange!
Order your official transcripts FREE of charge through Parchment. See link above.
5. Fill out online college admissions applications.
Check your college admissions deadlines!
If you use Common App we upload your transcript to that portal and it is transmitted directly to your college of choice.
Check with your college ahead of time for their transcript policy requirements.
6. Apply for financial aid if necessary and fill out the FAFSA.
7. Finish high school grad requirements!
YOUR GRADUATION COUNTDOWN
Choose a grad date to correspond to a quarter or semester ending.
Two months prior:
Fill out questionnaire with grad date and submit
Two months prior:
Pay for diploma/grad fees
Two weeks after final day:
Submit final reports (or earlier if possible)
Approximately 15 days after final day:
Receive diploma and grad package via USPS Priority Mail
Official transcripts are mailed after final grades are received and reviewed.
HIGH SCHOOL CREDITS CHART
COURSE SUGGESTIONS
We encourage students to explore and expand personal interests during high school years.
While subjects are required, courses may vary by student interest and ability.
Transcripts are adapted for unschooling or inter-disciplinary studies.
While subjects are required, courses may vary by student interest and ability.
Transcripts are adapted for unschooling or inter-disciplinary studies.
MATH
* At least one course must meet or exceed Algebra 1. Students who complete Algebra 1 in middle school complete two other math courses during grades 9-12. An exemption is made for special needs students or those on the Accelerated Ed Plan. 4 Credits recommended for UC transfer. Courses may include: Personal Finance/Budget, Consumer Math, Algebra through Trig, or Math for STEAM or other math disciplines.
SCIENCE
* Biology required for UC transfer; lab course strongly recommended. Courses may include Astronomy, Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology and Stewardship, Geology, Human Anatomy, Marine Science, Chemistry and Physics, or other Science courses.
ENGLISH / LANGUAGE ARTS
* AP courses recommended for UC transfer. Suggested courses include English Lit and Composition, World Lit, Creative Writing, Research and Essay Writing, Shakespeare Studies, South American / African / Asian Literature, Public Speaking and Communication, Theater Appreciation, Playwriting, and Journalism.
SOCIAL STUDIES
U. S. History*
World History*
American Gov & Civics* (one semester)
Economics* (one semester)
*Mandatory.
Other course suggestions include History of Civil Rights, Elections and Constitutional Studies, Cultural Geography, Global Economies, Introduction to Philosophy, Political Science, Ethnic Studies, World Religions, Psychology, Sociology, Women's Studies, and related AP Courses.
World History*
American Gov & Civics* (one semester)
Economics* (one semester)
*Mandatory.
Other course suggestions include History of Civil Rights, Elections and Constitutional Studies, Cultural Geography, Global Economies, Introduction to Philosophy, Political Science, Ethnic Studies, World Religions, Psychology, Sociology, Women's Studies, and related AP Courses.
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS / OR FOREIGN LANGUAGE
* 2 years of same language recommended for UC transfer.
Courses may include Music, Art, Dance, Drama / Foreign Languages / Technology and Computer Science Courses.
ELECTIVES
Elective courses may include any of the VPA or Technology courses.
Other course suggestions are: Home Econ/ Cooking & Nutrition, Drivers Ed, Urban Gardening, Emotional Health & Well-Being, Teen Health & Safety, Vocational Skills, Life Skills or other courses of interest to your student.
Other course suggestions are: Home Econ/ Cooking & Nutrition, Drivers Ed, Urban Gardening, Emotional Health & Well-Being, Teen Health & Safety, Vocational Skills, Life Skills or other courses of interest to your student.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Exceptions made for persons with physical limitations which preclude Phys Ed.
Courses may include team sports, dance, athletic classes or personal exercise program. May include .50 credit Health Ed.
CREDIT TOTALS
Four Year Ed Plan = 20 credits
Early Graduation = 20 credits
College Prep* = 24 - 26 credits recommended
* See UC/CSU (a-g) entrance requirements.
Early Graduation = 20 credits
College Prep* = 24 - 26 credits recommended
* See UC/CSU (a-g) entrance requirements.
CREDIT HOURS
- One credit (1.0) equal to one year, 36 weeks, or an average of 150 hours of instruction (4 hours/week for 36 weeks).
- One half credit (.50) equal to one semester, 18 weeks, or approximately 60 – 90 hours of instruction.
- Dual Enrollment (community college credit) one semester is equivalent to one full year high school credit.
- Lab Courses usually equal approximately 180 hours of instruction with 30 hours of that total dedicated to lab work. One full year or 1.0 credit