BRANSON ACADEMY
  • Home
    • Getting Started
    • Our Story
    • OUR PSP
    • Calendar
    • Contact Us
    • Cost
    • High School
    • Resources
    • FAQS
    • BLOG
  • REGISTER / ENROLL
  • Homeschool Coaching
  • FAMILY PORTAL
    • How to use Family Portal
  • Parents
    • Grades K-6 Home Page >
      • Grades K-6 Resources >
        • K-6 Curriculum Providers
        • K-6 Electives
        • K-6 Math
        • K-6 Science
        • K-6 Language Arts
        • K-6 Social Studies
        • K-6 SEL (Soc / Emot Learning)
        • Montessori Style Learning
    • Grades 7-12 Home Page >
      • Grades 7-12 RESOURCES >
        • Dual Enrollment
        • Graduation
        • SAT/ACT Info
        • Preparing for College
        • GR 7-12 Math
        • GR 7-12 Science
        • GR 7-12 Language Arts
        • GR 7-12 Social Studies
        • GR 7-12 SEL (Soc / Emot Learning)
        • GR 7-12 Electives
        • Grades 7-12 Curriculum Providers
    • Attendance Tracking
    • Calendar
    • Graduation
    • High School
    • Homeschool QuickStart Guide
    • Homeschool Booklist
    • Homeschool Planner
    • ID Cards
    • LD Resources
    • Learning Assessments
    • Learning Environment
    • Reports and Forms >
      • Annual Study Plan Form >
        • How to fill out study plan
      • Quarterly Report and Attendance Form >
        • How to Fill out P&A
      • Evaluations / Grading
    • Schedules and Planners
    • Scholarships
    • Withdraw or Transfer
    • Work Samples
  • FACTS

HOMESCHOOLING HIGH SCHOOL


Secretary of State - Register to Vote
​Voter registration link provided as required by the Student Voter Registration Act of 2003 to ensure every school in California provides eligible high school students an opportunity to register to vote.
 Please share with your eligible high school student. Thank you.
Picture
 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS QUICK CHART 
Branson Academy is an administrative PSP.  Learn more here.


Branson Academy does not offer classes or curriculum.
We DO provide assistance with high school planning!
Parents facilitate the instruction of their student.

​

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 Graduation

path 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 Year

Four 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 Year

college 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.
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.
Order Credentials from Parchment

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. 



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.


Sign up on College Board  at least one month prior to your exam date.
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.
​

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.


HIGH SCHOOL COACHING SESSIONS

Need additional support?  

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.
LEARN ABOUT SCHOLARSHIPS / COMPETITIONS / CONTESTS

GRADUATION PROCESS

Congratulations on homeschooling through high school!  

This is an exciting time for you and your student!



 PLAN FOR A SUCCESSFUL GRADUATION
CHECK HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Credit requirements chart
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!​



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

Picture

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.   
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. ​
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.
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.
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


​

PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS!  WE'RE HERE TO HELP.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CHECKLIST            SAT / ACT TESTING             REGISTER/ENROLL             HOME PAGE               
Parents      Family Portal     Reports & Forms     Coaching Calendar
         Home     Contact Us     Enroll
  © Branson Academy, Inc. All Rights Reserved  2004-2023
   ​P. O. Box 326 Aromas, CA 95004  831.726.3235