HIGH SCHOOL
EARNING YOUR DIPLOMA
Early Graduationpath to early graduation
The Accelerated Plan or Path to Early Graduation (PEG) meets California Ed Code 51220-51228. Minimum Age
By California law, a student must be at least sixteen years of age to graduate. 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. See Subject Specific Credit requirements under HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION CREDIT REQUIREMENTS at bottom of this page. High school level coursework completed during Grade 8 with a B+ or higher may be eligible for high school credit. |
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. See Subject Specific Credit requirements under HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION CREDIT REQUIREMENTS at bottom of this page. |
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. See Subject Specific Credit requirements under HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION CREDIT REQUIREMENTS at bottom of this page. honors diploma
Students who complete Honors or AP courses substantiated by SAT or ACT test scores will receive an Honors seal on their Diploma. |
All Graduates receive a Diploma, Official Transcript and Letter of Recommendation!
Parents are responsible for the home based instruction of their student.
Branson Academy is an administrative PSP. See what that means here.
We do not offer classes or curriculum.
Here's what we provide.
Tools, Resources, and Help Getting Started
Transfers, Transcripts, Dual Enrollment, and Diplomas
High School Credits Tracking
School Code for SAT / ACT Testing
Student Photo IDs
Email Support and Phone Consultations
Umbrella covering of our private school satellite program
High school plans are provided as options for your student.
We support all learners including un-schoolers and students with special needs.
Branson Academy is an administrative PSP. See what that means here.
We do not offer classes or curriculum.
Here's what we provide.
Tools, Resources, and Help Getting Started
Transfers, Transcripts, Dual Enrollment, and Diplomas
High School Credits Tracking
School Code for SAT / ACT Testing
Student Photo IDs
Email Support and Phone Consultations
Umbrella covering of our private school satellite program
High school plans are provided as options for your student.
We support all learners including un-schoolers and students with special needs.
HELPING YOU STAY ON TRACK FOR GRADUATION
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YOUR CREDITS TRACKING
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YOUR TRANSCRIPT
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TESTING
SAT / ACT Testing Dates and School Code provided!
We recommend SAT or ACT testing for College Prep students.
Branson Academy does not require testing for graduation.
Branson Academy does not require testing for graduation.
GRADUATION PROCESS
Congratulations on homeschooling through high school!
This is an exciting time for you and your student!
Plan ahead to receive your student's diploma in time for your family graduation celebration.
Email proposed graduation date thirty days before your last day of studies.
Pay for your diploma/grad package. All fees must be paid prior to shipping.
Fill out and submit questionnaire regarding student achievements three weeks prior to last day of studies.
Upload final docs within two weeks following your final day. This includes grades, attendance, and work samples.
Diploma/grad package is processed and shipped as soon as possible after final docs are received.
This is an exciting time for you and your student!
Plan ahead to receive your student's diploma in time for your family graduation celebration.
Email proposed graduation date thirty days before your last day of studies.
Pay for your diploma/grad package. All fees must be paid prior to shipping.
Fill out and submit questionnaire regarding student achievements three weeks prior to last day of studies.
Upload final docs within two weeks following your final day. This includes grades, attendance, and work samples.
Diploma/grad package is processed and shipped as soon as possible after final docs are received.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION CREDIT REQUIREMENTS
Please do not feel limited by this standardized structure of course requirements!
We encourage students to explore and expand interests during the high school years.
Courses may vary by student interest and ability.
Transcripts may be adapted for unschooling or inter-disciplinary approaches.
We encourage students to explore and expand interests during the high school years.
Courses may vary by student interest and ability.
Transcripts may be adapted for unschooling or inter-disciplinary approaches.
Math*
Standard Four Year - 2
Early Graduation - 2
College Prep - 3
* 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*
Standard Four Year - 2
Early Graduation - 2
College Prep - 3
* 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*
Standard Four Year - 3
Early Graduation - 3
College Prep - 4
* 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
Mandatory - 1
World History
Mandatory - 1
American Gov & Economics (combines one semester Amer Gov/Civics and one semester Econ)
Mandatory - 1
*Courses listed are mandatory.
Physical Education
ALL Mandatory - 2
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.
Visual and Performing Arts / or Foreign Language / or Technology
Standard Four Year - 1
Early Graduation - 1
College Prep* - 2
* 2 years of same language recommended for UC transfer. Courses may include Music, Art, Dance, Drama / Foreign Languages / Technology and Computer Science Courses.
Electives
Varies with number of core subjects. Approximately 7.0 credits. Fills in total credits required for each path.
Elective courses may include any of the VPA or Technology courses, as well as Home Econ/ Cooking & Nutrition, Urban Gardening, Emotional Health & Well-Being, Teen Health & Safety, Vocational Skills, and/or Life Skills or other courses of interest to your student.
Totals
Standard Four Year - 20
Early Graduation - 20
College Prep* - 24
SAT / ACT Testing: Not required for graduation. It is required for entrance to most 4-year colleges/universities. AP Subject tests are also helpful. Community colleges do not require the SAT or ACT. UC/CSU (a-g) courses may be completed at the community college. * See UC/CSU (a-g) entrance requirements: https://www.ucop.edu/agguide Grades in required classes must be a C or better.
Standard Four Year - 2
Early Graduation - 2
College Prep - 3
* 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*
Standard Four Year - 2
Early Graduation - 2
College Prep - 3
* 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*
Standard Four Year - 3
Early Graduation - 3
College Prep - 4
* 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
Mandatory - 1
World History
Mandatory - 1
American Gov & Economics (combines one semester Amer Gov/Civics and one semester Econ)
Mandatory - 1
*Courses listed are mandatory.
Physical Education
ALL Mandatory - 2
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.
Visual and Performing Arts / or Foreign Language / or Technology
Standard Four Year - 1
Early Graduation - 1
College Prep* - 2
* 2 years of same language recommended for UC transfer. Courses may include Music, Art, Dance, Drama / Foreign Languages / Technology and Computer Science Courses.
Electives
Varies with number of core subjects. Approximately 7.0 credits. Fills in total credits required for each path.
Elective courses may include any of the VPA or Technology courses, as well as Home Econ/ Cooking & Nutrition, Urban Gardening, Emotional Health & Well-Being, Teen Health & Safety, Vocational Skills, and/or Life Skills or other courses of interest to your student.
Totals
Standard Four Year - 20
Early Graduation - 20
College Prep* - 24
- 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 180 hours of instruction (5 hours/week for 36 weeks) per one year or 1.0 credit
SAT / ACT Testing: Not required for graduation. It is required for entrance to most 4-year colleges/universities. AP Subject tests are also helpful. Community colleges do not require the SAT or ACT. UC/CSU (a-g) courses may be completed at the community college. * See UC/CSU (a-g) entrance requirements: https://www.ucop.edu/agguide Grades in required classes must be a C or better.