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. HIGH SCHOOL CREDITS REQUIREMENTS QUICK CHART 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. 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 SAT or ACT test scores will receive an Honors seal on their Diploma. |
All Graduates receive a Diploma and Official Transcripts
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 ed plans are optional.
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 ed plans are optional.
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.
SAT / ACT Testing: Not required for graduation.
Strongly recommended as a metric for college admissions. Required for most four-year colleges and universities.
AP Courses and Subject Tests:
Students may enroll in and receive high school credit for AP courses.
To receive college credit a student must pass a SAT AP Subject Test.
Community colleges do not require the SAT or ACT.
UC/CSU (a-g) courses may be completed at the community college with a grade of C or better. * See UC/CSU (a-g) entrance requirements.
DUAL ENROLLMENT FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Congratulations on your student being ready for dual enrollment at your community college.
This is a significant step in independent learning and jumpstarting a college education.
Please see this page for How to Dual Enroll your student.
This is a significant step in independent learning and jumpstarting a college education.
Please see this page for How to Dual Enroll your student.
COLLEGE PREP PLANNING AND ADMISSIONS CHECKLIST
GRADUATION PROCESS
Congratulations on homeschooling through high school!
This is an exciting time for you and your student!
PLAN FOR A SUCCESSFUL GRADUATION
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.
You may use the Common App and we will upload transcripts which are transmitted directly to your college of choice. Check with your college ahead of time for their transcript policy requirements.
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.
You may use the Common App and we will upload transcripts which are transmitted directly to your college of choice. Check with your college ahead of time for their transcript policy requirements.
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 not mailed until after final grades are received.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION CREDIT 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.
COURSE SUGGESTIONS
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
CREDITS QUICK CHART
