What about Transcripts?
What is a transcript:
Very simply, the transcript is a one-page document that provides a quick overview of a student’s high school courses, grades, GPA, and, if desired test scores. Not only does a transcript serve as a college admissions piece, but it can also be used for scholarships, contests, internships, certifications, and jobs. Homeschool parents are responsible for creating their children’s high school transcripts but don’t let that intimidate you! It’s really simple and if you don’t want to create a transcript for your student there are programs that allow you to enter the courses your student has taken and will complete it for you. To make this simple lets consider the following steps:
Step 1: Research and Prepare
Beginning at 8th to 9th grade parents should consider and research what their state requirements are for graduation and create an academic plan for the student’s high school years. For example, if you have four years and need 3 sciences for graduation you will want to plan which years you will take a science course. (See previous blog post on graduation requirements).
Step 2: Record Keeping
At this point, you want to have a plan for record-keeping where you will record the classes your students has taken. And don’t worry if you are coming to the transcript process late in the game. You can still create a quality transcript! I promise. Simply keep a record of the classes your student has taken through their high school years. At EQUIP we offer an annual report card for your records. Make sure to also record extracurricular activities, independent courses of study the student has undertaken in subjects of their own interest, or classes the student has taken at a community college. Because a homeschool education often takes place outside the traditional classroom you can think outside the box here as well. The transcript can and should include the student’s academic accomplishments even if they don’t look like a formal classroom. For example, if your student loves photography and read books on photography, watched videos, and spent time doing photography and learning about it you can count this as an elective. An exercise or weightlifting class may become ½ credit of physical education. Participating in a robotics club may become ½ credit of robotics, and singing in a choir may become ½ credit of choir. These would be considered electives and would count toward the total credit requirement. In addition, if the student completed high school-level material such as Algebra I or Biology prior to high school, those courses count as well.
Step 3: Create your transcript
Remember, a transcript is a one page summary of your high school student’s academic career. You can list the courses by grade or by subject.
There are several options available to create a transcript.
You can simply use any platform you choose, word, excel, canva, etc. A simple google search offers a wealth of examples and free downloadable templates you can use.
You can use an online platform that creates transcripts.
You can pay to have it created by someone who offers this service but don’t feel the pressure to do this. It really is simple.
Your transcript should include:
Students information including name, address and date of birth, gender and graduation year.
School information: You can name your homeschool if you like.
Grade Point Average. You can use an online GPA calculator very simply.
Test Scores: ACT/SAT scores, if you wish. Not all colleges require this on the actual transcript.
Classes taken, grade received and credits earned.
What makes it official?
At the bottom of the transcript you (the parent) will certify and sign the transcript certifying it is the official transcript and record for your student. You will use language like “I do hereby self-certify and affirm that this is the official transcript and record of ____”
If a program requires an “official”, “certified” or “sealed” transcript they are asking for a transcript directly from “the school” or third party and not the student. This can be accomplished by signing and having it notarized and placing in a sealed envelope if required.
In addition some schools may request an Affidavit of Completion which is a legal statement that will be notarized and is considered legal proof of high school graduation for Florida colleges. You can download this from the FPEA website or your local school board or see the one attached.
What about accreditation?
No accreditation is necessary. As a homeschool parent, you are the director of your homeschool. Your signature is enough.
See examples below but remember there are many templates and samples online with a simple google search.
The above is an example of a transcript by grade level.
The above is an example of transcript by subject.
