The information below will help to answer any questions you may have regarding homeschooling high schoolers, including college preparatory information, timelines, and TOPS availability to homeschoolers. Please scroll down to the bottom of the page to browse through various links we hope will be helpful to you.
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TIMELINE
Before beginning high school:
- Visit LOSFA (The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance) for information regarding financial aid.
- Check the requirements for colleges your child may be interested in. Most Louisiana colleges use the TOPS (Core Curriculum).
- Encourage students to make the best grades that they can. Higher GPA helps with scholarships.
- Be sure to keep track of classes and grades in order to put together a transcript. See Sample transcripts at the following websites: HSLDA, Donna Young Forms, and OK Homeschool.
10th grade
Be sure to register your student under the home study plan beginning in the 10th grade to be eligible for TOPS (http://www.doe.state.la.us/lde/eia/1650.html).
Work on ACT prep. Take ACT as needed. Higher ACT scores can mean more money from TOPS and other college scholarships. “TOPS (TOPS Information):http://www.osfa.state.la.us/schgrt6.htm.ACT scores are also often used for placement in college classes for math and English, and high scores can even earn credit in those areas at some colleges.
11th grade
Take ACT. Repeat until satisfied with score.
Take PSAT to be considered to be considered for National Merit Scholarshipss. (It can also be taken in 10th grade, but will only be considered for National Merit Scholarships when taken in 11th grade.) Contact the guidance counselor of a local high school in August to make arrangements. The test is given in October of each year.
Narrow down college choices and research choices thoroughly, especially focusing on deadlines, test requirements, and admission requirements.
Many colleges have preview days for high school juniors and seniors. Check those out and go visit.
12th Grade
Take ACT again, if necessary. Some colleges have application deadlines as early as December to be eligible for scholarships, so make sure you allow plenty of time to get ACT results before the deadline.
Begin applying to chosen colleges. Be aware of deadlines for applications.
As soon as possible after January 1st of the senior year, file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to apply for TOPS and other federal student aid.
Watch for college preview days and visit if you have not already done so.
- University admission dependent on ACT score
- Scholarships determined by ACT score
- TOPS dependent on ACT score
- Library gives practice ACT through Sylvan Learning Center – get information from library – register in May, and practice tests also available at Sylvan learning Center in the winter.
- ACT scores required for homeschoolers
- 22 (Opportunity – ~$1350/semester)
- 24 (Performance – ~$1550/semester)
- 28 (Honors – ~$1750/semester)
- Scores and amounts subject to change annually.
PSAT and College Board
- Qualifier for National Merit Scholarship consideration when taken in the 11th grade
- Register through guidance counselor of local high school – a fee may be charged
- See National Merit Scholarships for more information on National Merit Scholarships
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Convenient Links for High School Resources:
None of the following websites are endorsed by CCHSA. These are listed merely as an option for you to find more information.
Colleges and High School Extracurricular
Patrick Henry College – Patrick Henry College, Virginia
Pensacola Christian College – Pensacola Christian College, Florida
Louisiana College – Louisiana College, Pineville, LA
Oral Roberts University – Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, OK
Regent University – Regent University (New Undergraduate College and Established Graduate Colleges), Virginia Beach, VA
Educational Resources
Brain POP – tips, tools, resources, for 7 subject-related movies and interactive info./quizzes/cartoons/experiments, for Grades 3-12, and state-standards for subjects/grades
National Geographic – photos on website of crystals larger than life, and much, much more
The Huntington Art Wonders – the wonder of art for teachers & students
Family Values Cinema – Christian Mom formed a company to provide family-safe movies in a “family fun night” kit to come to homes once a month with membership.
Jason Science – Education through Exploration, from National Geographic – Science Kit and Borreal Laboratories
Aleks Assessment & Learning – curriculum options/web-based assessment and learning system for mathematic subjects
Hoagies Gifted – freebies for moms/educators of gifted students
Homeschool Classifieds – homeschool classified section
Home Educators Association of VA – Home Educators Association of Virginia website http://americanmajority.org – political training institute – trains candidates how to run for office, advocating true federalism
Miller Pads and Paper – discount art and educational supplies
Louisiana Arts Council – Arts Council of Central Louisiana
Jason Science – Education through Exploration, from National Geographic – Science Kit and Borreal Laboratories
Aleks Assessment & Curriculum – curriculum options/web-based assessment and learning system for mathematic subjects
Smilebox – e-cards, slideshows, gifts, via email form, a great way to showcase your student’s work to others
Hippocampus – multimedia tutorials for AP courses, including US History
Rapides Junior Track Club – local running club
Parent Encouragement
Proverbs 31 Woman – bringing God’s peace to today’s Busy Women
Diana Waring Presents – your “abundant life” homeschool resource, esp. history, beginning at Grade 1, up to high school
Louisiana Above Rubies – local family and marriage support and retreats
Louisiana Family Vision”:http://members.cox.net/lafamilyvision – strengthen families across LA
Louisiana Family Forum – Your Voice for Traditional Families
Vision Forum – Christ-centered family products and books
HSLDA – Home School Legal Defense Assoc.
HSLDA Perks – Home School Legal Defense Assoc. Perks of Membership
Parental Rights – Parental Rights Constitutional Amendment
Alpha Omega Daily Devotional – daily devotional for homeschoolers through Alpha Omega Publishers
Sound Mind Investing – Christian financial newsletter
The Teaching Company – The Teaching Company offering DVD, CD, and audio format courses
Focus on the Family- Christian family support and resources
Christianity Today – Mom Newsletter