As my son works on his high school program, I have been double checking to make sure is on track to be on equal ground with other students who will be apply to college along with him. Since he is college bound, in my mind, he must be able to compete with other college students on their level.
This is not to say that someone who does not take our route of college preparation will not be able to compete. Many unschoolers and relaxed homeschoolers have not trouble getting into college, and even into the best colleges. We (my husband and I) are planners by nature and so why not set out a plan to follow to get my son the best degree equivalent as possible.
Public schools have three major programs that represent the most rigorous high school academic program possible. They are Honors programs, AP diplomas, and IB programs. Most schools focus on one or two of these programs and some states have their own standards, such as the Regents diploma in New York State.
Honors programs reward students who complete a rigorous high school plan. Each state has different standards for an Honors diploma. Roughly, a person who has earned a honors diploma has most likely completed 4 units of English, 3 units of Social Science, 5-6 credits of math and science, 2-3 credits in health and physical education, 5-8 credits of electives, as well as these classes being the most rigorous available at the school such as calculus, and physics.
An AP (Advanced Placement) program gives students an opportunity to take college-level courses and exams while still in high school. Students enjoy the challenge of taking AP courses with enthusiastic classmates and teachers; high school faculty find that AP courses enhance their students’ confidence and academic interest as well as their school’s reputation; and college faculty report that AP students are far better prepared for serious academic work.” (collegeboard.com) A person who has earned an AP diploma or certificate has most likely completed an AP course in English, foreign language, social studies, science, math, and elective. They can also receive certificates for single AP Courses.
An IB (International Baccalaureate) program is “is a challenging two-year curriculum, primarily aimed at students aged 16 to 19. It leads to a qualification that is widely recognized by the world’s leading universities. www.ibo.org A person who has earned an IB diploma has most likely completed the following courses at a higher (preferably college level): language, a second language, experimental sciences, the arts, mathematics and computer sciences, and individual and societies. They must also complete and extended essay of over 4000 words as well as complete hundreds of hours of community service.
While a homeschooler may not be able to officially participate in such programs, there is no reason that they cannot accomplish everything that students in these programs accomplish. This can be done by taking college courses, AP exams, CLEP exams, and independent work.
Read:
Gifted Programs and Honors Classes