Each high school credit is equal to one full year course. Minimum course requirements includes classes in English, mathematics, science, health, physical education and social studies. Most states require three credits in each of the core subjects: social studies, science, math and English. Two credits are required in foreign languages and health and physical education. Students must also earn one credit in fine arts. The rest of the credits are earned through students' chosen electives.
Student requirements in the core academic areas include specific classes for each core subject. The classes that are mandatory for each core subject varies by state. Some examples from the Donna Young homeschool website include: math - algebra I and II, geometry; science - earth science, biology, science lab; social studies - world history, American government and economics.
Elective courses offered in high schools vary from state to state as well. The classes students choose to take each year earn the students credits that are applied to the total credits needed for graduation. Elective credits and cannot be substituted for required courses. Homeschooling parents may also have flexibility in the courses offered as electives; Downes recommends checking with the state's guidelines regarding electives in high school.
High school students must take state assessments. Depending on the state, if a student fails the test, alternative assessments are available. Also, the number of hours students spend on academic courses are considered when graduation requirements are reviewed. In the public schools, poor attendance can lead to losing the credits for that year and repeating the grade. The number of hours per year for homeschooled students varies in the different states, but a log must be maintained, showing that the required hours for graduation were met.