Most states require that parents or supervisors submit an affidavit of intent to their school district's superintendent in order to perform homeschooling. Some states, like Ohio and Pennsylvania, require annual notification, while others, like Texas and Missouri, require no notification at all. The contents of affidavits range from the student's address and telephone number to a detailed outline of the planned curriculum, hours of study and immunization records. To access various states' requirements for affidavit submissions, go to the "About HSLDA" section of the Home School Legal Defense Association's website. Choose the "In Your State" link from the left-hand menu, and then click on "State Laws" (see Resource 3).
A typical high school curriculum consists of four years of English, two to four years of mathematics, two to four years of science, two to four years of history and two years of a foreign language. Electives such as music, art and technology studies should also be included. Most states demand that home school curricula follow these basic guidelines, and some have additional course requirements. For example, Pennsylvania requires a course in state civics. If the student plans to attend college, she will need to complete higher-level math courses such as trigonometry and calculus. In order to further demonstrate academic ability, students can enroll in online advanced placement classes through CMA School of Arts and Sciences, the Center for Distance and Independent Study, Homeschool Teachers and other organizations.
In addition to notification, many states require home schooled students to submit annual evaluations of progress, including a portfolio of student work. Some evaluations require that a licensed teacher or psychologist complete and sign them. Additionally, states such as North Carolina, Arkansas, Oregon and Colorado require that evaluations include scores from approved standardized tests. If the student is college-bound, she must take the SAT or ACT during her senior year of high school.
Parents, supervisors or correspondence learning programs can issue diplomas to signify home schooled students' completion of high school. Public school districts do not typically issue such diplomas. Alternatively, a student can take the GED in order to demonstrate that she has completed a basic high school curriculum. Since higher education institutions may be reticent about accepting diplomas issued by parents, it is advisable for college-bound students to take some local community college courses.