HomeLife Academy
~ HOME LIFE NEWS ~                                                                  Vol. 7, No. 6
Greetings!
 Little girl graduate
  Before you know it, your little one will be a graduate!!! Where does the time go? We're here to help!
  No matter how prepared you feel there are always questions! Below you will find some time-tested, parent-approved, easy-to-follow steps for teaching all the way through high school. We'll do this together, and together we'll do a great job!
You're not alone!
HLA started in TN, but now serves a global homeschool community, offering ONE competitive diploma to graduates in all fifty states and many foreign countries. The uniqueness of HLA is we put the power in the hands of the parent, allowing YOU to customize a highschool transcript that is just right according to your child's goals. That is why we call this Goal-Based Education. Our transcripts are as diverse as the directions of our students. Below you will find a wealth of information to help you take responsibility for your high school student. But you are NEVER ALONE! Our growing high school staff is experienced and helpful. Click here to see our new high school pages.
I have a High Schooler! What now?!
Parents of students beginning 9th grade year are in new and unfamiliar territory. Suddenly, everything "counts!" While there does need to be focus on the academic requirements, school should still be fun and exciting. To be sure your student is prepared for the next four years, and beyond, here are some things to place on your "To Do" list.
  1. Read through the High School Web Pages.
  2. Print out a High School Planning sheet and (in pencil) lay out the foundation for your student's high school years. Once you have your plan, you can focus on the best curriculum and electives that will enhance your student's experience.
  3. Prepare to take the ACT and/or SAT in the future. If your student does not test well, this is the time to get them more comfortable with tests. Please be aware that colleges require either the ACT or the SAT for admission. It is best to take these tests several times beginning in 10th or early 11th grade. Please register as an HLA student (not a homeschooler). To register for the ACT, go to www.actstudent.org and for the SAT, go to www.collegeboards.com. Even if your students are not going to college we recommend trying the ACT.
  4. Emphasize to your student the importance of taking upper level high school courses, in accordance with your goals. A strong reading and writing base in the four years of high school English is crucial regardless of college or not. Writing skills are essential to many good jobs.
  5. Research specific requirements that your future college may have. It is your responsibility to make sure all requirements are met. Get a general idea of how much college costs, including books and room and board, and begin, or continue, to save.
  6. Encourage your student to become involved in extra-curricular activities for high school. These items are best placed in the Portfolio and will sent to colleges with the transcript. A general rule of thumb is that academic courses are placed in the transcript and extra-curricular activities are best placed in the portfolio. Community service, clubs, and groups that allow your student to develop leadership skills are good investments of time.
 
I have a Junior!! What now?!?
Students beginning their 11th grade year are in a wonderful position. They still have time to pursue high school courses they are interested in, while looking towards their future in college. To be sure your student is prepared for the next two years, and beyond, here are some things to place on your "To Do" list.
  1. As soon as you finalize 10th grade grades, request an 11th grade evaluation in Request Manager. This evaluation will give you verification on any requirements your student needs to fulfill to graduate.
  2. Register for the ACT and/or SAT. Please be aware that colleges require either the ACT or the SAT for admission. It is best to take these tests several times beginning in 10th or early 11th grade. Please register as an HLA student (not a homeschooler). To register for the ACT, go to www.actstudent.org and for the SAT, go to www.collegeboards.com. There is a podcast available on ACT test preparation on the HLA website under "podcasts." And FAQ topics, too!
  3. Consider having your student take the PSAT in October to compete to be a National Merit Scholar. It is offered through HLA for those in the Memphis area. For those outside the Memphis area, go online at www.collegeboard.com for more information. Or, contact local schools, speak with the guidance counselor, and request that your student be allowed to take the PSAT with their students.
  4. Dual Enrollment is growing. If your student will be taking Dual Enrollment classes in TN, download the Dual Enrollment form and submit to us for signing 2 weeks before you will need it. HLA now has dozens of articulation agreements setup in FL and other states as well. Just send us your applications!
  5. College Fairs: Research and find dates of college fairs in your area.
  6. Begin researching colleges: take note of due dates for applications, scholarships, etc. Also, research entrance requirements and be sure your student will have fulfilled those by graduation.
  7. Read information on choosing a good college.
  8. Research local graduation ceremonies and work towards fulfilling the requirements for your student to participate.
I have a Senior!!! What now?!?!
Students beginning their 12th grade year are in a sometimes overwhelming position. They are trying to fulfill their final high school requirements, while looking towards their future in college or work. It can be an emotional and incredibly difficult year for both the parents and student. To be sure you and your student experience success during this year, and beyond, here are some things to place on your "To Do" list.
  1. As soon as you finalize 11th grade grades, request an 12th grade evaluation in Request Manager. This evaluation will give you verification on any requirements your student needs to fulfill to graduate. This also verifies your student's transcript shows your student in the most favorable light when it is submitted to colleges.
  2. Bring your student's Portfolio up to date and prepare it to be sent with requested transcripts.
  3. If you are still searching for that elusive "one more point" on the ACT/SAT, be sure to register for the fall test times. Please be aware that colleges require either the ACT or the SAT for admission. It is best to take these tests several times beginning in 10th or early 11th grade.
  4. Dual Enrollment: If your student will be taking Dual Enrollment classes, download the Dual Enrollment form and submit to us for signing 2 weeks before you will need it
  5. Have your student narrow the list of possible colleges; take note of due dates for applications, scholarships, etc. Also, research entrance requirements and be sure your student will have fulfilled those by graduation.
  6. Apply for all colleges and scholarships by the posted due date; a week before if possible. Apply for anything you think your student might qualify; you never know if you will be the only ones applying! You never know what your student might receive, so apply, apply, apply!
  7. Submit your request for high school transcripts to be submitted to colleges two weeks before they need to arrive. This also goes for recommendation letters. records@homelifeacademy.com
  8. Fill out your FAFSA form as soon as possible after January 1 of the year of college admission.
  9. Call us anytime if you need help!
 
We're here to help...
The main thing to remember is we are here to help. We are committed to you and your family, to making sure your kids get what they need through the high school years. If you run into to problems, don't give up to quickly. There are solutions for a great number of difficulties; just give us a call!

Home Life News is a monthly newsletter resource provided to all HLA teachers. HomeLifeAcademy offers parents the freedom to choose their own books and custom design a learner-centered educational plan to meet the interests and needs of each individual student. From Kindergarten to graduation, HLA provides record keeping, transcript, counseling, resource links, college placement and more, allowing parents to do what they do best, lead their children into a life-long love for learning! Read Archived Newsletter Here.