Students in North Carolina can earn their diploma through home schooling.
The choice to home school a child is a personal one, dependent on a variety of factors, including insufficient local public schools, high cost of private schools, religious influence or chronic illness. While home schooling is an option in North Carolina, the state's Department of Administration mandates that students who receive their education in a home school setting adhere to specific standards to earn a high school diploma. Students may work toward a College Prep Diploma or a Career Prep Diploma and should adhere to the corresponding guidelines for their choice.
Language Arts
For both the College Prep and the Career Prep Diploma, home students are required to complete four units of English, which are referred to respectively as English I, II, III and IV. The course work is broken down into three language strands, including oral, written and media and technology use. Content studied includes various genres, language conventions and disciplines. Students working toward the College Prep Diploma must also study two units of a single foreign language. Students may demonstrate their proficiency in a foreign language before the local district to receive credit if they are so equipped.
Mathematics
Students on track for the College Prep Diploma must take four units of mathematics, which include algebra I and II, geometry and one advanced course for which algebra II is a prerequisite. The Career Prep Diploma requires three units of math, which must include one of the following combinations: algebra I, geometry and algebra II; or algebra I, technical mathematics I and technical mathematics II; or integrated mathematics I, II and III.
Science
All students, regardless of whether they are working toward the completion of a College Prep Diploma or a Career Prep Diploma, must complete three units of science. In addition to Earth science and biology, one physical science is required. Some strands of study include science as it relates to technology, the nature of science and science in relation to social and personal perspectives. Content studies includes form, constancy, evaluation, evidence and systems. Students are also required to complete one unit of health and physical education.
Social Studies
Students who are on track for the completion of either the College Prep Diploma or the Career Prep Diploma must complete three units of social studies. Classes must include civics and economics, U.S. history and world history. There are no possible variations in this subject of study, which also draws upon other disciplines, including philosophy, religion, anthropology and political science.
Electives
Students are required to complete four units of elective classes. Unlike other areas of study, students may exercise freedom of choice with their elective classes. Guidelines suggest that classes should be of interest to students on a personal level or should be in a concentration that leads to a desired career. In addition, proficiency in computer technology must be demonstrated as a prerequisite for graduation. Although it is not a formal requirement, it is encouraged that every student study one elective course in art.
Tags: Prep Diploma, College Prep, Career Prep, Career Prep Diploma, College Prep Diploma