Graduation requirements are the academic standards and coursework a student must complete for a high school diploma. Most states allow homeschool parents to determine their own requirements.
What are Graduation Requirements?
Graduation requirements define the academic standards and coursework needed to receive a high school diploma. For traditional public schools, states mandate specific courses and credits. For homeschoolers, the picture is different. The vast majority of states do not impose specific graduation requirements on homeschool students. Parents serve as the educational authority, determining when their student has completed high school. However, even without state mandates, following recommended graduation requirements ensures your student is prepared for college and career. This is especially important for students planning to attend competitive universities or pursue NCAA athletics.
Key Takeaways
- Most states have no homeschool-specific graduation requirements; parents determine completion
- Common recommendations: 4 credits English, 3-4 credits math, 3-4 credits science, 3-4 credits social studies
- One credit typically equals 120-150 hours of coursework (the Carnegie Unit standard)
- NCAA eligibility requires 16 specific core courses, documented from 9th grade
- College-bound students should check target schools' specific requirements early in high school
Recommended Credit Breakdown
State Variations
Only a handful of states specify homeschool graduation requirements. New York requires completion of all curriculum requirements for grades 9-12 with minimum 990 hours spread over 180 days. Pennsylvania mandates specific secondary-level subjects. Texas has very low regulation, with parents determining when children are ready to graduate. Most homeschool organizations recommend following public school course suggestions even when not legally required, especially for college-bound students. Check HSLDA's state laws for your specific requirements.
NCAA Eligibility for Student Athletes
Homeschool athletes seeking Division I or II eligibility must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center as early as 9th grade. Requirements include 16 NCAA-approved core courses, with 10 of 16 completed before 7th semester for Division I. A 2.3 minimum GPA is required for Division I, 2.2 for Division II. Dual enrollment courses must provide both grade and credit with "dual enrollment" designation on transcripts. Note that New York and Hawaii homeschool diplomas are not accepted by NCAA, requiring alternative documentation.
The Bottom Line
While most states give homeschool parents complete authority over graduation requirements, following recommended guidelines prepares students for any path after high school. Start planning your four-year high school track before 9th grade. Document everything: courses, credits, grades, curricula used, and extracurriculars. For college-bound students, check specific admission requirements early. For athletes, register with NCAA and track core courses from day one. The freedom to customize requirements is valuable, use it to tailor education to your student's goals while ensuring doors remain open.
